“You’re not strangers, after all.
You two dont have kidsyoure in no rush. But Pauls got two! How could I not help?
Tamara stood in the middle of the kitchen like some kind of martyr, just short of clutching her chest. Her voice dripped with disappointment, as if to say, *How could you not care about someone elses struggles?*
Lily slowly put her fork down and glanced at her husband, Mark. He immediately looked away.
Mum, explain properlywhats this actually about? he said gently. Youre not just asking us to pop to the chemist. Give us the full story.
His voice was calm, but his fingernail kept scratching at the label on his fizzy drink bottle. Tamara, on the other hand, was practically buzzing with nerves, waving her hands around as she spoke.
Right. Let me start again. Ive found a one-bed flat. Good condition. Cheap. Perfect for me, Tamara rattled off. Im ready to sell my two-bed tomorrow, but thats not exactly quick, is it? You know how it ispaperwork, valuations, I dont want to undersell. But this one-beds a rush job. The sellers relocating, wants it done fast, so its a steal. I need £30,000 for a couple of months. Once I sell mine, Ill pay you back every penny.
Lily pressed a hand to her forehead and sighed. Well, this was a turn-up. Her mother-in-law was worse than a tank charging into battle. Once Tamara got an idea in her head, there was no stopping her.
Hold on. You never said anything about moving. I thought you liked it here.
Well, I did. Now I dont, Tamara shrugged, as casually as if shed just switched brands of washing powder.
Mark tried to smile, but it didnt quite land.
Mum, whats Paul got to do with this?
Well, look. You two have already saved up, moved out, youre flat-hunting. Im on my own now. What do I need two bedrooms for? Ones plenty. Ill sell mine, buy this one, and give Paul the difference. He can finally get a mortgage, stop renting dumps.
So youre asking us to put our lives on hold for Paul? Lily couldnt hold back. When were already looking for a place?
The kitchen went dead silent. Tamara sighed dramatically.
You dont have kids. Youve got time. Paul needs it now. Whats so hard to understand?
Lilys eyes flashed with irritation. It wasnt fair. Why should her husband always come second to his brother?
…Theyd met six years ago. Mark had just finished uni, was counting every penny, but hed always had a plan. A sensible one. Flat first, then kids. He hated that love and a garden nonsense.
Paul was different.
Five years older, he lived by the idea that things would just work out somehow. He and his wife, sweet but exhausted Emily, had a baby first, then panicked about where to live. Then another kid, and suddenly saving was impossible.
I wont live like that. Well do it properly, Mark had once told Lily.
Now properly was being used against them. Tamara acted like her sons worth was measured in grandchildren. And Mark, of course, was losing.
What if you dont sell? Or change your mind? Lily frowned.
Im his mother, not some con artist! Tamara snapped. You really think Id swindle my own son? Is that what you think of me?
Mark rubbed his forehead, still processing.
Lily, lets talk later. This is… sudden. But… shes family. Not a stranger, right?
Lily stood silently and walked to the window. The glass was fogged with steam. A dying geranium sat on the silltoo far gone to save, not dead enough to toss. Just like her trust in Tamara.
Mark, do you really think thisll be fine?
I… hope so.
Lily couldnt go against him.
Three days later, they handed over the money. Tamara didnt offer a written agreement; Lily didnt push. Not because she didnt think of it. It just felt… awkward. She was Marks mum. He trusted her. Lily didnt want to split the family.
Thank you, loves. Youre so good to me. Good things come back to those who give, Tamara cooed.
After she left, Lily sat silent for ages. Perched on the sofa edge, she clutched her empty purse like a sick child. Theyd given everything. Even their cash reserve.
If we end up with nothing, she finally said, not looking at Mark, its on you. I warned you.
Mark didnt argue. Something sour twisted in his gut, but he still hoped.
Tamaras calls got shorter. She mentioned her darlings less, avoided money talk. At first, Lily brushed it off. Maybe she was busy. Maybe ill.
But the dread built.
Then Lily bumped into Martha, a friend of Emilys.
Oh, hi! Why werent you at the housewarming yesterday? Martha grinned.
What housewarming? Lily frowned.
Paul and Emilys. Tamara gave them her flat.
Lily froze. She dropped her shopping bags, stared blankly across the street. It didnt compute.
She… *gave* it to them?
Yep. Moved into a one-bed herself. Ohyouve gone red! Blood pressure?
Lily had to sit on a bench. Her legs felt like lead. But maybe Martha had it wrong.
That evening, she told Mark.
No way. Maybe shes letting them stay temporarily?
Right. And they threw a party to celebrate. Has your mum called in two weeks? Lily narrowed her eyes.
No… but
Exactly. Weve been played.
No, wait. Lets talk to her.
Next day, they went to Tamaras. She answered in a dressing gown, hair wet, smiling politely. Like nothing had happened.
Hi, Mum. We need to talk… Mark said.
Of course. Come in. Ive got a pie. Cheese and onion.
Lily sat but didnt eat. No appetite.
We need to know when youre paying us back, she cut straight to it.
When I sell my flat. Like we agreed.
*Are* you selling it? I havent seen any listings.
Im using an estate agent!
Tamara… tell the truth. I know Pauls already moved in.
Tamara paused, then sighed. Not even guilty.
Fine. Not selling yet.
So you… lied?
Lily felt sick. Her pulse roared in her ears. Cheeks burning, jaw clenched. She wanted to hit Tamara. Hit Mark.
I didnt lie. I just changed my mind. Pauls got kids. You dont. Its simple.
Dont you dare, Lily hissed. Dont act like we owe him! Were trying for a baby too. We trusted you. Gave you everything! And you just stole from us?
Mark stared at the floor. What could he do? Yell at his mum? Drag Paul into it? Not his style. And pointless.
Ill pay you back, Tamara muttered. Just… not yet.
Memories flashedLily cleaning houses weekends, gloves on, back aching. Mark working double shifts, falling asleep on the tube. Pizza was a treat. New bedsheets, an event. Theyd scrimped, saved, delayed life for this.
And now? Nothing.
That night, Lily sobbed in the bath. Proper, ugly crying.
Why didnt you say anything? she raged at Mark later.
I just… didnt think shed
*I* did. I *told* you. But you chose her. She chose Paul. And me? Nobody chose me.
Im sorry
Too late.
They started sleeping apart. Mark sat awake on the sofa, staring at walls, pretending it wasnt over. It was.
Life became a suitcase without a handletoo heavy to carry, too much to abandon. They fought over bins, open windows, whose turn to hoover. The tension never left. Neither did the sudden, crushing poverty.
Lily had no one to talk to. Dad gone, mum dead. Friends? Too ashamed.
Only Gran remained, but she had a bad heart. Lily held out until she couldnt.
Gran? Can I come over? I… cant do this alone, she choked out on the phone.
Come, sweetheart, Gran replied softly.
Gran lived across town
