Mom, I didnt sign up to be your maid, I muttered into the phone, trying to keep my voice steady.
Listen, love, weve got a problem. The landlady wants us out of the flat straight away. Sort your room, get as much space free as you can. Well be there this afternoon with the whole family, my son Alex said, his tone urgent.
The words hit me like a cold splash. You cant just evict someone in winter, especially without a formal tenancy agreement. They should at least give us time to find somewhere else, I replied, feeling a knot form in my throat.
They wont give us any time, Alex snapped. Natalie argued with the landlady yesterday and thats why shes footing the bill now.
I see, I said, trying to keep the sarcasm out. Natalie needs to learn to keep her mouth shut and show a little respect.
Oh, dont start, mum! Alex growled, You know the mood is already sour. I told you to clear the room well be there with our stuff tonight. He slammed the receiver.
A sharp buzzing followed, and I found myself sitting on the kitchen floor, stunned. Yesterday at work had been a nightmare two new hires arrived, my boss demanded I train them, and I had to pull together two reports for senior management while juggling a dozen other tasks. By evening I didnt even get home; I shuffled in, exhausted, to my tiny twobedroom flat.
I had big plans for the weekend. On Saturday I intended to sleep in, then take a stroll in the park. Sunday was set for a catchup with a friend and a bit of shopping. Then the call came, and everything collapsed.
Four people now had to cram into my cramped flat: me, my son, his wife Natalie, and our sevenyearold grandson Elliot. The weekend Id imagined turned to dust. I had to clear out Alexs old room, shift some furniture, then dash to the grocery shop and cook dinner before nightfall.
It wasnt that I didnt love my son or my grandson. It was that things with Natalie were, to put it mildly, strained. I always tried to treat her with respect, hoping to keep the peace for Alexs sake, but the tension was a constant hum.
Despite the ruined plans and the sour mood, I set to work cleaning. Afterward I went to the shop and whipped up a simple dinner. By evening everything was on the table. When Alex arrived with his family, the flat filled with chatter and laughter. I slipped back to my bedroom early. Alex and Natalie were still at the table while Elliot watched cartoons.
Goodnight then. Youll clear the table yourselves, right, Nat? I called from the doorway.
Sure, Natalie muttered, eyes glued to her phone.
Half asleep I heard their giggles and footsteps, but I tried not to mind. I assumed theyd stay only a short while, just enough to unload their bags. It was Natalie who had tangled us in this mess, and Id reminded her countless times that courtesy and compromise were essential, yet she brushed me off or sparked bigger arguments.
The next morning the alarm jerked me awake. I shuffled into the kitchen and froze. Cups of halfdrunk tea, a mountain of candy wrappers, and apple cores littered the table. In the sink lay an even taller pile of unwashed dishes.
Mom, whats for breakfast? Alex slurred, still halfasleep, as I tried to tidy the remnants of last nights dinner.
Make yourself a sandwich and a cup of tea. Im only having coffee, I replied.
Mom, Im stuck in traffic. One sandwich wont keep me full, he groaned.
Then youll have to ask your wife to sort it out. I didnt sign up to be your servant, but Im late for work and have to wash up for you lot. You didnt even clear up after yourselves yesterday.
Just as I finished, Natalie stepped into the kitchen, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
I told you, Margaret, its half past seven and youre already complaining, she said.
Im not complaining, Natalie, Im speaking to Alex. Could you at least make him a proper breakfast? I cant keep washing dishes and cooking for you forever, I snapped.
Right, she muttered, ignoring me.
The next five days dragged on in a tense haze. I held my temper as best I could, hoping Alex would sort out his housing by the weekend so I could get my life back.
Friday night passed without any word from them. I guessed Alex simply didnt want to involve me further. Saturday morning they slept in like the dead. When Alex finally emerged around lunch, it was clear there were no plans to move out.
On Sunday I asked him directly, Alex, have you found a new place?
Been looking. Everythings either too pricey or too far. Well probably stay here another week, he admitted.
Fine, stay then, I replied, resigned. I couldnt kick them out; Id just have to endure another week.
But the weeks turned into months. They settled in as if the flat were theirs. Natalie didnt bother with chores she tossed dirty plates into the sink and curled up on the sofa. She tossed laundry into a basket, leaving me to wash, iron, cook, and clean all weekend.
Natalie, Im heading to the shop. Could you at least mop the floor? I asked.
Margaret, youre the lady of the house, arent you? Ill do something later maybe tomorrow, she replied nonchalantly.
Its not fair, I pressed, You live here too.
Whats your problem? My heads pounding! she shouted.
This is outrageous! I snapped.
Thats exactly why youve made it this way! she retorted, and I let the argument die. I went to the shop, cleaned the flat, then sat down with a cup of tea and tried to relax.
A sudden ruckus woke me Elliot was bouncing a ball inside.
Elliot, you need to play outside, not in the flat. Its evening, the neighbours could hear, I warned.
Grandma, I want to play now. Mum and Dad wont take me out, he whined, dribbling the ball across the floor.
Stop it, I ordered.
Alex stepped out of his room. Dad, tell Elliot to stop.
Hes always playing inside, I began, but Natalie cut in.
Exactly! Youve been nagging me all morning, now youre picking on the child. What do you want, us to leave? she shouted.
If you dont respect my rules, maybe you should find somewhere else to live, I said coldly.
A heavy silence fell.
Fine! Were moving out! And by the way, Im pregnant, so I cant be stressed! Natalie shrieked, storming off.
Mom, she really is pregnant, Alex whispered, horrified.
I didnt know, I said, Im not asking for miracles. I just want my own space.
That night Natalie packed her bags and announced she and Elliot would move to a nearby town to stay with her parents while Alex looked for a flat.
I was shaken, but there was nothing more I could do. Three days later Alex finally secured a new flat and moved his family out. I gave the place a deep clean, took a weeks holiday, and life settled back into a quieter rhythm, though the sting of the whole episode lingered.
Our contact became sparse. I learned about the birth of a granddaughter from a neighbour, not from my own son. It was awkward, but what could I do?
I now live for myself. Twice a year I retreat to a seaside resort. I send birthday money to my grandchildren. Alex still wishes me a happy birthday, but only over the phone.
A spa and personal peace cant replace seeing my family, yet one can only bring happiness to others when theyre genuinely happy themselves. Thats the lesson Ive taken from all this. Ive made my choices, and if Natalie decides to keep her distance, thats her call. All I can do is keep my conscience clear.
