Mary is frying cutlets when the doorbell rings. She steps out of the kitchen to answer it.
Mom, its for me, her daughter Felicity calls from the hallway, stopping her halfway. Ill open it.
Alright, I didnt know Mary starts.
Why are you standing there? Keep cooking your cutlets, Felicity snaps, glancing back at her mother from the entrance.
What do you mean your cutlets? I bought the mince for the recipe myself Mary protests.
Mom, shut the door, Felicity rolls her eyes.
If youd just said so earlier, Mary mutters, returning to the kitchen and pulling the door shut behind her. She turns off the gas beneath the pan, wipes her apron, and leaves the kitchen.
In the hallway Felicity throws on her coat. Beside her stands Mark, a friend of hers whos been eyeing her with obvious interest.
Hi, Mark. Where are you off to? Want to join us for dinner? she asks.
Hello, Mark replies with a smile, looking questioningly at Felicity.
Were in a hurry, she says, not meeting her mothers eye.
Maybe youll stay for dinner after all? Everythings ready, Mary calls out.
Mark looks uneasy.
No! Felicity snaps. Lets go. She grabs Marks arm and swings the door open. Mom, could you close it?
Mary walks to the doorway but leaves a small crack, listening to the conversation drifting from the street.
Youre being rude to her. It smells deliciouscouldnt pass up a cutlet, a neighbour shouts from the pavement.
Lets grab a bite at the café. Im sick of your cutlets, Felicity mutters.
Theyre never enough for me, Mark replies. I could eat your mums cutlets every day.
What Felicity said, Mary cant quite make out. Voices from the stairs fade away.
Mary finally shuts the door and heads to the sitting room where her husband James is watching television.
James, lets have dinner while its still hot, she says.
Right, lets go, he rises and follows her into the kitchen, taking a seat at the table.
Whats on the menu tonight? he asks, demanding.
Rice with cutlets and a salad, Mary replies, lifting the pan.
Ive told you a hundred times I dont eat fried cutlets, James grumbles.
I added water to the pan, they turned out almost steamed, Mary says, holding the lid.
Fine, but thats the last time, he sighs.
At our age, losing weight isnt advisable, Mary remarks, placing a plate of rice and cutlets in front of him.
What do you mean our age? Im only fiftyseven. This is the prime of a mans life, James retorts, spearing a cutlet and taking a bite.
Did you both conspire not to eat? Felicity ran off, refused dinner, and now youre playing the victim. Im done cooking; lets see how you both survive without my meals. Think a restaurant is better? Mary snaps.
Fine, stop cooking. You could lose a few pounds yourself. You wont fit through the door any time soon, James says, finishing his cutlet and reaching for another.
Excuse me? You think Im fat? Ive busted my head trying to keep everything together, and now youve suddenly become a health guru. Bought new jeans, a leather jacket, a baseball capshaved my head to hide baldness. Who are you trying to impress? Not me. Yes, Im chubby. Who am I supposed to compare myself with? Mary asks, hurt.
Let me eat in peace, James mutters, stabbing at the rice but never bringing it to his mouth, then demanding, Pass the ketchup.
Mary grabs the ketchup from the fridge, slams the bottle onto the table, and walks out of the kitchen, leaving her untouched plate behind.
She retreats to Felicitys room, collapses on the sofa, and tears well up.
I cook, I try, and they still take me for granted. I do everything for them and get no thanks. James flirts with younger women. Im the fat one now. Felicity looks at me like Im just staff. If Im retired, can they still treat me like a servant? Id work if they hadnt cut my hours. Experienced workers arent needed; they want fresh faces. What can the young ones do? I get up before everyone even though Im not working, just to make breakfast. Im always on my feet, never a moment to rest. Its my own fault, I spoiled them. Now theyve leaned on my neck and walked off.
She wipes her cheeks, stifling a sob.
She always believed her family was decentmaybe not perfect, but no worse than anyone elses. Felicity is doing well at university, James doesnt drink or smoke, the house is tidy, the food is good. What more could he want?
She stands before the fulllength mirror on the wardrobe door, scrutinising herself. Yes, Ive put on a few pounds, but Im not morbidly obese. The wrinkles are less noticeable on my round cheeks. Ive always loved food. Im a good cook. Apparently that doesnt matter to them. When I worked, I styled my hair, did curls. Now I clip it at the back so it doesnt get in the way. Its easier. Do I really need to be on heels and fuss over my hair? I should lose weight, maybe dye my hair.
The next morning she stays in bed longer than usual, pretending to be asleep. Im retired, I can linger a bit. Let them make their own breakfast, she thinks.
The alarm buzzes. She stirs and turns to the wall.
You alright? Sick? James asks, his tone lacking any sympathy.
Yeah, Mary replies, burying her face in the duvet.
Mom, are you ill? Felicity asks as she steps into the room.
Just go have breakfast yourselves, Mary croaks from under the covers.
Felicity huffs and heads to the kitchen. Soon the kettle whistles, the fridge door thuds, and muffled voices of mother and son drift through the hallway. Mary stays under the duvet, playing the sick role to the end.
James enters, his expensive cologne filling the roomshe bought it for him herself. He and Felicity leave one after the other, and quiet settles. Mary lifts the duvet, closes her eyes, and slips back into sleep.
An hour later she wakes, stretches, and walks to the kitchen. Dirty cups sit in the sink, crumbs litter the table. She considers cleaning but thinks, Im not a maid. She heads to the bathroom, takes a quick shower, then calls an old school friend.
Emily! Its been ages! How are you? Still enjoying retirement? her friend answers, bright as ever.
Ive missed you. Im bored at home, havent visited Mums grave in ages. Mind if I crash at yours? Mary asks.
Of course, come over whenever, Emily says. When are you arriving?
Right now, Im heading to the station.
Great, Ill start the pies.
Mary packs a bag for a few days, sweeps the crumbs to one side, and leaves a note on the kitchen table saying shes off to her friends and wont know when shell be back.
On the way to the station she hesitates. Maybe theyll manage without me. They never appreciate my effort, she thinks, but decides not to be too reckless. If I cant get a ticket, Ill go home, she decides. Tickets are available, a queue forms at the bus stop, and she takes a place near the end.
At the bus station her friend Lucy greets her with a hug, and they sip tea with warm pies, chatting nonstop.
Good you came. Now tell me everything, Lucy urges.
Ill spill it all, Mary sighs, recounting everything.
Exactly. Let them have a taste of their own medicine. Turn off your phone, Lucy suggests.
Isnt that a bit extreme? Mary asks.
Just right. Tomorrow well hit the salon, give you a makeover. Valentina works thereremember her, the one who used to fail exams? Now shes booked solid. Well shop too. Well turn you into a stunner, make James wish hed never left the kitchen. Lucy laughs.
That night Mary cant sleep, replaying the days events in her mind: Are they angry or happy?
The next morning Valentina greets them warmly, seats Mary in a styling chair. While her hair is dyed and her brows are shaped, Valentina trims her. Mary closes her eyes, almost drifting off. Valentina insists on a full makeup session. Mary wants to stop, but Lucy persuades her to see it through.
When Mary finally looks in the mirror, she barely recognises herself. A younger, striking woman stares back. Valentina is already coordinating a manicure.
No, thats enough for today. I cant take any more, Mary pleads.
Okay, well book you for eightoclock tomorrow. Dont be late, or well all have to go without you, Valentina says firmly.
Lucy marvels, Look at you! Who would have guessed? and they head out to a shopping centre.
Id rather wait till later, Mary suggests.
No, lets go. A new hairdo and an old outfit need a fresh look. Beauty takes sacrifice, Lucy insists, dragging Mary into the mall.
Mary leaves the store in loosefit trousers, a light cardigan, and a breezy top, feeling oddly confident despite the fatigue. She carries bags with a new dress, a jacket, and a box of shoes. She feels younger, lighter, finally tidy after years of neglect. Lucys push toward change feels right.
Outside Lucys house, a distinguished gentleman with stark white hair and dark moustache approaches.
Hello, ladies, he says, admiring Mary. You look smashing.
Who are you? Mary asks, puzzled.
Dont you recognise? Its Peter Hargreaves, Lucy points out.
Peter? Mary repeats.
Yes, the man confirms. You used to be skinny and unnoticed at school. Look at you now.
Lucy suggests, Come over to my place, well toast to your transformation. Weve even got a bottle of wine.
They sit together, drink wine, and reminisce about school days. Mary blushes, partly from the wine, partly from the attention.
Hes still in love with you, Lucy whispers as Peter leaves the room.
Dont be silly, Mary replies. Its been years.
You look like someone he could fall for again, Lucy assures her.
Does he still live nearby? Mary asks, changing the subject.
No, hes a retired colonel, left the army two years ago after a serious injury. Hes been through a lot, his wife left, but hes back on his feet, albeit with a limp, Lucy explains. Dont rush into anything.
Im married, Mary protests.
Later that night Mary decides to head home, but Lucy refuses to let her leave.
You only just arrived and youre already going? Stay a bit longer. Show some backbone. Nothing will happen to you. Live at least a week here. By the way, Peter got tickets to the theatre. When was the last time you went?
The local youth theatre for the Christmas show with you, Mary recalls.
Lucy teases, The youth theatre, Christmas showlets parade your new dress.
Three days later Mary finally answers her phone.
Mom, where are you? Dads in hospital! Come quickly, her daughter Felicity says, panic in her voice.
Marys heart thuds. She rushes to get ready. Peter drives her to the station.
Anna, if you need anything, Im here. Dont hesitate, he says.
Thanks, Peter, she replies.
On the bus she calls Felicity. The daughter tells her how shocked she was by her mothers sudden disappearance, expecting her back the next day.
What about dad? Felicity asks.
Its hard to hear, but Ill tell you. Hes been cheating. I saw him leave our flat with a neighbours husband a few times. He never came over when you vanished. Yesterday, a man from another house returned home after a night shift. There was a fight, he broke two ribs, and had a brain bleed, but the ambulance got him in time, Felicity whispers.
Mary listens, stunned, realizing she should have stayed. She returns home by evening, but its too late to get to the hospital.
Mom, youve changed so much. I barely recognise you, Felicity says, her tone suddenly respectful.
I was scared you wouldnt come back. I thought maybe Id find someone else, Mary admits.
No one, I just wanted to teach you a lesson. You and Dad stopped seeing me as a person, Felicity replies.
Sorry, Mum, but youre to blame. You retired, stopped looking after yourself, turned into an old woman. Now Dad will be jealous. Will you forgive him? Felicity babbles.
Mary scans the room, feeling the comfort of home, everything familiar.
In the morning she rises early, makes chicken broth, and drives to the hospital. James looks older, his beard now speckled with gray. Upon seeing Mary, he weeps, begging forgiveness. She feeds him broth with a spoon.
Two weeks later James is discharged. As they exit the taxi, a man and a woman walk by. James flinches, turning away. The woman avoids his gaze. Mary recognises her as her rivala slim, redhaired young woman. James slouches, trying to disappear.
Are you not leaving again? he asks at home.
Do you think Im still fat? I havent lost weight, Mary retorts brightly.
I asked for forgiveness. I was a fool. Fry those cutlets again, will you? I miss your cooking, he pleads.
Mary fries the cutlets, preparing a hearty dinner.
It smells amazing! Felicity exclaims, returning from university.
They sit together at the table, just like the old days when Felicity was still at school, James never criticised Marys cooking, and everything was simple. Mary feels grateful, seeing her family alive, healthy, and needing her.
Life isnt always smooth, especially as old age approaches. The body changes, but the spirit can stay youthful. Accepting that is hard, yet we all want to hold onto the strength we once had.
Everyone learns their lesson. The important thing is that theyre together. After all, you cant change the horses at the ferryyou just have to keep riding.
A good wife, a cosy homewhat more does anyone need to face old age?
