Forgive me, Eddie, for the harsh words, hurriedly said the wouldbe motherinlaw, her apology tumbling like loose leaves. I didnt mean them out of spite. Perhaps youll drop by sometime? Eddie is still alone, still wandering after the parting, his destiny hidden among endless video games
***
Mabel and Edward had been together for almost two years. To Mabel their liaison seemed serious: she often visited Edwards family home, where she was received politely, though without any warm glow. She imagined a sturdy future. Edward, though a little carefree, possessed a certain charm and a streak of ambition.
The idyll shattered when Edward flunked a crucial English exam. His failure stemmed from laziness: during the lockdown he buried himself in endless gaming, abandoning his studies. The threat of expulsion loomed.
In the midst of the crisis Mabel could no longer hold back and, confronting Edwards mother, declared sharply:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. I wont be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share both the chores and the earnings!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Edwards mother took it as a personal affront. She had spent her life caring for husband and son, believing her role was to nurture, not to demand results. Now she expected Mabel to behave the same way.
Oh, dear! She doesnt want to be a housekeeper? Every woman should first be the keeper of the hearth, and a man the head of the household! she snapped, her voice echoing like a church bell.
Mabel fell silent, unwilling to inflame the quarrel. From then on the door was shut to her. Communication with Edward reduced to secret messages, occasional calls, and fleeting meetings in neutral cafés. He suffered the distance, but instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Mabel, we have to talk to my mother, Edward pleaded over the phone. You must explain that you dont really think that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with my parents, wont you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me, and I love you. Its the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart, Mabel consentedlove pushed her toward a humiliating step: confronting a strangers mother.
But the outcome unfolded far from her expectation
When Mabel arrived, Edward let her into the hallway. At that moment the father descended the stairs:
Edward, what is this girl doing here? he demanded, voice sharp as a blade.
Edward stammered. Mabel felt the colour drain from her face, as if the question turned her into a stranger rather than his beloved.
Dad, Mabel, we Edward began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Out she goes!
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Eddie, whos with you?
Unfazed, the father tossed over his shoulder:
The one who tried to teach you life.
Mabel realised she was unwanted. Hurt and shame surged, driving her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay! Pathetic, goodfornothing mamas boy! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door so hard the hinges sang.
Edward, stunned, made no move to stop her.
The moment she stepped onto the street, her phone rang. Edwards voice crackled with rage, not remorse:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl level!
Who cares where he put me! You started a scandal! Now Mums furious, and Dad wants me never to see you again!
He finished with the final blow:
And the worst part? I wont even be allowed to play my games any more.
Mabel felt the sting of betrayal harden into a cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to game? Your familys problems are yours alone. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an infantile lad, hunting for someone to blame. He never protected her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Eddie. This is over! Mabel said firmly.
She blocked him everywhere. The split was abrupt, but necessary. His familys cross was his to bear, not hers.
A year later Mabel recovered from the breakup and began a fresh chapter. She met a new man; after three months they were heading toward marriage.
One afternoon, while browsing a shop, she unexpectedly ran into Mrs. Whitmore, Edwards mother.
Mabel dear! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw exclaimed, rushing towards her.
Mabel flinched:
Hello
Mrs. Whitmore enveloped her in an embrace and flooded her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life treating you? Its terrible you and Eddie split. Hes gone mad with those games! He wont work, always glued to the computer. When you two were together, he was far more responsible Come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Whitmore, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Whitmore glanced at the ring on Mabels finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The fauxwarmth evaporated from the former motherinlaws face:
Ah, so thats it! All clear now! Good thing Eddie dumped you! We dont need someone like you!
Mabel shrugged and turned toward the shelves. In a twisted way, Mrs. Whitmore was right: it was fortunate shed left him in time. A pity, however, for the hours shed wasted on him.
