What?! Katie froze, hand clenched around her phone. Her motherinlaw, Margaret Hughes, sounded bright and almost triumphant, as if shed just won the National Lottery.
Right, weve decided its time for us to come and see you and Tom, Margaret continued, not pausing. We havent been over for ages, we miss our granddaughter! Tickets are booked for next Friday, so get ready.
Katie slowly sank onto a chair in her cosy kitchen.
Margaret, she began cautiously, trying not to show her irritation, did you and Tom discuss this?
Why would we? Margaret waved her hand off. Tom loves having us around. And little Sophie will grow a lot over the summer, we need to spend time with her! Were thinking two months with you, maybe a week longer if we feel like it.
Two months. Katie repeated the words in her head, feeling something hot and prickly rise in her chest. Two months with Margaret and George Hughes in their modest threebedroom flat? With their habit of meddling in every detail? With their endless advice on how to raise Sophie, cook a proper Sunday roast, even how to fold laundry?
When are you arriving? Katie asked, buying time.
Next Friday, five oclock, Margaret chirped. Tom will meet us at the airport, Ive already texted him. Oh, Katie dear, were so excited! Ive even picked out a knitted jumper for Sophie, with bunnies. And Ive got some gardening ideas after reading a column
Katie wasnt listening. Her thoughts fluttered like trapped birds. Next Friday was exactly one week before the deadline for the project shed been steering at work. The project could secure a £2million grant for an online learning platform for children. It was her chance to prove she was more than Toms wife or Sophies mum she wanted to be a professional in her own right. And now two months with relatives who, from past visits, tended to turn her life into chaos.
Margaret, she interjected, keeping her voice steady, its wonderful you want to come, but were in a very busy period right now. Could we maybe discuss the dates?
There was a pause. Katie could almost see Margaret tightening her lips, smoothing her perfectly styled hair.
Busy? Margarets tone grew colder. Katie, were family. Isnt that more important than your work?
Family is important, Katie pressed her fingers to the bridge of her nose, feeling a headache loom. But I have a crucial project at work. I was hoping
Ah, Katie, what project? Its just a bit of paperwork, isnt it? Youre at home with Sophie anyway. And if you do work, its not the kind of work men do, is it? Well be there, well help, well lighten the load!
Katie clenched her teeth. Homebound sliced through her like a knife. She wasnt sitting idle; she was juggling a remote job with a fouryearold, and that was harder than any mens work. Margaret never took her seriously. To her, Katie was a good wife who should cook and keep the house tidy, not stay up till midnight polishing slides.
Ill speak to Tom, Katie managed. Well call you back.
Do call back, Margaret replied, clearly annoyed. Tickets are already bought, so be ready.
Katie hung up and stared at the notebook on her kitchen table, its colourful sticky notes and charts now feeling distant. She imagined Margaret commenting on her cooking, George tinkering with the wrong tap, and Sophie whining from too much attentionall while she tried to meet her deadline.
The front door slammed open and Tom burst in, as always with a smile and a grocery bag in hand. His dark hair was a little tousled, his eyes alight with the usual enthusiasm.
Hey love! he planted a kiss on Katies cheek, setting the bag on the table. Is Sophie still out in the garden? I grabbed her favourite unicornyogurt.
Katie, your mum called, Tom said, his grin fading a touch.
She lifted her eyebrows. She said the tickets are booked. Great, right? Sophie hasnt seen them in ages.
Booked? Katie echoed. Theyre staying for two months. Two months, Tom! And they didnt even ask us if that worked!
Tom scratched the back of his head. Well, theyre your parents they want to spend time with us.
And you didnt think about my project? Katies voice trembled. Ive been preparing for three months. This is my chance. And your parents they didnt even ask if it was convenient for us!
Tom sighed and sat opposite her. I get that youre stressed, but its temporary. Theyll stay, then theyll leave.
Temporary? she shook her head. Remember the last visit? Your mum rearranged every piece of furniture because it looked better that way. And your dad spent three days fixing the TV that was already working!
Tom forced a smile, but then his eyes flicked to Katies, seeing the strain. Alright, Ill talk to them. Maybe we can shorten the visit.
Talk to them, Katie stood, feeling fatigue wash over her. Because I dont know how Ill manage work, Sophie, and your parents all at once.
She retreated to the bedroom to collect herself. Outside, rain began to tap against the window, counting down to the arrival of unwanted guests. Katie knew Tom loved his parents and struggled to say no, but she also knew her patience wasnt endless.
The week passed and the tension in the house grew like storm clouds. Katie tried to focus on work, but her mind kept drifting to the upcoming visit. She imagined Margaret teaching her the right way to make a roast, and George rummaging through their car because the granddaughter must travel safely.
That evening, while Sophie chattered about the rainbow shed painted in the garden, Tom noticed Katies unease and broached the subject.
Ive spoken to my mum, he began as Sophie ran off to play. They cant change the tickets, but I told them about your project.
And what did they say? Katie asked, hopeful.
They said theyd try not to get in the way, Tom shrugged. Mum thinks she can look after Sophie while you work.
Katie scoffed. Help? My mum last time said I was spoiling Sophie by letting her watch cartoons before bed.
She just wants to be useful, Tom said softly. Theyre not doing it out of spite.
Not out of spite, Katie repeated, irritation turning to hurt. Did you ever ask me what I want? Or is it more important that your parents are happy?
Tom fell silent, staring at his plate.
I dont want to fight, he finally said. Lets just try. If it gets too hard, Ill figure something out.
Katie nodded, but inside she knew figure something out wasnt going to happen. Her boundaries were already being eroded by other peoples expectations.
Friday arrived far too quickly. Katie nervously tidied the flat, knowing Margaret would find something to complain about regardless. Sophie, on the other hand, was thrilled about the grandparents arrival. She made a card with flowers and bounced by the door, waiting for them.
When the doorbell finally rang, Katie took a deep breath and opened it. Margaret stood in a bright blue dress, a massive suitcase in hand, and swept Katie into a hug, perfume wafting around them.
Katie dear, you look radiant! Margaret exclaimed, though her tone still carried that familiar condescension. Wheres my little Sophie?
Grandma! Sophie lunged into her arms, and Margaret smothered her with kisses.
George, as usual quiet but with a kindly smile, shook Katies hand and immediately began inspecting the hallway.
Nice renovation, he remarked. Only the socket here is a bit loose. Ill have a look tomorrow, tighten it up.
Katie forced a smile. Thanks, George. Everythings fine.
Tom lugged the suitcases in, beaming. Make yourselves at home! Katies baked a cake, well have tea shortly.
During tea, Margaret immediately took charge. Katie, youve done a lovely cake, but Id add a bit more sugar and some cinnamon. We always bake with cinnamon at ours, Sophie loves it.
Katie clenched her mug. Sophie doesnt like cinnamon, she said quietly. She prefers vanilla.
Oh, come off it! Margaret waved her hand. Kids love anything if its made right.
Katie felt the familiar irritation flare. She glanced at Tom, hoping hed step in, but he was busy chatting with George about his new car.
The evening dragged on. Margaret commented on the curtains being too dark, the vacuum needing to get under the sofa, and even suggested that at four Sophie should start learning to read. Katie kept quiet, but inside she was screaming, This is my home!
When the guests finally retired to the spare room, Katie and Tom were left in the kitchen.
Hows that? Tom asked, helping clear the dishes. Not as scary as you thought?
Katie looked at him, her voice low. Tom, this is only day one. I have a crucial call with my team tomorrow. How can I work when your mum is already lecturing me on how to raise Sophie?
He sighed. Lets give them a couple of days. Theyll settle in.
And if they dont? she asked. What then?
Tom didnt answer, and in the silence Katie realised the battle ahead would be bigger than mere inconvenience. It would force her either to concede or to stand her ground. She had no idea how quickly it would unfold
Two weeks flew by in a blur. Katie felt like a hamster on a wheel, spinning faster and faster with no chance to stop. Her project hung by a thread colleagues demanded revisions, deadlines loomed, and at home the chaos Margaret called help continued unabated.
Katie dear, Ive set a schedule for Sophie, Margaret announced on Monday morning, waving a neatly printed sheet. She goes to bed late now, which isnt good for her health.
Katie, already late for a conference call, merely nodded, clutching a cold cup of tea.
Thanks, Margaret, she murmured, though inside everything boiled. Schedule? Sophie already sleeps well, but Ive been sleepless for a week because you start making breakfast at six, saying we need a proper morning meal.
And I noticed you hardly eat porridge, Margaret continued, oblivious to Katies tension. Ill make some buckwheat today, its good for Sophie.
Sophie doesnt eat buckwheat, Katie said tiredly. She loves oatmeal with fruit.
Oh, youve spoiled her with sweets! Margaret chuckled. Ill teach her proper eating.
Katie clenched her teeth and slipped into the bedroom, where her makeshift office sat laptop, creaking chair, notes scattered. She shut the door, put on headphones, and tried to focus on her presentation. Even through the door came Margarets booming voice about the right way to brush teeth, and George once more tinkering with the vacuum because it wasnt pulling enough.
The work call turned into a disaster. She was midpresentation when Sophie burst in, shouting, Mum, Grandma says I have to wear tights and I dont want to!
Katie muted her mic, cheeks burning with embarrassment.
Sophie, go to Grandma, Im working, she whispered, fighting tears.
But she makes me wear those tights! Theyre itchy! Sophie pouted.
Margaret appeared in the doorway like a general on a battlefield. Katie, what is this nonsense? A child must be dressed appropriately for the weather! Its not May yet.
Ill sort it out, Katie snapped, pulse racing. Just let me finish the call.
Margaret pursed her lips but left, taking Sophie with her. Katie turned the mic back on, apologized to the team, but it was too late. Her manager, Elaine Smith, said curtly, Katie, we understand you have a family, but this project cant wait. If you miss Friday, itll be handed to someone else.
Katie muttered something about having everything under control and logged off. She stared at the screen, the unfinished slides still blinking. A lump formed in her throat. Her dream, her chance, was crumbling because she couldnt find a balance between work and uninvited guests.
That evening, once Sophie was asleep and Toms parents had moved to the lounge to watch TV, Katie finally sat down with Tom. The kitchen still smelled of Margarets buckwheat.
Tom, she began, fidgeting with a napkin, I cant keep up.
He looked up, frowning. Whats wrong? Moms helping with Sophie, isnt she?
Helping? Katie laughed bitterly. She decides how I raise my daughter, what I cook, how I live! Today she nearly ruined my call. And your dad has been fiddling with our vacuum for three days, despite me asking him not to.
Tom sighed, rubbing his temples. They just want to be useful. Theyre not used to having nothing to do.
And Im not used to feeling like a guest in my own house! her voice cracked. My deadline is Friday, Tom. If I fail, Ill be sacked. Do you understand that?
He went quiet, staring at the table.
Ill talk to them, he finally said. I promise.
You already talked, Katie shook her head. And what? They still do what they want. Your mum today said Im raising Sophie wrong because I let her draw before bed. Your dad wants to move the sofa because itll be more comfortable. This is our home, Tom. OUR home!
Tom took her hand. I know. Im sorry I didnt discuss their visit. Theyre my parents, I cant just boot them out.
And can you ignore me? she snapped, withdrawing her hand. My feelings, my work, my boundaries?
He opened his mouth, but before he could answer, Margaret entered with a tray of buckwheat, laughing, Youre still up? I left you a snack, Katie, you look so skinny. You need proper food, not those yoghurts.
Katie rose without looking at her. Thanks, but Im fine, she said, heading to the bedroom and slamming the door.
The climax came on Thursday, the day before the deadline. Katie was working late, polishing the presentation, when a knock sounded.
Katie, may I come in? Margarets voice was unusually soft.
Katie exhaled and answered, Come in.
Margaret entered, a steaming mug of tea in hand. I thought you needed a break, she said, setting it on the nightstand. Youve been at that computer all day, youll ruin your eyes.
Thanks, Katie forced a smile. But I need to finish this. Tomorrow is crucial.
Margaret perched on the edge of the bed, refusing to leave. Katie, I get that work is important, she began, but family comes first. You spend so little time with Sophie. I was out walking with her today, and she said she misses you.
Katie froze. It was a low blow. She already felt guilty for not spending enough time with her daughter, but hearing it from the very person who constantly stole that time was unbearable.
Im trying to be a good mother, a good wife, and a professional, Katie said calmly, but its hard when everyone keeps telling me Im doing it wrong.
Margarets brow furrowed. Im not telling you what to do, she snapped. Im just trying to help. Ive been through a lot, you know.
And I dont want help I didnt ask for! Katie snapped. This is my house, my daughter, my life! Why cant you just ask what I want?
Margaret opened her mouth, then fell silent, clearly taken aback. At that moment Tom stepped in, drawn by the raised voices.
Whats happening? he asked, eyes darting between Katie and his mother.
Your wife thinks Im in the way, Margaret said coldly. All Im doing is trying to help your family!
Mom, enough, Tom raised a hand. Katies right. You and Dad came without asking, and now youre trying to reshape everything.
Margaret gasped. Tom, are you serious? We came for you, for Sophie! And you turn on your own mother?
Katie, we love you both, Tom said, his voice steady. But this isnt sustainable. If you cant respect our boundaries, then
He trailed off, and Katie finished for him, Then perhaps you should consider leaving.
Margarets face turned ashen. Youre youre going to send us away?
Were not sending you away, Tom said gently. We just need space. Tomorrow Katie has her presentation, and I want her to be able to focus.
Margaret stood, eyes flicking to George, who watched silently. She swallowed, then turned and left, the door closing softly behind her.
Katie stared at Tom, unable to believe what shed just heard.
You really said that? she asked.
He nodded, pulling her into a hug. I should have said it sooner. Im sorry.
She rested her head against his shoulder, the tension easing a little. Yet she knew this wasnt the end. Tomorrow held not only the deadline but also a conversation with Margaret that could eitherTomorrow held not only the deadline but also a conversation with Margaret that could either seal their fragile peace or shatter their family forever.
