What? Kate froze, clutching the handset. The voice of Evelyn Harper, Toms mother, sounded bright and almost triumphant, as if she were announcing a lottery win.
Yes, indeed, the motherinlaw went on, oblivious to the pause. George and I have decided its time we pay you a visit with Tom. Its been ages, we miss our granddaughter! Weve booked tickets for next Friday, so youd better get ready.
Kate sank slowly into a chair in her cosy kitchen.
Evelyn, she began cautiously, trying not to betray her irritation, did you and Tom discuss this?
Why not? Evelyn waved off the question. Tom always loves having us. And little Poppy will be growing all summer, we must spend time with her! Well stay two months, maybe a week longer if we feel like it.
Two months. Kate repeated the words in her mind, feeling something hot and prickly rise in her chest. Two months with Evelyn and George in their modest threebedroom terraced house? With their habit of meddling in every aspect of life? With their endless advice on how to raise Poppy, bake a proper stew, even wash the laundry?
When will you arrive? Kate asked, buying time.
Next Friday, five oclock in the evening, Evelyn chirped. Tom will meet us at the airport, Ive already told him. Oh, Kate, were delighted! So many plans! Ive already picked a knitted set for Poppy, cute little bunnies. And I have ideas for your gardenI read a column about it just yesterday
Kate barely heard her. Her thoughts fluttered like birds in a cage. Next Friday was exactly one week before the deadline for the project that would decide her career. She had spent three months preparing a presentation to persuade the board to fund her ideaa new online educational service for children. It was her chance to prove she was more than Toms wife or Poppys mother; it was a chance to be a professional in her own right. And now two months with relatives who, from past visits, seemed destined to turn her life into chaos.
Evelyn, Kate interjected, trying to sound calm, its wonderful you want to come, but were in a very hectic period right now. Could we perhaps discuss the dates?
A pause stretched over the line. Kate could almost see Evelyn pursing her lips, smoothing her neatly styled hair.
Hectic? Evelyns tone cooled. Kate, were family. Isnt that more important than your work?
Of course family matters, Kate pressed her thumb against the bridge of her nose, a headache beginning. But I have a critical project at work. Id like to
Oh, dear, what project could be that important? Evelyn laughed, a patronising chuckle slipping through. Youre at home with Poppy, arent you? And if you do work, its not a real job, is it? Well come, help you out, take the load off!
Kate clenched her teeth. Home with Poppy cut like a knife. She was not idle; she worked remotely, juggling a career with caring for a fouryearold, and it was harder than any real job. Evelyn never took her seriously. To Evelyn, Kate was a good wife who should cook and keep the house tidy, not a woman pulling allnight presentations.
Ill speak to Tom, Kate managed. Well call you back.
Do call back, Evelyn replied, clearly displeased. Tickets are already purchased, so youd better be ready.
Kate set the phone down and stared at the notebook spread on the tableneat notes, coloured stickers, chartsall now feeling distant. She imagined Evelyn commenting on her cooking, George tinkering with a faulty tap, and Poppy whining from too much attention, all while Kates deadline loomed.
A sudden bang announced Toms arrival, as usual with a grin and a bag of groceries. His dark hair was slightly tousled, his eyes alight with the same old enthusiasm.
Hey love! he planted a kiss on Kates cheek, setting the bag down. Is Poppy still out in the garden? I brought her favourite unicornyogurts.
Tom, Kate said, trying not to snap, your mother called.
His smile faded a touch.
Right, she said the tickets are booked. Great, isnt it? Poppy hasnt seen them in ages.
Great? Kate raised an eyebrow. Theyve planned two months. Two, Tom! And they didnt even ask us!
Tom fidgeted, scratching the back of his head.
Theyre your parents they just want to spend time with us.
Did you consider my project? Kates voice trembled. Ive been prepping for three months, Tom. This is my chance. And your parents they didnt even ask if it was convenient for us!
Tom sighed, sitting opposite her.
Kate, I understand youre worried, but its only temporary. Theyll stay, then leave.
Temporary? she shook her head. Do you remember their last visit? Your mother rearranged all the furniture because it looked better that way. And your father spent three days fixing a television that already worked!
Tom forced a smile, then, seeing her stare, said, Alright, Ill talk to them. Maybe theyll shorten the stay.
Talk to them, Kate stood, the fatigue rising like a wave. Because I dont know how Ill juggle work, Poppy, and your parents all at once.
She retreated to the bedroom to collect herself. Outside, rain began to tap the windowsill, counting down to the arrival of unwanted guests. Kate knew Tom loved his parents and struggled to say no, but her patience was not limitless.
A week passed and tension in the house swelled like storm clouds. Kate tried to focus on her work, but thoughts kept drifting to the imminent visit. She imagined Evelyn teaching her the right way to make a shepherds pie, and George rummaging through their car because the granddaughter must travel safely.
At dinner, Poppy chattered about a rainbow she had painted in the garden. Kate smiled at her daughter, but inside a kettle was boiling. Tom, noticing her strain, broached the subject.
I spoke to my mum, he began as Poppy ran off to play. They cant change the tickets, but I explained your project.
And what? Kate looked at him, hopeful.
She said theyd try not to get in the way, Tom shrugged. Mum thinks she can look after Poppy while you work.
Kate scoffed. Help? Your mother thinks I cant handle Poppy. She claimed I spoil her with cartoons before bed.
She just wants to be useful, Tom said gently. They dont mean any harm.
Not with malice, Kate repeated, irritation turning to resentment. Did you ever ask what I want? Or is it more important that your parents are pleased?
Tom fell silent, staring at his plate.
I dont want a fight, he finally said. Lets try. If it gets too hard, Ill figure something out.
Kate nodded, but deep down knew figure something out would never be enough. Her boundaries were already melting under the weight of others expectations.
Friday arrived far too quickly. Kate nervously tidied the flat, though she knew it was futileEvelyn would find something to critique. Poppy, on the other hand, was thrilled at the prospect of grandparents arriving, handmaking a card with flowers and bouncing at the door.
When the doorbell finally rang, Kate inhaled deeply and opened it. Evelyn, in a bright blue dress and a massive suitcase, swept her into an overaffectionate hug, perfume wafting around her.
Kate, you look radiant! she exclaimed, her tone dripping with the same patronising sweetness. Wheres my Poppy?
Grandma! Poppy darted into Evelyns arms, showering kisses.
George, ever the quiet one with a kindly smile, shook Kates hand and immediately began inspecting the hallway.
Nice renovation, he remarked. Only the socket here is a bit loose. Ill fix it tomorrow.
Kate forced a smile. Thank you, George. Everythings fine.
Tom lugged the suitcases in, beaming.
Make yourselves at home! he said. Kates baked a cake, teas on the table.
Over tea, Evelyn immediately took charge. Kate, you did a lovely cake, but Id add a bit more sugar and some cinnamon. We always use cinnamon at our house, Poppy loves it.
Kate clenched her mug. Poppy prefers vanilla, she whispered. She doesnt like cinnamon.
Oh, nonsense! Evelyn waved her hand. Children like anything if its made right.
Kate felt the familiar flare of irritation. She glanced at Tom, hoping hed intervene, but he was busy regaling George with stories about his new car.
The evening crept on. Evelyn commented on the curtains being too dark, the need to vacuum under the sofa, and even suggested that at four years old Poppy should start learning letters. Kate stayed quiet, but inside she thought, This is my home!
When the guests finally retired to the guest room, Kate and Tom remained in the kitchen.
Hows it look? Tom asked, clearing dishes. Not so bad, huh?
Kate met his gaze, voice low. Tom, this is only day one. I have an important call with colleagues tomorrow. How am I supposed to work when your mum is already lecturing me on how to raise Poppy?
He sighed. Lets give them a couple of days. Theyll settle in.
No, Kate replied. What if they dont? What then?
Tom stayed silent, and in that pause Kate realised the stakes were larger than mere inconvenience. She would have to either accept or rebel, and she had no idea how soon the decision would come.
Two weeks blurred like fog. Kate felt like a squirrel on a wheel, everspinning, never stopping. Her project hung by a threadcolleagues demanding tweaks, deadlines tighteningwhile at home chaos, dubbed help by Evelyn, reigned.
Kate, Evelyn announced one Monday morning, brandishing a neatly written schedule, Poppy should go to bed earlier; thats unhealthy.
Running late for her conference call, Kate merely nodded, clutching a cold cup of coffee.
Thank you, Evelyn, she muttered, though inside she was seething. The schedule? Poppy sleeps fine, but I havent slept a wink because you start clattering dishes at six to make a proper breakfast.
I also noticed youre not eating enough porridge, Evelyn continued, oblivious. Ill make some buckwheat for Poppy todayits good for her.
Poppy doesnt eat buckwheat, Kate said wearily. She prefers oatmeal with fruit.
And thats because youve spoilt her with sweets! Evelyn snapped. Ill remedy that.
Kate clenched her teeth and fled to the bedroom, where her makeshift officea laptop and a squeaking chairawaited. She shut the door, put on headphones, and tried to focus. Yet through the door came Evelyns loud instructions on proper toothbrushing, and George, again, tinkering with the vacuum because it wasnt sucking well enough.
The work call turned into a disaster. Midpresentation, Poppy burst in, shrieking, Mum, Grandma says I must wear tights and I dont want to!
Kate muted herself, cheeks flaming with embarrassment.
Poppy, go to Grandma, Im working, she whispered.
But she wants me to wear those prickly tights! the girl protested, stomping her foot.
Evelyn swept into the room like a general on a battlefield. Whats this nonsense, Kate? The child must be dressed for the weather! Its not May yet.
Ill handle it, Kate snapped, pulse racing. Please let me finish the call.
Evelyn pursed her lips but left, taking Poppy with her. Kate reenabled the microphone, apologised to her team, but it was too late. Her manager, Helen, dryly noted, We understand you have a family, Kate, but the project cant wait. If it isnt ready by Friday, well pass it to someone else.
Kate muttered something about everything being under control and hung up. She stared at the screen, the unfinished slides still blinking, a lump in her throat. Her dream, her chance, was slipping because she couldnt balance work with uninvited guests.
That evening, after Poppy was asleep and Tom and his parents were watching television in the guest room, Kate finally confronted Tom. They sat at the kitchen table, still scented with Evelyns overcooked buckwheat.
Tom, Kate began, fidgeting with a napkin, I cant manage this.
He looked up, brows knitted. Whats wrong? Moms helping with Poppy, isnt she?
Helping? Kates laugh was bitter. She decides how I raise my daughter, what I cook, how I live! Today she almost ruined my call. And your father has been fiddling with our vacuum for three days, despite my 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 botch this project Ill be dismissed. Do you get that?
He was silent, eyes on the table.
Ill speak to them, he finally said. I promise.
You already did, Kate replied, shaking her head. And what? They still do what they want. Your mother today said Im raising Poppy wrong because I let her watch cartoons before bed. And your father wants to move the sofa because its more convenient. This is our home, Tomour!
Tom took her hand. I know. Im sorry I didnt discuss their visit. Theyre my parents, I cant just send them away.
And you can ignore me? she snapped, pulling her hand back. My feelings, my work, my boundaries?
He opened his mouth, but before he could answer Evelyn entered, tray of steaming buckwheat in hand.
Oh, youre still up? she chirped brightly. I left you a snack, you look a bit thin, Kate, especially. You need proper food, not those yoghurts.
Kate stood, not looking at her motherinlaw. Thanks, but Im not hungry, she said, retreating to the bedroom and slamming the door.
The climax arrived on Thursday, a day before the deadline. Kate worked late into the night, polishing the presentation, when a soft knock sounded.
Kate, may I come in? Evelyns voice was unusually gentle.
Kate exhaled, then answered, Come in.
Evelyn entered, a teacup in hand. I thought you could use a break, she said, placing it on the nightstand. Youve been at that computer all day, your eyes will go bad.
Thank you, Kate forced a smile. But I need to finish my work. Tomorrow is crucial.
Evelyn sat on the edge of the bed, clearly not intending to leave. Kate, I understand work is important, she began, but family is more so. You spend so little time with Poppy. I took her for a walk today and she said she misses you.
Kate froze. It was a blow below the belt. She already felt guilty for the time she gave Poppy, yet hearing it from the very woman who was stealing that time was unbearable.
Evelyn, Kate said calmly, Im trying to be a good mother, a good wife, and a professional. Its hard when Im constantly told what Im doing wrong.
Evelyns eyebrows rose. Im not telling you what to doIm trying to help. Ive been through a lot, you know.
And I dont want help I didnt ask for! This is my home, my daughter, my life! Why cant you simply ask what I want?
Evelyn opened her mouth, then fell silent, taken aback by the unexpected rebuke. At that moment Tom entered, drawn by the raised voices.
Whats happening? he asked, eyes flicking between Kate and his mother.
Your wife thinks Im interfering, Evelyn said coldly. All Im doing is trying to help your family!
Enough, Mum, Tom raised a hand. Kates right. You arrived without asking us, and now youre trying to remodel everything.
Evelyns face paled. Tom, are you serious? Youd dismiss us?
Tom, Kate interjected, tears pricking her eyes, you didnt even ask if we needed help! You just decided for us.
Tom looked at Kate, a new resolve dawning. Mum, he said firmly, I love you and Dad, but Kate is my wife. This is our house. If you cant respect our boundaries, then
He stopped, but Kate finished for him, Then youd better leave.
Evelyns eyes widened, shock rippling through her. Youd send us away?
Were not sending you away, Tom replied, shaking his head. We just need space. Tomorrow is Kates presentation; I want her to be able to focus.
Silence fell. Evelyn stared at the floor, then lifted her gaze, her eyes glistening. I didnt mean to intrude, she whispered. I thought it would be better for Poppy, for you. I see now how exhausted you are, Kate. I wanted to lighten your load.
Kate felt a softening inside. For the first time Evelyn spoke not from a place of I know best, but from genuineAnd so, with a tentative smile, Evelyn gathered her things, promising to return only when they truly needed her, and the house finally settled into a quiet, hopeful calm.
