Shes not family, said the mother-in-law, sliding the meat off her daughter-in-laws plate back into the pot.
Lena froze by the stove, holding her plate. Gravy from the stew her mother-in-law, Margaret, had just made still pooled on it. The pieces of meat vanished into the pot one by one, as if Margaret were counting each one.
Excuse me? Lena asked, unable to believe her ears.
Whats hard to understand? Margaret wiped her hands on her apron and turned to Lena. We never brought you into this family. You pushed your way in.
The kitchen went so quiet, the bubbling soup on the stove sounded deafening. Lena set her plate down and tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. Her hands trembled.
Margaret, I dont understand. Victor and I have been married five years! We have a daughter
And what of it? Margaret cut her off. Emilys our blood, thats true. But you? Youll always be an outsider.
The kitchen door swung open, and Victor walked in, his hair tousled, shirt half-buttonedclearly just woken up from a nap after work.
Whats going on? He looked between his wife and mother. Why the shouting?
Were not shouting, Margaret replied coolly. Just talking. Explaining to your wife how things work in *this* house.
Victor frowned at Lena. She stood pale, lips pressed tight.
Mum, what did you say?
The truth. That meat isnt for everyone. Familys big, portions are small.
Lena felt a lump rise in her throat. That was it. Five years shed believed she was part of this family. Five years biting her tongue, enduring Margarets jabs, hoping things would get easier.
Vic, Im going home, she said softly. To Mums.
What dyou mean, *home*? Margaret snapped. Your homes here now. You think you can come and go as you please?
Mum, enough. Victor stepped toward Lena. What happened?
Lena stayed silent. How could she explain that his mother had just made it clear she was nothing here? That even a plate of stew was too much for her?
Ill pack Emilys things, she said instead. Take her to my mums for the weekend.
What for? Margaret scoffed. Shes got her grandmother right herewhy drag the child around?
Her grandmother thinks her mother isnt family, Lena said quietly. Maybe her granddaughter belongs somewhere better too.
She turned to leave. Victor grabbed her wrist.
Lena, wait! Just tell me what happened.
She turned back. He looked baffled. Margaret stood by the stove, pretending to stir the soup.
Ask your mother, Lena said. Shell explain it better.
In the nursery, three-year-old Emily was playing with her dolls. She squealed when she saw Lena and ran over.
Mummy! Look, Im feeding Rosie!
Good job, love. Lena crouched to hug her. Are you hungry?
Yes! Gran said were having stew tonight.
We will, sweetheart. But were going to have it at Grandma Helens instead.
Grandma Helens? Emily beamed. Yay! Is Daddy coming?
No, Daddys staying home.
Lena started packing Emilys bagdresses, tights, toys, enough for a few days. As she folded clothes, Victor appeared in the doorway.
Lena, this is ridiculous. Youre leaving over *nothing*.
Ridiculous? She straightened. Your mother just told me Im not family. She took food off my plate! Thats *nothing*?
Mum says things! You know how she isstressed, lashes out. Shell forget by tomorrow.
*I* wont forget, Vic. This isnt the first time.
Oh, come off it! Shes just tired. Works been roughshe took it out on you.
Lena laughed, bitter.
Tired. Five years of being tired, is it? And Im always the one she takes it out on.
Well, ignore her, then!
Ignore being called an outsider in my own home? Vic, listen to yourself!
Victor rubbed his neckhis tell when lost for words.
Lena, wherere you gonna go? Were family. Weve got a kid.
Which is why Im leaving. I wont let Emily hear her mother being treated like this.
Whos treating you how? Mum just spoke her mind.
Her *mind*? Lena stopped packing. She took food from me, Vic. Said I dont belong. Thats speaking her mind?
Well maybe she was harsh. But you know how she israised us alone after Dad died. Shes used to controlling things.
So I just live with that control forever?
Victor sat on the bed, taking her hands.
Lena, lets not fight. Ill talk to her, sort it.
Whatll you sort? That Im human? That I have feelings?
Yeah. Tell her to back off.
Lena shook her head.
Its not about backing off, Vic. Its that your mother doesnt accept me. And you *know* it.
She just needs time
Five years isnt enough? How much longer?
From the kitchen, Margaret called:
Victor! Dinners ready! Its getting cold!
He stood.
Lets eat. Well talk after.
No thanks. Ive lost my appetite.
He hesitated, then left. Lena heard murmurs from the kitchenvoices rising, falling.
She called her mum.
Mum? Its me. Can we come stay a few days?
Of course, love. Whats happened?
Ill explain later. Were leaving now.
Alright. Ive made roastplenty for everyone.
Lena smiled faintly. Her mum always said, *plenty for everyone.* Never counted portions.
Emily babbled the whole bus ride about her dolls and plans for tomorrow.
Mummy, she asked as they neared Helens house, why didnt Daddy come?
Daddys working, sweetheart. Hell visit soon.
Helen met them at the door, beaming. The opposite of Margaretsoft, warm, always there.
Ive missed you! She scooped up Emily. Look how big you are!
Grandma, do you have new stories?
Course! Well read after dinner.
At the table, Helen served generous helpings.
Eat up, love. Youve lost weightthey not feeding you?
They are. Just havent been hungry.
Well, you will be. Homes where the heart is.
*Home.* Lena looked aroundcosy kitchen, floral curtains, photos on the walls. Here, no one called her an outsider.
After dinner, once Emily was asleep, they had tea.
So, Helen said, pouring, what happened?
Lena told herthe stew, Margarets words. Helen listened, shaking her head.
And Victor?
Same as always. Said shes just stressed, to let it go.
I see. Helen stirred her tea. And how do *you* feel?
Tired, Mum. So tired. Five years trying, and she still hates me.
Give me examples.
Lena sighed.
My cookings wrong, cleanings never enough, the way I parents all off. When Emily was ill last month, Margaret flat-out said I was a bad mother.
And Victor?
Stays quiet. Says shes just worried about Emily.
Helen set her cup down.
Love are you happy in this marriage?
The question caught Lena off guard. She stared out the window, silent.
I dont know. I was. Now I feel like a stranger in my own family.
Whyd you never tell me?
Thought itd pass. That shed get used to me.
Doesnt sound like she has.
Rain tapped the window as they sipped tea.
Mum when you married Dad, how did Grandma take it?
Helen smiled.
Your gran? Called me daughter from day one. Said, *Now Ive got two girls.* Treated me better than her own sister, truth be told.
Why?
Because she saw I loved her son. And he loved me. Where theres love, theres room for everyone.
Lena thought. Did Victor love her? Truly? Or was it just habit?
Her