The Mystery of the Promised Gift
In the grand dining room of a restaurant in the heart of London, the wedding of Emily and James was a celebration filled with laughter and music. Guests toasted the couple, who shone with happiness at the centre of attention. When it came time for gifts, Emilys parents went first, handing over an envelope stuffed with pounds. Then came Jamess mother, Margaret, with a bouquet of roses. Leaning in, she whispered, My real gift will come after the wedding. What do you mean? Emily asked, confused, glancing at her husband. No idea, James replied with a chuckle. But Emily couldnt have guessed the game her mother-in-law was playing.
Even before the ceremony, Margaret had dropped mysterious hints. I dont want to give you just any little thing, shed say. On the wedding day, expect nothingbut afterward, prepare for something grand! Theres no rush, Emily replied, uneasy. Mum, were just happy youre here, James soothed. I wouldnt show up empty-handed to my sons wedding, Margaret declared firmly. But dont mention this to the rest of the family. Agreed, James said, though Emily doubted her mother-in-law would keep her word. She knew Margaret wasnt well off, but the wedding had been paid for by the couple themselves, without asking for help. Emilys parents, despite their modest means, had scraped together fifteen thousand pounds for the newlyweds. On the day, Margaret brought only the roses, overshadowed by the toasts and dancing. Yet she shone during the speeches, lingering over long-winded wishes of happiness, like a star demanding applause.
Youve no idea what Ive planned, Margaret murmured at the end of the night, her eyes twinkling with secrecy. Itll be a surprise that leaves you speechless but not just yet. Its fine, dont worry, James said, squeezing his wifes hand. Im actually curious now, Emily admitted, masking her discomfort. Do you know something I dont? I swear I dont, James shrugged. But the gift doesnt matter. What counts is us being together. Emily nodded, but curiosity gnawed at her. She tried to pry clues from Margaret, who only replied with cryptic smiles: If I tell you, itll spoil the surprise. Just wait!
Months passed, and the gift never came. What had once been a joke became a thorn in Emilys side. Eight months after the wedding, she finally broached the subject. Oh, so its all about money! Margaret snapped, her voice shaking with feigned offence. You never ask how I am, if I need help! If you need something, just say, Emily replied, startled by the outburst. But Margaret fell silent, playing the victim and later complaining to James about his wifes lack of respect. Leave my mother alone, he pleaded. Shes made enough of a scene. I only asked out of curiosityshe built up all this expectation! Emily defended.
From then on, Emily avoided Margaret, engaging only when necessary. Which only made things worse. When she thought Id give her expensive things, she was all smiles, Margaret lamented to James. Now shes realised theres nothing coming, she wont even look at me! Thats not true, he argued. Then explain her behaviour! Margaret insisted. Since that conversation, its like Ive got the plague. She wont even visit! When Emily heard, she sighed. Your mothers never happy. First, my interest annoyed hernow its my distance. Tomorrow shell complain because I breathed wrong! She thinks we only want things from her, James said, embarrassed. Exactly, Emily shot back. While my parents always bring somethingfresh eggs from their hens, homemade cakesshe turns up empty-handed and still takes leftovers! Are you calling my mother selfish? James bristled. Show some respect. Shes the only mother Ive got. Fine, Emily said flatly. But if she wants respect, she should lead by example.
The subject became taboo, but the tension simmered. Margaret, as if fanning flames, criticised Emily relentlessly. To others, though, she spun a different tale: I do everything for themexpensive gifts, and I even considered giving her my great-grandmothers heirloom ring! And this is the thanks I get! Listeners, moved, swallowed her flawless performance.
On their anniversary, Margaret revived the promise. Get ready for a surprise youll never forget! she announced when invited to a quiet dinner. No need, Emily tried to temper. I appreciate the input, but Ill decide, Margaret replied with a razor-thin smile. James, hearing of it, scowled. Why must you challenge my mother? If she wants to give something, let her! Right, Emily retorted. Her wedding gift still hasnt arrivedwe dont need another.
They agreed, finally, to avoid more fights. At the celebration, Emilys parents brought hand-embroidered napkins and linen bedsheets. Friends gifted crystal glasses. Margaret arrived with an oversized card, delivering a speech that dragged on for twenty minutes. She assumed, of course, that this was contribution enough. Bring up gifts again, and well row, James warned on the way home. Wasnt planning to, Emily lied.
But the peace didnt last. The next month, Margaret demanded an expensive mobile for her birthday. Are we really giving in? Emily questioned. She needs it, and we can afford it, James reasoned. Sure, Emily replied drily. But remember, my mothers birthday is next month. Gifts should be fair. James calculated the costs, resigned. In the end, Margaret got a basic modeland erupted in fury. She blamed Emily for manipulating her son, vowing revenge for her daughter-in-laws petty spite.
