**Wedding Gift from the Mother-in-Law: Better Nothing Than This!**
Emily and James were finally getting married. The reception was in full swing when the toastmaster announced it was time for gifts. First, the brides parents gave their congratulations, then came Jamess mother, Margaret Thompson, carrying a large, pale blue box.
What on earth could be in there? Emily whispered excitedly to James.
No idea, he replied, shrugging. Mums been secretive about it.
They decided to wait until the next day to open their presents, once the wedding chaos had settled. Emily suggested starting with his mothers gift. They untied the ribbon, lifted the lidand froze in disbelief.
For ages, Emily had noticed something odd about Jameshe never took anything without asking, not even the smallest thing.
Mind if I have the last chocolate? hed say hesitantly, eyeing the lone truffle in the bowl.
Of course! Emily would laugh. You didnt even need to ask.
Old habits, hed murmur, unwrapping it with a sheepish grin.
It took months for Emily to understand why.
When James introduced her to his parentsMargaret and Robert Thompsonhis mother seemed pleasant at first. But that illusion shattered at dinner. Each plate held two measly spoonfuls of mash and a tiny meatball. James finished quickly and quietly asked for seconds.
Always eating like a horse! Nothing ever fills you up! Margaret snapped, loud enough for everyone to hear. Emily stared, stunned, as Robert was cheerfully handed a heaping second portion.
Later, during wedding planning, Margarets true colours showed. Everything was too extravagantthe rings, the venue, the menu.
Why all the fuss? A registry office wouldve done! she scoffed.
Eventually, Emily snapped. Its our money, our choice!
Offended, Margaret fell silenteven threatening to boycott the wedding.
Two days before the ceremony, Robert turned up unannounced.
Son, help me with this, he muttered, leading James to the car.
Hed gone rogue and bought them a washing machine, tired of his wifes penny-pinching. Confession: theyd rowed because Margaret thought even a wedding gift for her own son was too much.
On the big day, she showed up anywaydressed to the nines, arriving by cab. She behaved politely, handed over the box, then melted into the crowd.
The next morning, Emily and James eagerly opened itonly to deflate instantly.
Towels? Emily muttered, pulling out the first one.
And socks, James sighed, holding up two pairs of fluffy wool ones. Dad was right She just grabbed whatever was lying around. Honestly, no gift wouldve been better.
But it didnt end there. Days later, Margaret rangdemanding a rundown of everyone elses presents.
Go on, then! What did Emilys parents give? And Uncle Henry? And her friends? she pressed.
James refused. Mum, thats none of your business. Were happy.
Then he hung upwithout an ounce of guilt, for once.
Lifes lesson: the cost of a gift means nothing about the givers heart. But respect and love? Those show in the little things. And sadly, Margaret had long run out of those.
