He rang the doorbell with a sharp, urgent knock that announced someones arrival. Lucy slipped off her apron, wiped her hands on a towel and went to open the door. Standing on the threshold was her daughter, Emma, with her boyfriend Victor. Lucy ushered them inside.
Hey, Mum, Emma planted a quick kiss on Lucys cheek. Meet Victor hell be moving in with us.
Hello, the young man said politely.
This is my aunt, Aunt Lucy, Emma added.
My name is Margaret, Lucy corrected her daughter, using her formal name.
Mum, whats for dinner? Emma asked.
Pea purée and sausages, Lucy replied.
I dont eat pea purée, Victor said, slipping off his shoes and heading toward the living room.
Come on, Mum, Victor never likes peas, Emma said, eyes widening dramatically.
Victor dropped his backpack on the sofa and sank down. This is actually my room, Lucy said.
Victor, Ill show you where well be staying, Emma called.
Actually, Im fine here, Victor muttered, getting up from the sofa.
Lucy, could you think of something to feed Victor? Emma asked.
Im not sure. We only have half a packet of sausages left, Lucy shrugged.
Thatll do, with a bit of mustard, ketchup and some bread, Victor replied.
Alright then, Lucy said as she headed for the kitchen. Shed once filled the house with kittens and puppies; now she was feeding a grownup man.
She ladled a bowl of pea mash, placed two fried sausages on a plate, nudged a salad dish closer, and began to eat hungrily.
Mom, why are you eating alone? Emma asked as she entered the kitchen.
I just got back from work and Im starving, Lucy answered between bites. If anyone wants more, they can serve themselves or cook. By the way, why is Victor moving in with us?
What do you mean why? Hes my husband. Lucys voice trembled.
Your husband? Emma gasped.
Yes, thats right. Youre an adult now and can decide whether to marry or not. Im nineteen, for the record.
You didnt even invite me to a wedding.
There was no wedding, just a civil ceremony. Since were now husband and wife, well live together, Emma said, glancing at her chewing mother.
Congratulations then. Why no wedding?
If you have money for a wedding, you could give it to us and well find a use for it.
Got it, Lucy said, still shovelling food into her mouth. Why here?
Because the flat we rented has only one bedroom and four of us would be cramped.
So you didnt consider renting a bigger place?
Why would we rent when I have my own room? Emma replied.
Understood. So, can we have something to eat?
Emma, theres a pot of mash on the stove and sausages sizzling in the pan. If thats not enough, theres another halfpacket in the fridge. Help yourselves.
Mum, you dont get it, youve got a soninlaw now, Emma said, emphasizing the last word.
And what? I should break into a little dance to celebrate? Im exhausted from work, Lucy. Take care of yourselves.
Thats why youre still single! Emma snapped, slamming the bedroom door behind her.
Lucy finished her dinner, washed the dishes, cleared the table and changed into her gym clothes. She was a freespirited woman who spent a few evenings a week at the local fitness centre and the pool.
Around ten oclock she returned home, hoping for a hot cup of tea, only to find the kitchen in ruins. The pot lid was missing, the pea mash had dried and cracked, an empty sausage packet lay on the counter, stale bread without its wrapper sat nearby, the frying pan was scorched and someone had scraped its nonstick coating with a fork. The sink was full of dishes, a sweetsmelling puddle stained the floor, and the air smelled of cigarettes.
Wow, this is new. Emma never let anything like this happen, Lucy muttered.
She opened the bedroom door to find Emmas boyfriend and Emma herself, wine glasses in hand and cigarettes between their fingers.
Emma, clean up the kitchen. Buy a new pan tomorrow, Lucy said, retreating to her room without shutting the door.
Emma sprang up, flinging herself after her mother.
Why should we clean? Im a student, I dont earn money for a new pan. Do you feel sorry for the dishes?
Emma, you know the house rules: eat, then clean; make a mess, then clean; break something, replace it. Everyone looks after their own mess. And Im not fond of that panits pricey and now its ruined.
You dont want us living here, Emma spat.
No, Lucy replied calmly. She didnt want a fight; Emma had never caused trouble before.
But this is my share, Emma protested.
No, the flat is mine. I paid for it, I own it. Youre only on the lease. Dont expect me to cover your problems. If you want to stay, follow the rules. Lucys voice was steady.
Ive lived my whole life under your rules. Im married now, so you cant tell me what to do, Emma shouted. Youre old enough to give us the flat.
Ill give you the hallway and the bench outside, but the flat stays mine. You can stay here alone or with your husband, but he wont be moving in. Lucys tone was firm.
Fine, were leaving, Emma declared, gathering her things.
Moments later, Victor stumbled into the hallway, swaying from the wine.
Alright, mum, dont worry, everything will be fine. Emma and I arent going anywhere tonight. If you behave, well even keep things quiet. he slurred.
What mother are you talking about? Margaret snapped. Your mum and dad are still here, so stop overstepping.
Victor raised his fist, aiming at his motherinlaws nose.
Margaret clutched his wrist with manicured fingers, squeezing hard.
Let go of me, you lunatic! Victor shouted.
Mom, what are you doing? Emma cried, trying to pull her mother away.
Margaret shoved Emma aside, kicked Victor in the groin and then jabbed his elbow into his neck.
Im going to press charges, Victor yelled. Ill sue you both.
Hold on, Ill call the police so they can document this properly, Lucy said.
The couple fled the twobedroom flat, slamming the door behind them.
Youre not my mother anymore, Emma shouted. Youll never see my grandchildren.
What a tragedy, Lucy replied dryly. At least Ill have a quiet life.
She looked at her hands; a few nails were broken. All I get are losses from you lot, she muttered.
After they left, Lucy cleaned the kitchen, threw away the ruined mash and the battered pan, and changed the locks. Three months later, Emma, now gaunt and pale, appeared at Lucys workplace.
Mum, whats for dinner? she asked.
I havent decided yet, Lucy shrugged. What would you like?
Chicken and rice, Emma murmured, swallowing. And a bit of salad.
Then lets go buy a chicken. Youll have to make the salad yourself. Lucy replied.
Emma didnt ask anything else, and Victor never reappeared in their lives.
Lucy realised that the chaos had taught her that a house is only a shelter when its occupants respect each others space and responsibilities. True peace comes from setting clear boundaries and holding to them, no matter how close the family ties. The lesson lingered long after the doors had closed.
