June 14
I was pulled from a weary shift by the sharp ring of the doorbell, announcing an unexpected visitor. I slipped off my apron, dried my hands, and opened the front door. Standing there was Lily, my grownup daughter, arminarm with a young man I hadnt met before. I welcomed them into the flat.
Hey, Mum, Lily planted a quick kiss on my cheek, this is Victor hell be staying with us.
Nice to meet you, Victor said, offering a tentative smile.
And this is Aunt Betty, Lily added, introducing my sister.
Betty, I corrected her, Maggiewell, thats me.
Mum, whats for dinner? Lily asked, eyes bright.
Pea purée and sausages, I replied.
I dont eat pea purée, Victor said, slipping out of the doorway toward the hallway.
Dont tell Mum, Victor hates peas, Lily whispered, eyes widening.
Victor dumped his backpack onto the sofa and plonked down.
Thats actually my room, I reminded him, a hint of amusement in my tone.
Victor, come on, Ill show you where well be living, Lily called, dragging him toward the bedroom.
Im fine here, he muttered, rising.
Darling, think of something to feed Victor, I said to Lily.
Weve only got half a pack of sausages left, Betty shrugged.
Thatll do mustard, ketchup and a slice of bread, Victor answered.
Alright then, I said, heading for the kitchen. Id once filled the house with rescued kittens and puppies; now it was this newcomer I had to look after. I ladled the pea purée into a bowl, added two fried sausages, nudged the salad plate forward, and sat down to eat.
Mom, why are you eating alone? Lily entered the kitchen.
Ive just come home from work and Im hungry, I replied, chewing a sausage. If anyone wants a bite, they should serve themselves or make something. By the way, why is Victor moving in with us?
Because hes my husband, Lily blurted.
I nearly choked on my sausage.
My husband? I echoed. Well, Lily, youre an adult now and can decide if you want to get married. Im already nineteen years older than you, you know.
You didnt even invite me to a wedding.
There was no wedding; we just signed the papers. Since were now husband and wife, well live together, Lily said, glancing at my plate.
Congratulations, then. Why no ceremony?
If you have money for a wedding, you could give it to us and well spend it somewhere.
Got it, I kept chewing. Why here, though?
Because our flat has only one bedroom and four of us would be cramped.
So renting wasnt an option?
Why would we rent when I have my own room? Lily asked, surprised.
Right.
Will you give us something to eat? Victor asked.
Lily, theres a pot of porridge on the stove, sausages in the pan. If thats not enough, theres half a pack left in the fridge. Help yourselves.
Mum, youve got a soninlaw now, Lily said, emphasizing the last word.
And what? I should break into a little dance for this occasion? Im exhausted from work; skip the rituals, please. Use your own hands and feet.
Thats why youre still single! Lily snapped, slamming the bedroom door.
I finished my dinner, washed the dishes, cleared the table and changed into my gym clothes. I was a free woman, still spending a few evenings a week at the local gym and the pool.
Around ten oclock I came back, hoping for a hot cup of tea, only to find the kitchen in disarray, as if someone had tried to cook and given up. The lid of the porridge pot was missing, the mixture had dried and cracked. A packet of sausages lay open on the counter beside stale bread. The frying pan was scorched, its nonstick coating scraped with a fork. The sink was piled with dishes, and a sticky sweet puddle spread across the floor. The air smelled faintly of cigarettes.
This is new, I muttered. Lily never let anything like this happen.
I opened the bedroom door and saw Lily and Victor lounging on the couch, a bottle of wine in hand, smoke curling upward.
Lily, clean up the kitchen, will you? Buy a new pan tomorrow, I said, retreating to my room without closing the door.
Lily leapt up, hurrying after me.
Why should we clean? Im a student, not working, so where will I get the money for a new pan? You think the dishes are a problem?
Lily, you know the house rules: eat, then clean; make a mess, then clean; break something, replace it. Everyone looks after their own mess. And yes, Im sorry about the panit’s not cheap, but its ruined.
You dont want us living here, Lily shouted.
No.
I didnt want a fight with my daughter, especially when nothing like this had ever happened before.
But I own a share of this place.
No, the whole flat is mine. I paid for it, bought it. Youre only on the lease. Dont expect me to solve your problems. If you want to stay, follow the rules.
Ive lived by your rules all my life. Im married now, and you cant tell me what to do, Lily shrieked. Youre old and should hand over the flat to us.
Ill give you the hallway outside the building and a bench in the park, if that makes you happy. Did you even ask me when you got married? Youre staying here alone or with a husband elsewhere. Hes not moving in.
Fine, keep your flat. Victor, were leaving, Lily declared, gathering her things.
Within minutes Victor stumbled into the hallway, slightly tipsy.
Relax, mum, and everything will be fine, he slurred, swaying. Lily and I arent going anywhere tonight. If you behave, maybe well even be quiet.
What do you mean mum? I snapped. Your parents are still here, so mind your own business and dont forget your new wife.
He raised his fist, aiming it at my face.
I grabbed his wrist with my manicured fingers, squeezing hard.
Let go, you lunatic! he growled.
Lily, what are you doing? she screamed, trying to pull me away.
I shoved Lily aside, then jabbed my knee into Victors groin and twisted his arm behind his neck.
Im going to document this assault, he threatened, Ill sue you.
Ill call the police right now, so theres a record, I replied.
The two men fled the nowquiet twobedroom flat.
Youre not my mother anymore, Lily shouted as she left, and youll never see my grandchildren.
What a pity, I said dryly, Ill enjoy my peace.
I looked at my handssome nails were broken.
Just another loss because of you, I muttered.
After they were gone, I cleaned the kitchen, threw away the ruined porridge and the charred pan, and changed all the locks.
Three months later, Lily appeared at work, gaunter than before, cheeks hollow, looking miserable.
Mum, whats for dinner? she asked.
I dont know yet, I shrugged, what do you feel like eating?
Chicken with rice, she replied, swallowing hard. And a bit of salad.
Then lets get the chicken, I said. Youll have to make the salad yourself.
She said nothing more, and Victor never turned up in our lives again.
