You’re not a wife, you’re a maid. You have no children!
Mum, Evelyn is staying here. The flat is under renovation, it’s not fit to live in. There’s a vacant bedroom; why should she be left to rot in the dust? Jack said, his voice calm despite the tension.
The notion seemed to amuse him, a sentiment he could not afford to share with his wife or his mother. The motherinlaw had never liked a daughterinlaw.
I have to work; I can’t be stuck here, Evelyn whispered, eyes flickering toward the cracked kitchen tiles.
Evelyn worked from home, which meant she needed silence and order. Jack spent the whole day at the office, making it impossible to share a roof with his mother without frictions. Evelyn was used to being alone in the house, so any intrusion felt like an invasion.
She stared at her motherinlaw, searching for words that wouldn’t come. The older woman claimed she didn’t want Evelyn in her home, yet no alternative seemed possible. They all sat down at the table and began dinner.
Evelyn, could you pass me the mixed leaf salad? Jack asked.
Jack, dont eat that chemistry. I made you a different one; its healthier, the motherinlaw replied, voice edged with accusation.
Evelyns expression hardened. Her husband was allergic to tomatoeshow could his mother have forgotten? When Jack was a boy, she never bothered with such details. She had always said there was no point in hopping to doctors; a tablet would sort it out.
Hes allergic. Why did you put tomatoes in the salad? Evelyn demanded.
What are you on about? Its just one tomato, nothing to worry about, the motherinlaw retorted.
Hell get sick.
Evelyn, calm yourself. He isnt allergic. His own mother knows him better than you do.
Im his wife. I look after my husband.
Youre not a wife, youre a servant. You have no children! When you do, maybe well talk.
Evelyn bolted from the table and fled to the bedroom. The motherinlaw always struck at the sore spot. Jack rushed to console his wife.
Jack, Im sorry. Ill go back to my parents house, or maybe work late at the office. I wont stay under your mothers roof.
Let me speak to her. Shell stop!
No, weve gone over this a million times. Well never get on living together.
For the time being they had to rent a flat elsewhere to avoid another family catastrophe. The motherinlaw fumed, but there was no other choice. Evelyn, though, felt a surge of gratitude for her steadfast, understanding husband.
