Aunt on a Visit, Wife in Tears
I was jolted awake by the sound of the doorbellfar too early, or perhaps too late, judging by the darkness still lingering outside. Beside me, my wife stirred. I reached over and touched her shoulder gently. Go back to sleep, love, Ill see who it is.
I wandered through the flat, rubbing the tiredness from my eyes, and called softly, Whos knocking at this ungodly hour?
Upon swinging the door open, there stood Aunt Margaret, clutching an enormous travel bag. Her husband, Uncle Bernard, shuffled from foot to foot behind her, peering with round curious eyes from beneath his hat.
My dear nephew! Aunt Margaret cried, forcing a tight embrace on me that nearly squeezed the breath out of my chest. Arent you glad to see your old aunt? Come, give us a pick-me-up.
So much for a quiet evening I thought, suppressing a groan as I lugged her cumbersome bags down the corridor.
The rest of the night was pure disarray. Aunt Margaret flatly refused the sofa, deeming it absolutely barbaric for sleep. Then she suggested, quite boldly, that perhaps Id like to tuck her in, like a child. The woman was scandalous.
My wife, Emily, looked utterly bewildered all the while. Barely an hour after their arrival, the property looked as if a tornado had swept through. At last, we all went off to bed: Aunt Margaret and Uncle Bernard commandeered our room while Emily and I were exiled to the sofa.
How long do you think theyll stay? Emily whispered as I tucked into a very modest breakfast shed set in front of me.
Ive no idea… Ill try to find out after work.
She listened tensely to the thunderous snoring from the bedroom, then pleaded, Robert, Im actually a bit scared of them. Cant you try to come home early?
Ill do my best, I promised, grabbing my bag and escaping out the door.
Returning after work, I found the table set to perfection, something of a banquet waiting for me. Come in, Robert! We must celebrate its a family reunion! Aunt Margaret hollered from the kitchen.
Emily whispered, Thank goodness youre back!
The four of us sat down. After a moment, I ventured, So, Aunt Margaret, have you come for long?
She eyed me sharply, bristling, Already trying to be rid of us? Really, Bernard, did you hear that? Im not sure were welcome. She nudged Uncle Bernard, who calmly kept munching his salad.
Of course youre welcome. You can stay as long as you like! I replied, a little confused.
Aunt Margaret dabbed dramatically at her eyes and declared, Well, well be with you for good. Weve sold our house, and youre all the family we have left. Surely you wont throw your dear old aunt out on the street. Whats a few more years? Can you bear it? She sniffled with theatre.
My jaw dropped. Emily burst into tears and hurried from the room.
A silence hung like a heavy curtain.
Aunt Margaret turned suddenly on Bernard. And what about you? Cant say a word, just eat and nod. I suppose I run the whole household, dont I? Honestly, what sort of man are you? She looked back to me. Tell me, Robert, are you happy, nephew?
Youll stay for as long as you wish, I managed to reply, but my heart was pounding, and from behind the door, I heard Emily still sobbing.
I poked at my food without appetite; Aunt Margaret and Bernard ate lustily, the clatter of their cutlery echoing in my ears.
After a while, Aunt Margaret patted her middle with satisfaction. Im absolutely stuffed. Listen, Robert, I was just having you on. Were only here for a few daysa hospital appointment, you see. You did splendidly, even though you were petrified. Family, after all, is what matters. When my times up, the flat will be yours. Youre my only heir.
Id never felt such relief sweep through me. I even managed a smile.
Oh Margaret, may you live a hundred years, I said.
The next couple of days, Emily blossomed into a teary mess under Margarets constant criticism: the soup was bland, the chops were leathery, the laundry was pitiful, and the floor practically filthy.
When the farewells finally came, Aunt Margaret whispered in my ear, How did you end up married to such a weepy one? Is she expecting? Tears, all the time!
Once their footsteps had faded and the door was shut, Emily twirled with delight. Maybe theyll never come back! she said with hope.
I only shrugged. You never know. I think she rather enjoyed herself.
I cant cope with any more, Emily groaned.
Suddenly, the bell rang again.
What, already? I leapt up, tensethen laughed as I realised it was only the alarm clock. At last, a decent day awaited.
All of this left me with one simple lesson: cherish tranquility at home, for it can be swept away in a momentand when it is, sometimes all you can do is carry on, find your humour, and wait until peace eventually returns.
