Anna pulled up her little Fiat a street away from her mother-in-laws house. The clock on the dashboard blinked 5:45pm a full fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. Perhaps this time shell notice Im early, Anna mused, determinedly smoothing the creases in her new navy frock. The gift an antique brooch shed spent months hunting down at various collectors fairs was tucked in tissue and ribbons on the back seat.
As Anna ambled towards the house, she spotted that the ground floor window was cracked open. From inside, her mother-in-laws voice chimed through the spring air:
No, Beatrice, honestly, you wouldnt believe it! Not even a whisper of what cake I might fancy! She just ordered something trendy You know our Daniels always adored a good Victoria sponge, and she There was a dramatic pause, she doesnt even twig. Seven years of marriage!
Anna froze in her sensible heels, her toes glued to the paving stones.
Of course Ive told you before shes not right for Daniel. Off at that clinic all hours, hardly sets foot at home. What kind of housewife is that? I popped round yesterday dishes everywhere, dust on the bookshelves And she was up to her elbows in some complicated surgery, as per usual!
Everything inside Anna stilled. She leant against the wobbly front fence, knees suddenly wobbly in sympathy. Seven years of striving: cooking, cleaning, remembering every birthday, making soup for her mother-in-law at the merest sniffle. And all for what?
No, no, Im not saying anything, but is a woman like her really right for my Daniel? He needs a proper family, warmth, a bit of nurturing And shes always off at some conference or doing night shifts. Babies? Not even on her radar! Can you credit it?
Annas head thudded like a wonky washing machine. She grabbed her phone and, in auto-pilot, called her husband.
Daniel? Ill be a touch late. Yes, yes, Im fine just stuck in traffic.
She spun on her heel and shuffled back to the car, letting herself collapse onto the seat. She stared dully ahead, her mother-in-laws greatest hits on loop in her mind: A touch more salt, maybe?, In my day, wives stayed at home, Daniel works so hard, needs a gentle touch
Her phone buzzed a message from Daniel: Mums asking where you are. Everybodys here.
Anna took a steadying breath. A strange little smile tugged at her lips. Well, if they want the perfect daughter-in-law, theyll have her. On a silver platter.
She started the car and made her way back to her mother-in-laws little semi-detached. A plan was already brewing.
No more exhausting herself just to please. Time to show them what the ideal daughter-in-law really looked like.
Anna swanned through the front door wearing the biggest, brightest grin she could muster. Mummy dearest! she exclaimed, enveloping her mother-in-law in a theatrical hug. Forgive the delay I dashed through three different shops just to find those candles you so adore!
Her mother-in-law stiffened, clearly startled by such enthusiasm. I thought she began, but Anna ploughed on:
Oh, and youll never guess I bumped into your friend Beatrice on the way! An utterly delightful woman, isnt she? Always so frank and forthright. Annas gaze lingered meaningfully, watching her mother-in-law blanch.
All through dinner, Anna delivered the performance of a lifetime. She plopped the best roast potatoes onto her mother-in-laws plate, gasped with delight at every anecdote, and begged endlessly for housekeeping tips.
Mummy, do you simmer beef stew for five hours or six? And carpets are we meant to hoover in the morning or the evening? Maybe I ought to quit my job altogether! After all, Daniel deserves a real family, doesnt he?
Daniel goggled at Anna, relatives exchanged eyebrows, but she pressed on:
Ive been thinking maybe I should enrol in a home management course? Give this silly surgery lark a rest I mean, a woman ought to be the heart of the home, shouldnt she, mummy?
Her mother-in-law fiddled nervously with her fork. Her confidence seemed to shrink with each passing minute.
And what happened next? Well, some stories you simply must read through to the very endAt last, as the laughter grew brittle and the candles guttered, Anna rose, lifting her glass. To motherhood and matrimonyand all the sacrifices no one ever notices. She met her mother-in-laws gaze, not blinking.
Silence stretched. Then, unexpectedly, her mother-in-laws lips quivered. For the first time all evening, she seemed unsureher armor of judgment crumbling, just a little.
Daniel cleared his throat. Anna, he said softly, maybe you dont have to
But Annas composure remained unshaken. She set the antique brooch beside her mother-in-laws plate, the tissue falling open like a white flag. Some things cant be forced to fit, she said gently, her voice reaching only the two of them. Not even the prettiest heirlooms.
Outside, the first notes of birdsong crept through the windowwith them, the scent of spring and something fiercely free.
Anna smiled, serene and unmistakably herself. Excuse me, everyoneIm needed at the hospital. She squeezed Daniels handwarm, supportive, and finally, proud.
She left, heels clicking with a confidence shed never worn beforeleaving the house brighter, emptier, and, for the very first time, utterly honest.
