Oh, Mum, youre frying fish again, Rebecca called out as she peeked into the kitchen.
Yes, but I opened the windows and turned the extractor fan on, I replied, feeling oddly defensive.
Over the last four months, ever since my daughter moved back in, Id been on the receiving end of little remarks like these several times a day.
Youve made dinner too salty, or, You put the laundry in the wrong place, or even, The telly in your room is too loud.
At some point Id found myself creeping about my own house, trying not to make a sound for fear of bothering Rebecca or her husband.
In the beginning, everything seemed fine.
After the wedding, Rebecca and her husband had chosen to live separately. They rented a flat and would pop around at weekends. It all made sense, of course their work and new ventures kept them busy.
Then, one day, I suddenly felt unwell. The neighbours ended up calling an ambulance. Within minutes, Rebecca arrived as well. When I was released from hospital, she said to me:
Weve got a surprise for you, Mum. I think youll like it. Youll see when you get home.
As soon as I walked through the door, I almost tripped over several bags in the hallway.
Weve discussed it and decided were moving in with you. Well take care of you from now on, she announced.
I could hardly believe it.
At first, Rebecca really did look after me she cleaned, cooked and ironed. But two months later, shed all but forgotten why shed moved in at all.
Now I felt better, so I started doing everything myself again. When they were out at work, Id tidy and cook as before.
Rebecca often urged me to rest and focus on myself, but I kept reassuring her I was absolutely fine.
Soon enough, Rebecca and her husband discovered the perks of living with me. No more rent to pay, the house was spotless, and meals appeared as if by magic.
Mum, weve got friends coming round tonight. Perhaps you could pop over to the neighbours for a cuppa? Well all feel better, and you wont be bored, Rebecca suggested one evening.
Truthfully, I didnt fancy going out in the evening, especially when my neighbour usually turned in early. As it was warm outside, I decided to sit on a bench near the house and enjoy the fresh air.
Time dragged on, and Rebeccas guests showed no sign of leaving. I ached to go to bed, but stubbornly waited, expecting my daughter to call and tell me to come back inside.
A neighbour, David, came out to walk his dog, and half an hour later returned to see me still sitting there.
Excuse me, is everything alright? David asked.
Yes, thank you. My daughter has her friends over, so I didnt want to get in the way.
You probably remember me I live downstairs, he said.
I do, of course, I replied.
Wed exchanged hellos a few times, but nothing more. Davids wife had passed recently and his children were grown and gone.
Come up for a cup of tea its chilly now. Ring your daughter and let her know, just in case, David offered.
I tried calling Rebecca but she didnt answer. She probably wasnt interested in her mother at that moment.
Oh, alright then, I said.
We drank tea and chatted. Eventually, Rebecca rang:
Mum, where are you? The guests left ages ago. Were going to bed and youre still not back.
I could hear the disapproval in her voice. I wasnt even sure what Id done wrong this time, but I got ready to leave. David saw me to the front door.
Its only two flights, I said, trying to downplay it.
Ill walk you up. It makes me feel better, he insisted.
After that, I found myself often popping round to Davids. Wed have tea together or cook a meal; some days hed whip up something using one of his own recipes. On this particular day, Id ended up at Davids again my son-in-law was hosting his birthday and the house was full.
Your place is always so calm and peaceful, I said to David.
Youre welcome to stay here as long as youd like, he said quietly.
He looked at me in such a way that I knew he truly meant it.
Ill think about it, I replied, smiling.
Truth is, Id already decided to say yes.
Reflecting on it all, I realised: sometimes its only by stepping out of your comfort zoneand your own front doorthat you find the warmth and companionship youve been missing.
