Oh, Mum, are you frying fish again? Emily called out, peering into the kitchen.
Yes, but Ive opened the windows and turned the extractor fan on, I replied, trying to sound as upbeat as possible.
Ever since Emily and her husband moved in with me four months ago, I heard remarks like this several times a day.
Youve made dinner too salty, or You put the laundry in the wrong place, or The TV in your room is way too loud.
I somehow found myself tiptoeing around my own home, trying to do everything quietly and discreetly so as not to disturb them.
In the beginning, everything seemed fine.
After their wedding, Emily and her husband decided to get their own place. They started renting a flat and visited me on weekends. It made sensethey both had work, busy lives of their own.
Then one day I wasnt feeling well. The neighbours called an ambulance, and after a few minutes, Emily arrived too. When I was discharged from hospital, Emily greeted me with, We have a surprise for you, Mum. I think youll really like it. Youll see when we get home.
As soon as I walked into the house, I nearly tripped over some bags in the hallway.
Weve talked it over, Emily announced, and weve decided were moving in with you, so we can look after you.
I was surprised, to say the least.
At first, Emily genuinely did her best to care for me. She cleaned, cooked, ironed my clothes. But after two months, it seemed shed forgotten why they moved in at all.
I felt much better and started doing more and more myself. While they were at work, Id cook and tidy up.
Emily repeatedly told me to take it easy, but I managed to convince her I was much happier being up and about.
It soon became clear they enjoyed living with me. They didnt have to pay rent, there was always a clean house, meals ready.
Mum, weve got friends coming over tonight. Would you mind visiting the neighbour for a cup of tea while theyre here? Well all be more comfortable, and you wont be bored, Emily suggested one evening.
I really didnt fancy going out at night. My neighbour, Mrs Palmer, always went to bed early, and it was warm out, so I decided just to stroll around the block for a bit of fresh air. Time wore on. Their guests showed no sign of leaving, and though I wanted nothing more than to curl up and rest, I stubbornly waited for Emily to ring and invite me back in.
Our neighbour, Mr Frank Barnes, came out walking his dog, and when he came back half an hour later, I was still sat on the bench.
Excuse me, are you alright? he asked.
Yes, thank you. My daughter has friends round, and I dont want to get in the way.
Im Frank. I live on the ground floor. I believe weve met, he said.
Yes, of course. I remember.
Wed seen each other often enough, but never chatted beyond the odd good morning. His wife had sadly passed away not long ago, and his children now lived independently.
Why dont you come up for a cup of tea? Its getting a bit chilly out. You can ring your daughter and say youll be at mine.
I tried to call Emily, but she didnt pick up. I supposed she wasnt too fussed.
Alright, why not, I replied, grateful for the invitation.
We enjoyed tea and a nice chat. Then, suddenly, Emily called. Mum, where are you? The guests are gone and were going to bed, but youre nowhere to be found.
I heard that familiar tone of annoyance in her voice. Once again, I had no idea what Id done wrong. I got myself ready to head back home and Frank kindly offered to walk me up.
Its only two flights, Ill be alright, I said.
Let me take you. Id feel better, he insisted.
After that evening, I began to visit Frank often. Wed have tea together or share a meal. Sometimes, Frank would cook something from one of his own recipes. That day, I went over againit was my son-in-laws birthday and the house was packed with guests.
Its so peaceful in your flat, I once told Frank.
You know, you could stay here as long as you like, he replied.
He looked at me in such a way that I knew he meant it.
Ill think about it, I smiled.
But, deep down, I already knew my answer.
