Natalie arrived home from work at 8 oclock in the evening. With a weary sigh, she pushed open the door and was instantly met by the sound of a child wailing.
Groaning, she trudged into the lounge where her daughter and son-in-law were sprawled out watching television. The entire flat looked as though a hurricane had ripped through it.
Childrens toys were scattered across the sofa, the bed, and the floor. Sweet wrappers, chicken bones, empty lemonade bottles, and apple peel were piled on the table.
A stained shirt hung over the back of an armchair, while a used nappy sat carelessly dumped on a dining chair.
The room was stifling, the air thick with an unpleasant smell. This chaos sent Natalie, already exhausted, spiralling into despair.
Her one-year-old granddaughter, spotting her grandmother, ran over with a squeal of delight, flinging herself into her arms.
Natalie threw open a window, letting the fresh air drift into the sitting room, before heading into the kitchen.
What she found there was equally demoralising: dirty dishes heaped in the sink, crumbs and spilled tea sitting on the table, and underneath it, the shattered remains of her treasured mugone her late husband had given her. Burnt fish cakes sat abandoned in a frying pan, and the fridge was hauntingly empty.
Suddenly, her daughter Emma swooped into the kitchen, planting a quick kiss on Natalies cheek.
Evening, Mum! Now youre back, were off out. Im just getting ready. I fed Millie an hour ago.
Hold on, Emma. Where are you two off to? Natalie asked, surprised.
What do you mean? replied Emma, equally startled, Jack and I are going outa film first, then maybe a pub. Oh, could you lend us some money, Mum? We havent quite enough.
Jacks voice floated in from the living room:
Mrs. Parker, any chance you could make that lovely leek and potato soup for tomorrow? I saw some bloke scarfing it down on the telly today. Been craving it ever since! Maybe a nice spring salad too. And did you get coffee? I cant do without a cup these days!
What about me? Natalie stammered, eyeing her daughter anxiously, Ive been at work all day and havent even stopped for lunch. Im shattered, I need a rest. Why dont you take Millie with you?
Mum, we cant! Parents need a break now and then. Jack and I have been going through a rough patch, you know. The therapist says we need to spend more time together, just the two of us. You havent seen your granddaughter all day, shes missed you too. Youll have a lovely evening. We wont be gone long. Love you, Mum!
Natalie barely had time to respond before Emma darted out of the kitchen. Minutes later, the couple was gone and their toddler, Millie, was left in Natalies care.
Stunned, Natalie felt tears prickling at her eyes, overwhelmed by exhaustion and hurt. She felt like an unpaid servant in her own homea bottomless wallet and a provider of comfort, nothing more.
Her head pounded. All she wanted was a quiet moment to rest, but little Millie had other plans for her gran.
There was dinner to sort out as shed had nothing all day, and the whole flat needed a good tidy-up.
Natalie collapsed onto a chair, the weight of it all too much. She wept quietly, drained and helpless.
*
Emma and Jack had been living in her two-bedroom London flat for a couple of years now. Before they moved in, Natalies life had been peaceful and orderly.
Theyd been renting a small place on the outskirts of town until, for reasons unclear, their landlord had suddenly evicted them. With nowhere else to go, theyd moved in with her.
When Emma asked if they could stay for just a few months, Natalie had reluctantly agreed. Theyd promised to move out as soon as they found somewhere, but there was always a reasona flat was too expensive, too far from work, or in too poor a condition.
Then Jack had lost his job at a modest sales firm. Emma said hed been stitched up by a colleague, but assured Natalie hed find something soon.
But searching for work wasnt Jacks priority. Day after day he sat watching the telly or playing games on the computer.
The family survived on Emmas modest salary, but everything changed when she discovered she was expecting. Her pregnancy was difficult: expensive medicine, regular appointmentsall of it paid for by Natalie, who worked as an NHS physiotherapist.
Money was desperately tight, but Emma and Jack bought no groceries, though they insisted on gourmet meals, fresh fruit, and cakes for tea. They never contributed to the bills or household expensesNatalie bore it all.
She saw clearly that the pair were taking advantage of her kindness with no intention of leaving, but she couldnt bring herself to say anything. She was terrified that, if she upset her only daughter, Emma would cut her out of her lifeespecially now, in her condition.
How could she possibly throw her pregnant daughter out on the street? So she gritted her teeth, took extra shifts at a private clinic, and simply got on with life.
*
There was a knock at the door. Natalie wiped her tears away and went to see who it was.
On the landing stood her friend, Helen, whod turned up unannounced.
Natalie hesitated, mortified by the mess in her flat, but there was nothing for it; she let her in.
She forced a smile, greeted her old friend, and ushered her into the kitchen. Helen had known Natalie for years and was well aware of the situation with Emma and Jack.
Helen had advised her many times to put her foot down and get rid of both of them, but Natalie had never managed it.
Helen said nothing. Instead, she opened the fridge, took out some eggs and milk, washed a frying pan, and set about making Natalie an omelette.
While Helen cooked, Millie dozed off in Natalies lap. Gently, she carried her granddaughter to her parents bedroom and tucked her in, returning to find the omelette ready and waiting.
Natalie gazed gratefully at her friendthe only person who seemed to truly understand and support her.
Come on, eat up, Helen said quietly, sitting beside her. Youve barely eaten, I can tell. You look gaunt. You have to look after yourself, Nat. Your daughter and her husband are bleeding you dry, and it has to stop. Do you understand?
But how can I do that? Natalie shrugged helplessly. Where would they go? Theyve got a small child. How could I be so heartless?
Theyre taking you for a mug, Helen insisted. Why should they bother finding a flat or job? Why pay for food, medicine, clothes, or bills, when they get it all free from you? Theyre spongers. You have to tell them to go, or I willand Ill be a lot less polite.
Natalie knew her friend was right. If she didnt find the courage to act, things would only get worse.
She promised to speak to Emma as soon as she returned. Helen helped her tidy up the kitchen, brewed her a soothing cup of tea, and massaged her aching shoulders and hands.
Helen refused to leave, determined to stand by her friend when the time came.
Emma and Jack got home at 11. Natalie and Helen were waiting in the lounge when they came in.
Evening, Auntie Helen, Emma muttered, glaring at her mothers friend, whom shed never liked.
Evening, Helen replied tersely, barely containing her feelings. Well, did you have a good night out? Back alreadycouldnt you have partied until breakfast?
Mum, were off to bed, Emma snapped, ignoring Helens dig, but Natalie stopped her.
Emma, call Jack and both of you sit down. We need to talk.
Alright replied Emma, bemused, and fetched her husband.
Mrs. Parker, is something wrong? Jack asked.
Yes, Natalie said firmly, summoning every bit of resolve. Its time for the two of you to start looking for your own flat. Im giving you a week to find somewhere. After that, you cant stay here. Thats final. Youre a young familyits time to live separately. Off you go.
Mum, you cant do this to us! Emma cried, looking stunned. Where will we go? Weve got no money. Im still on maternity leave. How are we meant to survive?
Youll figure it out, Natalie replied, her voice trembling but steady. Youre adults. You started your family, now its time to take responsibility. I cant shield you from life foreverthats not how the real world works. What if Im not here tomorrow? Emma, its time to take a long hard look at reality.
How could you? Emma exclaimed, indignant. What kind of mother are you? Ready to throw your own daughter and granddaughter out? Youre not my mum, youre a stepmother, thats what you are!
Emma, thats enough. Show some respect to your mother, Helen cut in, and go think very carefully about what shes said. I wont sit back and let you treat her this way.
This is all your fault! Jack yelled in anger, rounding on Helen. Youve poisoned her mind! Who asked you? You should mind your own business and go home!
The situation was on the verge of erupting when, fortunately, Millie began to cry from the next room.
Emma and Jack were forced to leave the lounge. Helen squeezed Natalies handletting her know she was not alone. Natalie gave her grateful glance.
A week later, Emma and Jack moved out. Natalie was branded an enemy in the eyes of her daughter.
All the good shed ever done was instantly forgotten. She became the selfish, cold-hearted mother. But deep down, Natalie understood shed done the right thing.
She could only hope that, in time, her daughter would calm down and rekindle their relationship.
Sometimes, even with your own children, you must teach them a harsh lessonotherwise, they may never learn to stand on their own two feet.
And one day, they will realise it was all for their own good. At least, Natalie allowed herself to believe so.
