It was already evening. My son-in-law brought his mother-in-law home. He set her two bags down in the hallway and went in to find Emily. The moment Emily saw her mother, she was completely crestfallen. So now Im meant to take care of you for the rest of my life? I suppose you wont be wanting to return to your own village anytime soon…
Not long ago, Id heard the story of an old friend of mine who had treated her elderly mother rather poorly. Thankfully, it all ended wellthe son-in-law took responsibility and arranged for the mother-in-law to stay in a good private care home, well looked after and everything paid for in pounds. But at that point, Emily hadnt a clue about any of this; she only found out after her mother was discharged.
Emilys husband brought her mother back and explained to his wife, Your mums on the mend now, Ive bought her everything she needs, but shell need a bit of keeping an eye on for a while. So shell stay with us for now. You dont mind, do you?
Really, it ought to have been Emily asking that question of him, seeing as it was her mother, after all. But rather than thank her husband for stepping up, Emily flew into a strange and rather perplexing fit: Mum, Ive just moved to London, started to sort my life outand now you turn up! And you want to live under the same roof with me here? Am I supposed to look after you for the rest of my days, and youll never think of going back to your village?
Naturally, her mother, already retired, was greatly distressed by Emilys words, but the one left most astonished was Emilys husband.
It was as if his wife revealed her true character at last, showed him a side hed never seen beforenot the young woman hed thought he married. This left the poor mother-in-law to start fussing with her bags, preparing to return home at once, while Emily, stung and out of sorts, slammed the door and rushed off to stay with a friend. When she finally got in late at night, she found her own suitcases packed and a train ticket laid out for her. Not understanding a thing, she turned to her husband and asked:
Why, mum hasnt left, has she? Or are you going somewhere?
No, those are your things and your ticket, he replied. Perhaps its best we try living apart for now. Ive wanted a family for a long time, but today I realised Im not ready to have my children raised by a mother like this. Think about what youre doing. Spend some time in your mums home back in the villageshell stay here with me for now. If you come to your senses, youre welcome to return.
Emily never imagined her husband would make such a decision.
