Oh, Mum, youre frying fish again, said Emily as she peered into the kitchen.
Its almost as if Ive opened every window and turned the extractor fan on, Margaret replied, shaking her head.
For the past four months, since her daughter moved back in, Margaret has found herself apologising throughout the daydinner was too salty, laundry folded in the wrong place, or perhaps the television in Emilys room was blaring just a little too loud.
Margaret didnt even notice how shed started tiptoeing around her own home. She tried to do everything quietly and discreetly so as not to disturb her daughter and son-in-law. At first, it all seemed quite normal…
After the wedding, Emily and her husband decided to get their own place. They started renting a flat and popped round to visit Margaret on weekends. It was understandable; they both had busy jobs and their own lives.
One day, Margaret felt unwell. The neighbours called for an ambulance, and Emily arrived within minutes. Once Margaret was discharged from hospital, Emily told her with a smile, Weve got a surprise for you, Mum. I think youll really like it. Youll see it when you get home.
Margaret stepped into her flat and immediately tripped over a pile of bags in the hallway.
We talked it over and decided well live with you from now on. Well look after you, Emily announced.
Margaret was stunned by their decision. At first, Emily was truly attentive. She cleaned, cooked, and ironed Margarets clothes. But after two months, Emily started to forget why shed moved back in. Margaret recovered, and soon began doing everything herself again. So, while Emily and her husband were at work, Margaret did the cooking and cleaning. Emily often told her mum to take care of herself, but Margaret insisted she felt perfectly well.
Emily and her husband quickly realised the perks of living in Margarets house. There was no rent to pay and everything was clean and ready.
Mum, Emily said one evening, weve got some friends coming over tonight. Why dont you pop round to Mrs. Hughess and have a cup of tea? Well have a better time, and you wont feel left out.
Margaret didnt fancy going out in the evening, especially as her neighbour liked an early bedtime. As it was warm outside, she decided to stroll around the block for some fresh air instead. Time ticked by but the guests never seemed in a hurry to leave. Margaret wanted to lie down and rest, but she waited for Emily to ring and invite her back in.
A neighbour, Mr. Brown, came out with his dog, and half an hour later returned to find Margaret still sitting on a bench.
Are you all right? he asked kindly.
Yes, Im fine. My daughters got friends over and I dont want to disturb them, Margaret replied.
You probably remember me; Im on the ground floor, he said.
Yes, I remember.
Theyd crossed paths many times, but only exchanged greetings. Franks wife had passed away recently, and his children lived elsewhere.
Why dont you come inside for some tea? Im late to bed these days. And its getting chilly, Frank suggested. Ring your daughter and tell her youll be staying with me for a bit.
Margaret dialled Emily but got no answer. It seemed Emily was quite wrapped up in her own evening.
All right, lets go then, Margaret agreed.
They drank tea and chatted together. Suddenly, Emily called Margaret.
Mum, where are you? The guests left ages ago. Were off to bed and youre still not home.
Emilys voice was dissatisfied once again and Margaret struggled to see where shed gone wrong this time. She started to get ready to head home and Frank walked her out.
Its not like I have two flights of stairs to climb, Margaret joked.
Ill walk you, it makes me feel better, Frank replied.
Since then, Margaret regularly visits Frank. They share tea or cook dinner together.
Sometimes, Frank would prepare his own dish, using his special recipe. One day, Margaret was at Franks flat again. It was her son-in-laws birthday and Emily had guests at home.
Your place is so calm and quiet, Margaret remarked.
And you could stay with me as long as you like, Frank offered. He looked at her in such a way that Margaret immediately knew he meant it.
Ill have to think about it, Margaret replied with a smileeven though she already knew her answer.
