Lucy? came the voice of her mother-in-law. Lucy, who was on the phone at that very moment, flinched. There you are, in your usual spot, her mother-in-law announced, dissatisfaction heavy in her tone. Lucy continued her call, straining to keep her attention away. Chattering endlessly again, arent you? You ought to have prepared something for my son to eat by now, the older woman pressed on, her words falling like rain against stone.
Quiet, Lucy spoke into the phone. Just look at her! Fine then! With that, the mother-in-law swept outdoors. Lucy ended her conversation and released a heavy sigh that curled around her like fog. Weariness clung to her limbs. Just last year, Lucy and her husband had finally paid off their mortgage. It was a tiny flatone room onlybut the kitchen was roomy and sunlight spilled onto the balcony. For the first time, they could dream of having children. Lucy worked from home, though her husband understood it wasnt as simple as it appeared. But her mother-in-law would never see it that way.
Roberts parents lived out in the countryside, and the young couple visited seldom. Besides, their neighbour seemed set on expanding his own property, and had been trying ages to persuade them to sell up. Word spread that a flat just next to Roberts was up for sale. The mother-in-law, who had always resisted city life, abruptly changed course and sold the family cottage. Roberts father still worked, but his mother had only just retired. The village grew too quiet; here, Lucy would be her new companion. What the mother-in-law didnt realise was that Lucy worked at all hours, her day eaten away by urgent calls and ceaseless tasksnot just chats or idle scrolling online.
So, every morning, not long after Robert stepped out, the mother-in-law would materialise at their door. Lucy tried at first, patiently explaining, even Robert made attempts, but all fell on deaf ears. After days of relentless visiting, the elder woman was right there, pressing the bell or rapping on the wood with relentless ritual. One day, Lucy and Robert chose not to answer, letting the bell ring out over Lucys work. Then came shoutsthe mother-in-law threatening with the policeand only then did Lucy open the door.
Neither Lucy nor Robert could fathom how to escape the ceaseless intrusion, but they knew they couldnt carry on like this. Once, the mother-in-law even sulked in protest, although this only lasted a single day. By morning, she was back, brimming with advice and long stories. I cant bear it, Lucy muttered to Robert, she wont heed you, let alone me. I know, I do, Robert replied, shoulders slumped. But Im at a loss. My parents chose to swap the cottage for a flat. How could I have stopped them? Maybe if your mum had a hobby, something to do? Like what? Ive already searched every leaflet and noticeboard. Silence settled between them.
How much do we have saved? Robert asked suddenly. Lets see. Why? Lucy said, confusion etched across her face. Well, were in this one-room flat, and when theres a child Robert trailed off, hopeful, Well need more space. Shall we look for something bigger? A bigger place? In a different neighbourhood? Yeswhy wait? At last, Lucy flung herself at him in joyous relief. The prospect swept all shadows from her mind, so much so that even the next visit from her mother-in-law seemed to float past unnoticed. Two weeks on, they astonished their parents with the news: it was time to move.
What are you talking about? the mother-in-law exclaimed, slumping into a chair. Jolly good, children! But where will the grandchildren sleep now? Thats the point! Roberts father chimed in, eyes twinkling. Mum, pleasewere only moving to a different neighbourhood, not a different county! Robert ensured, gently. Youll have plenty of neighbours your own age, and well pop by for visits!
Strangely, as soon as they left, the mother-in-law found friends all on her own in the building, blending effortlessly into the new rhythm. Meanwhile, Lucy and Robert embarked on a fresh, dreamlike chapter of their lives, where each day felt just a little lighter, as if the past had been swept away by a warm English breeze.
