My mother owns a house in the English countryside. Every summer, at Mums suggestion, we go there together: renovating, tending to the garden, keeping things in good order. Recently, my husband installed a swimming pool in the back. Theres even a lovely gazebo for afternoon tea. But since my brother married, hes stopped coming. His wife, Alice, wasnt keen at all.
Alice made it clear from the start now his priority was her, their family, and their interests above all else. If Mum needed anything, she should hire someone to help.
Mum didnt get upset; she tried to understand their point of view. This year, Mum worked too much and couldnt travel out to the cottage during summer. She worried about her plot because no one was taking care of it.
Mum asked my brother to plant something, but Alice talked him out of it. He refused to help. My husband and I thought it would be nice to get some fresh air out there ourselves. We could spend weekends at the cottage, and Mum would feel more at ease.
We bought some saplings and seedlings, prepared the soil, refreshed the flower beds, tended to the greenhouse, and followed Mums instructions to the letter. Sundays were for relaxing. We made sure everything was running smoothly.
Last weekend, my husband and I went to visit his parents, so no one was at the cottage. As it happened, my brother and Alice were there.
When we arrived the following weekend, we were taken aback someone was living in the house. We knocked, but no one answered. Alice peeked out through the window, saying:
We decided to rent our flat out to save for a holiday, so well live here instead. So off you go we didnt invite you.
Does Mum know about this? I asked. Of course she does! Where do you think we got the keys? Alice replied.
I phoned Mum. Yes, I gave your brother the keys. He said hed go help you, she said. Mum, theyre living here, not helping us. Alice isnt lifting a finger and wont let us in.
What do you mean, living there? Mum asked, worried. Theyre saving money for a holiday, so theyve moved into the cottage, I explained.
Well, if theyre looking after the garden, watering it and keeping away the weeds, let them stay. If not, tell them to leave. Theyre so tricky they know just how to take advantage! Theyll come autumn, harvest everything without doing a stitch of work. Tell them its their turn to care for the cottage now, Mum decided.
I knocked again. Alice glared. What is it? she snapped. I explained Mums decision. Im not about to do any work here. Ive got a manicure booked! And how am I supposed to be your slave? If anything grows here, what makes you think well share it? If you want it, you can buy it. Everything here is ours now.
Of course, wed have to turf them out. They wouldnt listen, so Mum had to speak to them herself. She told them to leave.
And where are we supposed to go? Our flats rented out, someone is already living there! my brother shouted.
Give them the money you got from renting, I suggested.
We cant. Alice spent it on earrings. We couldnt even get half the value back at a pawn shop. What are we supposed to do? Honestly, its not my problem. You should at least alert Mum about your plans. Its really rude, doing things without asking.
Alice and my brother left for her mothers place, cursing me as they went. Well never come back here! Youre on your own!
Still, I have a feeling theyll be back in autumn with sacks, ready to collect apples and potatoes
Sometimes, people forget that effort and respect are the foundation of family life. The only way to keep harmony is through understanding, clear communication, and sharing the burden not just the benefits.
