My mum has this house out in the English countryside, just in the outskirts really. Every summer, its become a bit of a traditionshe gets us together and we head out there to do some sprucing up, dig around in the garden, that sort of thing. Recently, my husband put in a pool, can you believe? We even have a gazebo now! But since my brother got married, he hasnt come out once. His wife, Charlotte, was adamant about it. She made it clear: from now on, hes got his own prioritieswife, family, their interests come before anything else. If Mum needs something done, she should hire people.
Mum doesnt hold it against her, honestly, shes been trying to see where Charlottes coming from. This year, though, Mum pushed herself with work and skipped the summer at the cottage. She physically couldnt go, but she kept worrying about the garden, as no one was tending it.
Mum suggested to my brother that he plant something, but Charlotte persuaded him not to bother. My husband and I thought it would be nice to get some fresh air on the weekendsand Mum would rest easier if we just took care of things.
So, we bought some saplings and seedlings, gave the garden a good clean before planting, revived the flowerbeds, and even looked after the greenhouse. Sundays were for relaxing. We did everything just the way Mum wanted.
Last weekend, my husband and I went down to his parents’, so no one was at the cottage. Turns out, my brother and Charlotte showed up while we were away.
When we came back the following weekend, I was honestly stunned. Someone was actually living there. We knocked, no answer. Charlotte peered out the window and called out,
“Weve decided to let out our flat to save up for our holiday, so were staying here. You werent invited, so you might as well head off.”
I asked, “Does Mum know?” Charlotte replied, “Of course. Where do you think I got the keys?”
I rang Mum straight away. She said, “Yes, I gave your brother the keys. He told me hed be helping out.” I told her, “Mum, they’re not helpingtheyve just moved in. Charlotte wont let us in, doesnt do anything outside either.”
“What do you mean, theyre living there?” Mum asked. “Just thatthey let out their flat, moved in to save for a holiday,” I explained.
Mum said, “Well, if theyre looking after the garden, watering and keeping the weeds down, then fine, let them stay. But if notkick them out, no more cheating. They really know how to mess things up! Come autumn, they’ll show up and take all the apples and potatoes without lifting a finger. Let them know its their turn to take care of the place.”
So, I knocked again. Charlotte was fuming, “What now?” I told her what Mum decided. Charlotte snapped, “I’m not doing a thing here. Ive got a manicure booked! What am I, your servant? And if we grow anything, why would you think wed share? If you want, you can buy for yourself. But everything here will be ours.” Obviously, Id have to kick them out. They weren’t listening, so Mum had to step in herself. She told them to leave.
My brother wailed, “Where are we supposed to go? Our flats rented out!”
“Give them the money,” I suggested.
“No chance,” he said. “I spent it all on earrings for Charlotte. Its pointless selling them, pawn shops wouldnt even give half what theyre worth. So, what are we meant to do now?” Honestly, thats not my responsibility. I told him, “You couldve at least let Mum in on your plans. Its not nice moving in without askingreally cheeky.” Eventually, Charlotte and my brother left for her mums, cursing me all the way. “Well never come back here! Have it your way!”
But something tells me, come autumn, theyll be back with their sacks, ready for apples and spuds…
