One fine day, my mate James decided to tie the knot. Married for love, of course. His bride, Emily, was lovelysmart, independent, and working as an accountant at a big firm, earning good money.
James didnt want to fall short either. He took on extra jobs, clocking in long hours to pay off the mortgage on their flat faster.
Theyd saved up, got a loan, and even had a bit of help from family. The place was bought quick, renovated in a sleek modern style, and decorated just right. Youd think itd be all sunshine and roses from there.
But happiness didnt exactly move in. Emily struggled with houseworkeither she couldnt manage hoovering, dusting, or getting dinner ready on time, or she just didnt fancy it. Said she was knackered from work and came home late. Fair enough, but James wasnt lounging about eitherhe was putting in the hours too.
Soon, the bickering started over who did more at home. The first six months were spent in daily battles, the flat cluttered with laundry and stacks of dishes. Neither could bring themselves to admit the real reason to their familiesboth were too embarrassed.
Then one weekend, James went fishing with his father-in-law, Robert. Both were mad about angling, which is why they got on so well. That night, by the campfire with a pint in hand, James spilled the beans to Roberton the condition he wouldnt say a word, especially to his mother-in-law.
Robert swore secrecy but dropped a cryptic hint: their home would never have peace until they welcomed a “house guardian.”
“Got just the thing in mind,” Robert said. “Give me a bit, and Ill convince it to move in with you.”
James thought the old man had lost the plot but kept quiet.
The next week, Robert showed up at their door with a kitten. James was fumingwhat good was that? More mess! But Robert pulled him aside for a smoke on the balcony and reminded him about the “guardian.” Said hed brought it along with the cat, and things would sort themselves now. Just one rule: be kind to the little thing.
Turns out, James adored the cat straight off. Tiny and affectionate, she latched onto him, following him everywhere, begging for cuddles. Only once did he have to clean up a little “accident” she left on the floorbut that was it.
Next day, James came home to a spotless flat. No laundry strewn about, and Emily was whipping up a proper roast!
Suddenly, James was in the mood to finally put up that shelf in the loo hed been putting off for ages.
The day after, he found Emily hoovering the rugs. Well, he chipped in tootook out the bins and nipped up the shop for bread, even grabbing a bottle of wine while he was at it. Dinner felt like a celebration. Couldnt remember the last time theyd done that.
The whole week was like that. Like joy had moved back in. Then, Sunday night, Emily said:
“Dont bother popping home midday tomorrow. Got the cat litter set up in the loo.”
“For what?”
“Your little mate. I know youve been sneaking home during work to tidy up. But dont worryIve got it handled now.”
James was gobsmacked. He hadnt been home at all. Thought it was Emily doing the cleaning. Turned out shed been embarrassed to sit idle in a tidy house.
Next day, he ducked out early to investigate. Pretended to leave, doubled back, and hid with his phone at the ready.
Around lunch, the door clicked open. The cat bolted to the entrance, mewing happily. Then, a soft voice:
“Oh, Whiskers, missed you! Brought fresh milk and a treat. Looks like youve got the litter box sorted”
The bedroom door swung open. There stood Robertstaring right at James.
“So, this is your house guardian, eh, Dad?”
Robert flushed.
“Well, I gave you the cat. Only fair I help look after her, at least at first.”
“Howd you even get a key?”
“Swiped it off your ring when we went fishing, had a copy made, slipped it back the next day”
Three years on, James and Emily are still happyeven have a little one now. And to this day, no ones quite sure who the real “house guardian” ever was
