Antonia Peterson walked through the rain in tears, her sobs hidden by the downpour—at least the rain keeps my sorrow private, she thought. She blamed herself for arriving at the wrong moment, an unwelcome guest; she cried and then burst out laughing, remembering that joke where a son-in-law asks, “So, Mum, you won’t even stay for a cup of tea?” Now, she found herself living out that “mum’s” predicament—laughing and crying all at once. Returning home, she stripped off her wet clothes and curled under a blanket, finally allowed to weep openly, with only her goldfish in the round aquarium to hear her pain. Once, Antonia was admired by many men, yet things never worked out with Nikita’s father. His drinking worsened—first tolerable, then jealous and violent, even beating her in front of their child. Little Nikita described it all vividly to his grandparents; Antonia’s mother sobbed, while her father calmly sent the now ex-son-in-law flying down the stairs (with a broken arm as souvenir), vowing to protect his daughter no matter the cost. Her husband vanished, and Antonia devoted herself to raising her son, wary of new relationships despite many suitors. She built a comfortable life as a catering manager, gradually saving for a flat, and when Nikita decided to marry lovely Anastasia, Antonia gave the newlyweds the new apartment and even paid for their wedding. She continued saving for a car, reasoning that a growing family needed better than their old banger. Today, Antonia hadn’t planned to visit her son, but caught in a rainstorm near their home, she popped by hoping to wait out the weather and share a cup of tea with Anastasia. However, her daughter-in-law, surprised by the visit, coldly asked, “Is there something you want, Mrs Peterson?” Unwelcome, Antonia left tearfully. That night, she dreamt of her goldfish, grown huge and speaking: “Cry all you want, but they couldn’t even offer you tea in the rain! Why keep saving for their car? Why live only for them? You’re clever, beautiful, and independent—go live for yourself, head for the seaside!” Awakening, she understood: don’t sacrifice yourself for the ungrateful. She took her savings and booked a seaside holiday, returning rejuvenated, tanned, and transformed. Her son and daughter-in-law were none the wiser, only contacting her when they needed money or childcare. Antonia stopped avoiding men, and soon caught the eye of her restaurant’s charming manager; life sweetened, and their relationship blossomed. One day, Anastasia dropped by, hinting about a new car and asking why Antonia hadn’t called or visited. Hands crossed, Antonia replied, “Was there something you wanted, Anastasia?”—just as her new suitor appeared, inviting Antonia to tea and suggesting they welcome their guest. “No, Anastasia’s just leaving. She doesn’t drink tea, do you, Anastasia?” With a laugh, Antonia shut the door and winked at her goldfish. That’s how things are now!

Author Walton MerrittReading 6 minViews 2

Antonia Peterson was walking through the rain and crying. Tears streamed down her cheeks, blending with the raindrops.
At least the rain is pouring, she thought, no one can see my tears.
She also mused, Its my own fault. Turned up at the wrong time. An uninvited guest.
So she walked and cried. Sometimes tears turned into laughter as she remembered that old jokea son-in-law asking his mother-in-law, So, Mum, not even a cuppa for you today?
Now, she found herself in that ridiculous Mums shoes.
She laughed and wept, wept and laughed.
When she finally made it home, Antonia pulled off her wet clothes and wrapped herself in a tartan blanket. Then the tears came freely. Not a soul cared or noticedexcept for her golden fish, circling endlessly in its round aquarium. Only the fish saw her sorrow.
Antonia Peterson had once been considered quite the catch, popular with men and always turning heads. But things hadnt worked out with the father of her son, Nicholas. He drank too much. At first, it was manageablehed have a few, then fall asleep. But eventually, jealousy crept in. At everyone. The old man who asked directions, the butcher behind the counter, the neighbour with the walking stick, even her friends.
One day, after shed smiled at a neighbour, he became truly unhinged.
He beat her carefully, deliberately. Right on the kidneys, all in front of their small boy.
Nicholas described everything in vivid detail to Antonias parents. Her mother sobbed,
Is this what I raised my daughter forso some drunken brute could thrash her?
Her father, silent, simply slipped on his coat and left. He found the son-in-law he now considered former and threw him off the fourth floor landinghe even managed to break his arm during the fall.
Shaking his fist after him, her father warned, If I see you near my daughter again, Ill finish you off. Ill go to prison if I must, but youll never ruin my Tonis life again.
Her husband vanished for good after that, and Toni never remarried. She was dedicated to raising her sonwho knew what kind of husband fate would deal her next?
Many men tried to court her, but she always kept her distance. Shed had enough of Nicholass father.
Antonia had no major financial issues. Her career as a catering manager provided stability, and she worked at a cosy little restaurant. She scraped by happily, even managed to put savings aside for a flat.
When the sum was finally enough, Nicholas announced his wedding plans. The girl was lovely, with the sweet English name Annabelle.
Antonia was left with her small council flat, but she threw her children a beautiful wedding and gave them her new two-bedroom apartment. Of courseafter all, they were starting a family and needed it more.
Now she was even saving up for a new car for the kids. How long could they get by driving that battered old Ford Fiesta?
She hadnt planned to visit her son that dayAntonia wasnt in the habit of imposing herself on her grown children. But she happened to be passing close by amid a torrential downpour. With not so much as an umbrella, and the rain so heavy an umbrella wouldnt help, she decided to dash in to wait out the storm, perhaps gossip with Annabelle over a warm cup of tea.
Annabelle answered the door with a surprised look, not even inviting her in. Standing cold in the entrance hall, she asked curtly, Mrs Peterson, did you want something?
Caught off guard, Antonia tried to explain herself,
Just its the rain
Its finished now. You live nearby, youll manage, Annabelle replied, glancing at the window and crossing her arms.
Yes, yesof course, Antonia agreed quietly, her face wet with tears as she stepped back into the rain.
She continued to cry all the way home. Later, drifting off to sleep, she dreamed of her golden fish.
The fish suddenly grew large, silently mouthing words that only Antonia could understand.
Crying, are you? Silly woman! No one even offered you tea in the rain! And just who are you saving all your money for? Will you spend your life working for their comforts? Look at you! Youre clever and charming. You actually have a bit put aside! So why save for their car? They dont appreciate it. Pack a bag and go to the seaside. Live for yourself, just once.
Antonia woke in the dark, watching the fish swirl through its tank, still opening and closing its mouth. But the fish language was gone; yet the message remained clear.
Never give yourself away to ungrateful people. Especially the brazen sorts who wont even offer you a cuppa or let you wait for the rain to clear.
So Antonia took that money shed set aside for the kids car, booked herself a seaside holiday, and went off for a well-deserved break. She returned refreshed, tanned, and glowing.
Nicholas and Annabelle never noticedafter all, they only called when they needed something: a favour, a babysitter, or a little cash.
Antonia also stopped avoiding men, and soon caught the eye of a very interesting gentlemanAndrew, the manager at her restaurant.
Hed admired her for ages, but Antonia always seemed too wrapped up in Nicholas and Annabelle. Now, everything changed. They started spending their days together, at work and at home, and life felt new again.
One afternoon, Annabelle called round,
Why dont you ever visit, Mrs Peterson? Or call? Nicholas has found a great carhint hint!
Antonia, arms folded, finally asked, Annabelle, was there something you needed?
Annabelle opened her mouth but was interrupted by Andrew, who emerged from the sitting room,
Toni, love, shall we have that cup of tea now?
Definitely! Antonia smiled.
And invite your guest, darling, Andrew suggested, always the gentleman.
No, Annabelle wont be staying. She doesnt drink tea, do you Annabelle?
Antonia closed the door behind her daughter-in-law, chuckled, and winked at the golden fish.
Thats the thingif you dont look after yourself, no one will. Its up to you to choose when to serve tea and to whom.

The Promise Dennis confidently steered the car down the motorway, his friend Cyril sitting beside him as they returned from a business trip to a neighbouring city, sent by their boss for a two-day assignment. “Cyril, we handled everything brilliantly, and landed a massive contract—our boss will be thrilled,” Dennis beamed. “Definitely, mate, we got lucky,” Cyril agreed. They worked together in the same office. “It’s great coming home when someone’s waiting for you,” Dennis said. “My Aria’s pregnant and suffering morning sickness. I feel awful for her, but we really wanted a baby—she says she’ll endure anything for our child.” “Having a baby is wonderful. Marina and I haven’t had any luck—she can’t carry to term. We’re trying IVF again—the first go didn’t work out,” Cyril confided. He’d been married to Marina for seven years and longed for a child. Dennis had married late, at thirty-two, after a few relationships that hadn’t meant much—until he met Aria and fell head over heels. For him, there was no one else. When Dennis introduced Cyril to Aria, and Cyril stood as best man at their wedding, he’d felt a twinge of envy. Aria was beautiful and gentle—the sort you fall for instantly. Light autumn rain speckled the windscreen, the wipers clearing it now and then while the friends chatted. Dennis’s phone rang; he picked up. “Hi, Aria, yes, we’re on our way—should be home in a couple of hours. How are you feeling? Still sick? Take it easy, don’t lift anything; I’ll do it all when I get home. Love you, see you soon.” Cyril listened, picturing Aria waiting anxiously for Dennis, and thought about Marina—how she never called, never worried about him, convinced he was devoted to her. She was nothing like Aria; everything in her life was organised—work, home. Suddenly Dennis swerved; a van hurtled towards them. The crash was unavoidable, but at the last second they hit a post on Dennis’s side, spinning off the road. Cyril came to with blood on his arm and a throbbing head. The car was upright, his door open. He saw Dennis—motionless. People rushed over, cars stopped. Cyril lay on the wet grass, aching and disoriented, waiting for an ambulance. Dennis was stretchered away, and as Cyril leaned over, Dennis whispered: “Take care of Aria…” They were taken to hospital. Cyril’s arm was broken, with a severe concussion, but he was conscious, constantly asking the doctors: “How’s Dennis? My friend, is he alright?” Eventually a nurse told him: “Dennis didn’t make it…” Cyril was devastated. He couldn’t attend the funeral, but Marina did, telling him how Aria wept, unable to believe her husband was gone, barely able to stand by his coffin. After his discharge, Cyril and Marina visited Dennis’s grave. Standing in silence, Cyril promised: “Don’t worry, my friend. I’ll look after your wife, as you asked…” Two days later, Cyril called at Aria’s door. Seeing him, she broke down. “How do I live without him? I can’t accept he’s gone.” “Aria, I promised Dennis I’d help you. We’ll get through this together. Call me whenever you need anything—I’ll visit you.” Time passed. Aria recovered a little, terrified her pregnancy might end from grief, as the doctor warned. Cyril visited twice a week—bringing groceries, vitamins, driving her to appointments. Aria never took advantage; only asked if truly necessary. “Cyril, I hate taking up so much of your time.” “It’s no trouble—I promised Dennis.” Cyril felt conflicted—Aria was his dream woman, yet the situation unsettled him. While Aria battled illness, Cyril and Marina faced yet another round of tests and disappointment—childlessness their constant heartache. Marina didn’t know Cyril helped Aria—he’d saved her number in his phone as “Charity,” just in case. After their second unsuccessful attempt, tension built between Cyril and Marina. She blamed Cyril, while he grew indifferent. Marina noticed his behaviour shift—he was distracted, irritable, often out for mysterious errands. Infidelity seemed unlikely; their marriage was untroubled physically. Cyril knew things weren’t right at home, though work flourished. He returned to a project initiated with Dennis, successfully completed and landed another big contract. As Aria’s pregnancy progressed, she grew more helpless. Her parents lived far away in northern Britain; she was alone in the city, plagued by headaches and swollen feet, but rarely complained to Cyril. Once, arriving with groceries, Cyril found her on a stepladder, hanging new curtains. “I’ve just cleaned the window—putting up curtains,” she said cheerily. “Get down, now,” Cyril barked, eyeing her pregnant belly, “If you fall, it’s no joke.” He helped her down, feeling a shudder run through him as they stood close. “Thanks, Cyril,” she said, dashing off as nausea struck. Cyril wiped sweat from his brow, thinking, “Can Dennis see me from wherever he is? This is what he asked.” Later, Aria suggested, “Dennis, would you help me set up the nursery? I found the perfect wallpaper.” Cyril couldn’t let pregnant Aria tackle it alone—so they decorated together (with Aria mostly supporting and providing moral support). Meanwhile, Cyril was torn—between his despondent wife, always talking about infertility, and Aria, now nearing her due date. Marina sensed she needed to stay busy to preserve the marriage and dove into her work, writing for magazines. When she was invited to write a regular column for a prestigious publication, she gladly accepted—her fee was substantial. She returned home delighted, loaded with treats and a couple bottles of wine. “Wow, what’s all this? Are we celebrating?” Cyril asked, arriving home. “Yes, I landed a great contract—let’s celebrate! I’ve waited ages for this.” She laid out snacks; they watched their favourite film and sipped wine. Suddenly Cyril’s phone rang. Peeking over his shoulder, Marina read “Charity” on the screen. Cyril hurried to the kitchen. “What’s happened?” he asked quietly. “Cyril, sorry, but I think I’m in labour… The ambulance is on the way.” “But it’s too early.” “Seven months is possible,” she said, voice tight with pain. “I’ll come to the hospital,” Cyril said. He dressed quickly, Marina watching him anxiously. “You’re leaving?” “Yes,” he fumbled for an excuse, “The boss called about charity—needs me urgently. I’ll explain later. Please believe me…” But Marina was suspicious. “Charity? Bosses don’t call about charity at this hour. Cyril’s lying.” Cyril raced to the hospital, found Aria already admitted. He waited two hours before the nurse told him Aria had delivered a baby boy. Relieved, he returned home, drained and worried. Marina was awake, scrutinising Cyril’s exhausted face. “Your ‘charity work’ has worn you out,” she remarked caustically. Cyril slumped onto the sofa, still in his coat. “Yes, Marina. Yes… Aria had her son tonight. I promised Dennis I’d help her. She’s completely alone,” he confessed. “I see… It all makes sense now,” Marina sighed. “So now you’ll be helping Aria with her newborn too, right?” “Yes,” Cyril replied sincerely. “Well then… you know me, Cyril. I won’t put up with you spending your time on someone else’s child—especially when we can’t have one of our own and likely never will. I’m filing for divorce, and you can do as you like. Maybe I’ll meet someone else and get pregnant.” Cyril met her gaze in surprise—she still blamed him for their infertility. “Your choice, Marina. I won’t argue. I must help Aria and the baby.” Time passed. Marina filed for divorce. Cyril moved in with Aria to support her and baby Danny. In time, they married, and two years later a daughter was born. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and for your support. Wishing you all the best in life!

Became the Housemaid When Alice decided to remarry, her son and daughter-in-law were shocked by the news and struggled with how to respond. — Are you sure you want such a drastic change at your age? — asked Kate, glancing at her husband. — Mum, why are you making such a rash decision? — fretted Russell. — You’ve spent most of your life raising me, but marrying now just seems foolish. — You’re young, that’s why you think this way, — replied Alice calmly. — I’m sixty-three, and no one knows how much time we have left. I have every right to spend my remaining years with someone I love. — Then don’t rush into signing the papers, — Russell tried to reason with his mother. — You hardly know this George, and you’re already preparing to change your life. — At our age, there’s no sense in waiting and wasting time, — Alice reasoned. — What more do I need to know? He’s two years older, lives with his daughter and her family in a three-bedroom, gets a good pension, and owns a garden allotment. — Where are you going to live? — Russell didn’t understand. — We’re living together, and there just isn’t room for another person here. — Don’t worry, George isn’t after our square footage, so I’ll move in with him, — Alice explained. — The flat is spacious, I’ve got on well with his daughter, everyone’s an adult, so there should be no reason for arguments or drama. Russell worried, Kate tried to help him see his mother’s side. — Maybe we’re just selfish? — she wondered. — Of course, it’s convenient having your mum help out and look after Kira, but she has every right to live her own life. Now that she has this chance, we shouldn’t stand in her way. — It would be fine if they just lived together, but why get married? — Russell didn’t get it. — The thought of a bride in white and cheesy games at the wedding is just too much. — They’re old-school, maybe marriage makes them feel more secure, — Kate tried to rationalize. And so Alice married George, whom she’d met by chance in the street, and soon moved into his apartment. At first, everything seemed fine—the family accepted her, her husband was kind, and Alice believed she’d finally earned happiness and could simply enjoy every day. But soon enough, the reality of living with her new family began to show. — Would you mind cooking a roast for dinner? — asked Ina. — I’d do it myself, but work’s been manic and I don’t have time, but you’ve got plenty of free hours. Alice picked up on the hint and took over not just cooking, but the shopping, cleaning, laundry, and even trips out to the allotment. — Now we’re married, the garden is our shared responsibility, — said George. — My daughter and her husband are too busy, the granddaughter’s still young, so we’ll have to take care of everything ourselves. Alice didn’t argue—she actually liked being a part of a big, supportive family built on helping each other. With her first husband, she’d never known such happiness—he was lazy and sly, and eventually ran off when Russell was ten. Twenty years had passed since and she never heard from him again. Now, everything felt right, so the chores weren’t a burden and any tiredness brought no resentment. — Mum, you’re not exactly up for garden work, are you? — Russell tried to have his say. — After every trip, your blood pressure must be shot—do you really need that? — Of course I do, I enjoy it, — Alice reasoned as a pensioner. — George and I will grow plenty of veg to share around—there’ll be enough for everyone. But Russell wasn’t convinced. For months, they hadn’t even been invited round for a cup of tea to meet the family. Russell and Kate had invited George to their home, but he always found excuses—a lack of time or energy—and eventually, they stopped asking, accepting the fact that this new extended family wasn’t interested in building ties. The only thing Russell and Kate wanted was for Alice to be happy and well. At first, she was, so the chores and errands seemed joyful. Only their number kept growing, and it became a bit much. On arrival at the allotment, George would complain of a bad back or of chest pain. His considerate wife would tuck him up to rest while she hauled branches, raked leaves, and emptied the rubbish. — Soup again? — George’s son-in-law, Anthony, grimaced. — We had it yesterday too; I thought you’d make something different today. — I didn’t have time to cook, or get to the shops, — Alice apologised. — I spent all day washing curtains and rehanging them; I was so worn out I had to have a lie down. — I get it, but I can’t stand soup, — Anthony pushed his plate aside. — Tomorrow Alice will make us a proper feast, — George pitched in straight away. And the next day, Alice spent all day in the kitchen, and everything was eaten in half an hour. Then, she cleaned up, and so it went on. Soon, the daughter and son-in-law found fault with every little thing, and George would take their side, painting his wife as the one to blame. — But I’m not a girl anymore, I get tired, and I don’t see why I should do everything on my own! — Alice protested after another round of complaints. — You’re my wife, so it’s your job to keep this house in order, — George reminded her. — As your wife, I should have rights, not just obligations, — Alice cried. Later, she calmed down and returned to her usual cheery self, trying to please everyone and keep the mood up at home. But one day, she snapped. That day, Ina and her husband were off to visit friends, and planned to leave their daughter with Alice. — Let the little one stay with her grandad or go out with you, because I’m visiting my own granddaughter today, — Alice said. — Why should we fit around you?! — snapped Ina. — You don’t have to, but I don’t owe you, either, — Alice reminded her. — My granddaughter’s birthday is today; I told you on Tuesday. Not only was this ignored, but you now want to keep me at home as well. — This isn’t right, honestly, — George blushed with irritation. — Ina’s plans will fall apart, and your granddaughter is so young, nothing will happen if you wish her happy birthday tomorrow. — Nothing will happen if the three of us visit my family now, or if you stay with your granddaughter while I’m out, — Alice stood her ground. — I knew marrying you would come to no good, — Ina said with spite. — She’s mediocre at cooking, slack with cleaning, and only ever thinks of herself. — After all I’ve done here these past months, you really think that? — Alice asked George. — Be honest, did you want a wife or just live-in help for every whim? — You’re being unfair, and trying to put me in the wrong, — George stuttered. — Don’t start a row out of nowhere. — I asked a simple question and I’m entitled to an answer, — Alice insisted. — If that’s how you’re going to talk, do as you please, but in my house, that attitude towards your duties just won’t do, — George pronounced proudly. — In that case, I quit, — said Alice, and went to pack her things. — Will you take your hopeless old gran back? — she lugged her bag and her granddaughter’s present. — Gave marriage a go, came back home, don’t ask me about it for now, just tell me: will you have me or not? — Of course, — her son and daughter-in-law rushed to greet her. — Your room’s ready and we’re happy you’re back. — You’re happy just like that? — she tried to hear those cherished words. — Why else do people rejoice when family comes home? — Kate wondered. At that moment, Alice was sure she was not the maid. She helped about the house and looked after her granddaughter, but her son and daughter-in-law had never taken advantage or treated her as a servant. Here, she was truly just a mum, a grandmother, a mother-in-law, and a beloved member of the family—not the help. Alice moved home for good, filed for divorce herself, and tried her best to put the whole experience behind her.