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.

Author Walton MerrittReading 8 minViews 4

Became a Housemaid

When Margaret announced she was planning to marry, her son and daughter-in-law were stunned by the news and uncertain how to respond.

Are you sure youre ready to turn your life upside down at your age? asked Emma, glancing at her husband.

Mum, why the sudden decision? Daniel was anxious. I get that youve been on your own for years and devoted most of your life to raising me, but getting married now seems daft.

You only think that because youre young, Margaret replied calmly. Im sixty-three, and none of us knows how long we have left. I have every right to spend my remaining years beside someone I love.

Well, dont rush into anything, Daniel tried to reason. Youve only known Edward for a few months. Isnt it too soon to change everything?

At our age, you shouldnt waste time, Margaret reasoned. Besides, what more do I need to know? Hes two years older, lives with his daughter and her family in a three-bedroom flat, gets a good pension, and has a cottage in the country.

And where will you live? Daniel asked, confused. We all live together, but theres just not enough room for another person.

Dont fret so much, Edward isnt after our living space. I’m moving in with him, Margaret explained. The flats spacious, I get on well with his daughter, everyones grown up, so theres no reason for conflict.

Daniel worried, and Emma tried to persuade him to understand his mothers choice.

Are we just being selfish? she pondered. Its been comfortable with your mum helping, especially looking after Sophie. But she deserves her own happiness. This chance has come, and we shouldnt stand in her way.

Its one thing to live together, but why get married? Do we really need a bride in white and a wedding reception? Daniel grumbled.

Theyre old school; maybe its more comforting and secure for them, Emma reasoned.

Eventually, Margaret married Edward. Theyd met by chance in town, and soon she moved into his flat. For a while everything seemed all righthis family accepted her, her husband was kind, and Margaret believed that, at last, shed earned her chance to be happy in her twilight years. She embraced each new day gratefully, until some of the realities of sharing a home unfolded.

Would you be able to make us a roast for dinner? asked Rachel, Edwards daughter. Id do it myself, but works been manic, and youve got the time.

Margaret caught the hint and took over cooking. With that came shopping for groceries, cleaning the flat, doing laundry, and even running errands to the cottage.

Now that were married, the cottage is our joint responsibility, Edward said. Rachel and her husband are too busy, and the granddaughter is little. Well manage it together.

Margaret wasnt one to quarrel. She enjoyed being part of a big, supportive family built on lending a hand. Her first marriage had never brought this joythe man was idle and sly, and eventually disappeared when Daniel turned ten. Twenty years had passed since then, and shed never learned his fate. Now everything felt right, and Margaret found her duties, though tiring, were bearable.

Mum, youre no gardener, Daniel would say. You come back worn out every time; do you really need it?

Of course I do! Besides, I like being outside, Margaret replied. Edward and I will grow a bumper crop at the cottage, enough to share with everyone.

Still, Daniel had doubts. Despite several months passing, they were never invited over to Edwards for even a cup of tea. Daniel and Emma had invited Edward round, but he always had something come up. Eventually, they stopped trying, accepting that the new relatives weren’t keen to build ties. All they wanted was the reassurance that Margaret was happy.

At first, Margaret was genuinely contentthe chores were just part of daily life. Yet, the list kept growing and started to wear on her. Whenever they visited the cottage, Edward would complain about his back or his heart, leaving Margaret to lug branches, rake leaves, and haul rubbish alone.

Bangers and mash again? moaned Anthony, Edwards son-in-law. We had this yesterday. I expected something different tonight.

I didnt have time to make anything else and couldnt get to the shops today, Margaret apologised. I spent hours washing all the curtains and rehanging them. I got so tired I needed to lie down.

Well, thats all very well, but I dont care much for this dish, Anthony grumbled.

Dont worry, Margie will spoil us with a proper feast tomorrow, Edward chimed in.

The next day, Margaret spent hours in the kitchen, only for the meal to be eaten in a flash. She cleaned up afterwards, a never-ending cycle. Rachel and her husband complained about everything now, and Edward started siding with them, acting like Margaret was always to blame.

I’m not young anymore, I get tired too, and I don’t see why I should do it all! Margaret protested after yet another round of criticism.

Youre my wife, so its your job to keep this place in order, Edward reminded her.

As your wife, I should have rights, not just endless duties! Margaret cried.

Eventually she calmed down and continued trying to please everyone, but one day she finally snapped. That day, Rachel and Anthony were heading out to visit friends and assumed Margaret would look after their daughter.

Let the little one stay with her granddad or come along with you, because today Im visiting my own granddaughter, Margaret declared.

Why should all our plans revolve around you? Rachel flared up.

They shouldnt, but Im not obliged to drop everything for you either, Margaret replied. My granddaughters birthdays todayI told you on Tuesday. Not only has everyone ignored that, now you expect me to stay home and miss it.

Well, thats not on! Edward said, his cheeks reddening. Rachels plans are ruined, and your granddaughter is so smallshe wont mind if you congratulate her tomorrow.

It wont matter if we all go visit my family now, or you stay home with your granddaughter until I return, Margaret said, standing her ground.

Knew it! Nothing good ever comes from your marriage, sneered Rachel. She cooks badly, the place is rarely tidy, and she only thinks of herself.

After all Ive done here these past months, you really think that? Margaret looked at Edward. Tell me honestly, were you seeking a wifeor a housemaid for all your whims?

Thats unfair! Youre making out Im the villain, Edward protested, blinking quickly. Dont start quarrelling for no reason.

Im asking a simple question and deserve an honest answer, Margaret pressed.

If youre so set on this, do what you wantbut in my house, duties come first, Edward said proudly.

In that case, I resign, Margaret stated, and went off to pack her things.

Will you take back your hopeless granny? she joked as she arrived at her sons, carrying a bag and the birthday present. Been married, come home again, dont ask questionsjust say yes or no.

Of course! Daniel and Emma rushed to her side. Your rooms waiting and were glad you’re back.

Are you glad just for the sake of it? she asked, wanting to hear the words she longed for.

Why else would you be happy to see family? Emma replied, confused.

Only then did Margaret realise she was not a servant. She helped out and cared for her granddaughter, but Daniel and Emma never took advantage or made unreasonable demands. She was truly mum, granny, and mother-in-lawa valued member, not hired help. Margaret returned home for good, filed for divorce herself, and did her best not to dwell on her unhappy experience.

And so Margaret learned that family is where youre appreciated, not exploited. True happiness isnt found in the roles youre given, but in the respect youre shown and the love you share.

The Homeless Stranger Nina had nowhere left to turn. With no roof over her head, she spent a few nights at the train station, unsure of her next move. Suddenly, she remembered her family’s old country cottage—more a dilapidated hut than a home, but surely better than the station benches. Boarding the commuter train, Nina pressed her face to the chilly window as waves of painful memories washed over her. Two years before, she had lost her parents, forced to leave university and take a job on the local market. Life’s luck seemed to turn when she met Tim, a kind, decent man. Within a few months, they wed in a modest ceremony. Yet happiness was short-lived. Tim convinced her to sell her inherited London flat to start a business—but the dream quickly collapsed. Their marriage spiraled, and one day Tim brought home another woman, asking Nina to leave. Homeless again, Nina almost went to the police—but realized she’d handed over her flat willingly. Now, standing alone on a deserted platform in early spring, she made her way through the overgrown plot to the cottage. The front door refused to budge, and defeated, Nina sat on the porch and wept. Suddenly, from next door came smoke and the clatter of pans. Hoping to find familiar faces, she called out—only to find an unkempt elderly man by the fire. “Don’t call the police,” he said gently. “I don’t trouble anyone; I just camp here outdoors.” Despite his appearance, his cultured baritone gave him away as a learned man. “Are you homeless?” Nina asked. He nodded, introducing himself as Michael. With her own struggles, Nina found comfort in company. As Michael helped her with the door, the two realised they had more in common than homelessness. Sharing a simple meal, Michael told how he’d been tricked out of his London flat by a scheming niece, left with nothing. In time, the unlikely pair formed their own improvised family—Nina returning to her studies with Michael’s help and Michael finding kinship and a home again. Two years later, over tea and cake in the cottage warmed by laughter, Nina and Michael looked out at the grapevine he’d just planted, grateful for a new beginning—and for the unexpected family they’d both been searching for.