So what, youre expecting a baby now? Eleanor asked, setting the halfread novel aside.
James gave a slow nod, eyes fixed on the floor. His fingers twitched at the hem of his Tshirt, a nervous habit hed carried since childhood.
Werent you supposed to get a mortgage first, then think about children? Eleanor pressed, studying his expression, trying to read his mood. You always said you needed to get on your feet before anything else.
James shrugged, spreading his arms as if apologising for circumstances beyond his control. He replied wearily:
It just happened. We didnt see it coming, to be honest.
Eleanor inhaled deeply. The news did nothing to lift her spirits. The couple were barely scraping by, living in a cramped studio flat. Emilys work was irregular, Jamess salary modest. Children seemed a luxury they couldnt afford.
Mum, James moved closer, his voice dropping, you rent that little onebedroom flat that Grandma left you. Could we move in there for now?
He spoke rapidly, as if fearing she might cut him off.
I know I turned down moving in there myself! But things have changed. We need to save money, not spend it on rent. At least then well have a safety net when the baby arrives.
Eleanor felt a tight knot in her chest. That flat was her only source of extra income after she retired. The money from renting it covered repairs on her own house, medications, a trip to see her sisternothing would be possible without it.
Seeing his mothers hesitation, James added quickly:
I get it, this is a big decision, Mum. Your life will change. But were in a desperate spot. Emily wont be able to work much longer.
Fine, Eleanor said after a moment, battling conflicting thoughts. But let me be clear: Im not rewriting the tenancy. The flat is my property.
Jamess shoulders tensed, his hands raised defensively.
Come on, Mum! Were not trying to take anything away. Thank you so much!
He pulled her into a brief hug and hurried out, fearing she might change her mind. Eleanor remained seated, the weight of the situation pressing down. She had to figure out a way to make it work without alienating anyone.
A week later she spoke with the current tenants. They werent thrilled, but their lease had ended and they had nowhere else to go, so they moved out after a month, leaving behind a stale smell and scuffed walls at the entry.
Emily and James slipped into the inherited flat quietly, avoiding any fanfare. Eleanor helped with the move, bringing homemade preserves, fresh curtains, and a few comforting touches to make the space feel homey. Emily muttered something unintelligible and vanished into the bathroom without a thankyou.
From her own kitchen window, Eleanor could see the neighbours flat across the courtyard. James would pop in now and thenfor salt, for a chat. Emily, however, never visited in the seven months that followed. No tea, no casual catchup; it was as if she were deliberately keeping her distance.
Then the joyous news arrived: a grandson was borna sturdy little boy, almost four kilograms. Eleanor, bursting with pride, visited the new family, bearing diapers, onesies, and tiny handknit socks.
She took in Emilys exhausted face; dark circles lingered under her eyes, and her hands trembled from sleeplessness.
Need a hand? I can watch the baby while you rest. Eleanor offered.
Emily pressed the infant tighter to her chest and snapped:
No. Well manage.
Eleanor did not press further; help forced upon someone never sticks.
Two months later, strangers appeared in the flats windowsan elderly couple, the parents of Emily. Eleanor assumed theyd come to visit and left them be.
Three days after that, James came home looking gaunt, eyes rimmed with bags, his face gaunt.
Eleanor poured him tea, set a plate of biscuits down.
Hows the little one? Smiling yet?
Growing, James managed a strained smile. Hes changing so fast, you know? Even starting to babble.
And Emilys parents? Eleanor asked casually.
James gave a reluctant nod.
Theyre staying over, helping with Billy.
But you only have a onebedroom! Where are they all fitting? Eleanors surprise sharpened.
James looked away, his voice tight:
Were making do. Its only temporary, and their help makes life easier for Emily.
Eleanor didnt press further; James was an adult and would sort his own affairs.
When she visited the flat to see Billy, Emilys parents hovered nearby, eyes flicking up at her as if shed trespassed. Eleanor played with the baby, ignoring the cold stares.
One afternoon she noticed a folded cot in the hallway. Inside the only bedroom lay Emilys parents suitcases, boxes, bags. The realization hit: theyd taken the bedroom, leaving James and Emily to sleep on a couch in the kitchen.
Two more weeks passed and the parents refused to leave, a fact that began to gnaw at Eleanor. James grew paler, constantly rubbing his neck and back. On Friday he dropped onto Eleanors sofa, exhausted, and that was the final straw.
Eleanor stormed into Emilys flat. The door opened to reveal Emilys mother, lips pursed in displeasure at the unexpected visitor.
How long will this go on? How long are you all planning to stay? Why should my son suffer like this? Eleanor demanded, stepping straight through the doorway.
Emilys mother raised an eyebrow.
Whats it to you? This is our daughters house! What right do you have to make demands?
Emily, still halfasleep, emerged from the kitchen, cradling the baby, eyes darting between her mother and motherinlaw.
Whats happening? she asked.
Emilys mother seized the baby and began rocking him demonstratively.
Were not here for nothing! Were helping with the child! Theres no point in you standing there! she shouted.
Eleanors resolve hardened.
The flat is mine! I wont let you live here any longer. I wont have my son sleeping on a cot! Get out!
How dare you! Emilys father roared from the doorway. This is all because of you! You could have offered us your twobedroom, moved elsewhere, and everyone would have space!
Eleanor fought back tears, voice shaking.
Youve been silent! Youll fight your rights elsewhere! Remember who paid for the wedding, who gave the flat! What more do you expect from me?
At that moment James returned, frozen at the threshold, bewildered by the uproar.
Your mother is insulting my parents! Emily shouted, pointing at Eleanor. Shes evicting them!
Either Emilys parents leave, or you all go! Eleanor snapped. This is my property and I wont tolerate this arrogance!
The room fell into a heavy silence. The baby wailed, sensing the tension.
Then the shouting escalated, tears erupted. Emily broke down, her mother trying to soothe her, casting angry glances at Eleanor. Emilys father jabbered angrily at James, gesturing wildly. Eleanor turned and fled, slamming the door behind her.
For two days Eleanor could think of nothing else. She didnt call, didnt visit, though her heart throbbed with worry for her son and grandson. What if they truly moved out? Where would they go? Yet she forced herself to stay strong.
On the third day she watched the windows. The elderly couple had vanished; their belongings were gone. The young couple had returned their things to the bedroom, and the cot was shoved onto a small balcony.
That evening James arrived, looking far better. The dark circles were gone, his eyes clearer, his bearing steadier.
He sat beside his mother, exhaling a breath of relief.
Theyre gone. Emilys still angry, but shes not speaking to me.
Eleanor asked gently,
Are you still mad at me?
I finally got some sleep, James replied with a genuine smile. Sleeping on a kitchen cot isnt ideal, especially when you hear two snorers in the same room.
Eleanor embraced her son. Perhaps shed been harsh in some eyes, but shed protected her child. And no matter how long the daughterinlaw stayed upset, her grandson would now grow up in a proper home.
