“Emily,” came the voice of her mother-in-law. Emily, who was on the phone at that moment, started. “There you are, as always,” her mother-in-law said with clear disapproval. Emily kept talking, trying her best to ignore her. “You just keep on chattering away you should have fixed something for my son to eat,” her mother-in-law continued, not letting up.
“Just a moment,” Emily continued her conversation. “Look at her! Honestly!” The woman marched out in a huff. Emily finished her call and let out a heavy sigh. She was exhausted by it all. Last year, Emily and her husband, Daniel, had finally paid off their mortgage. It was just a one-bedroom flat, but the kitchen was spacious and they had a balcony. For the first time, they could properly think about starting a family. Emily worked from home, something her husband understood wasnt as easy as it might look, but her mother-in-law didnt seem to see it that way.
Daniels parents had lived in the countryside, and the young couple didnt visit as often as they perhaps should. Their next-door neighbour back in the village had long been trying to persuade them to sell up, and eventually, when a flat went up for sale right next to Daniels, his mother despite always claiming she hated city life sold the country house in a flash and moved in. Daniels father was still working, but his mother had just retired and was growing restless by herself in the village. She seemed delighted to have Emily nearby, completely failing to grasp that Emily was working on the phone all day not just gossiping, but actually busy with real tasks.
So, nearly every morning, almost as soon as Daniel had headed off to work, his mother would pop round to their flat. At first, Emily tried to explain, and even Daniel had a go. But it was no use. Several days passed, and there she was again at their door, persistent as ever. One day, the young couple decided simply not to answer the door. So Emily got on with work to the sound of the doorbell ringing. Eventually her mother-in-law shouted that shed call the police if they didnt answer; only then did Emily open up. Daniel and Emily had no idea how to escape these constant intrusions, but knew they couldnt go on like this forever. Even when the mother-in-law sulked, it only lasted a day.
By the next morning, she was back again, ready with more advice and her endless stories. “I cant take it anymore,” Emily confided to her husband one day. “She listens to neither you nor me.” “I know, I know,” Daniel replied, “but what on earth can we do? My parents decided themselves to move, I couldnt have stopped them. If only we could find something to occupy Mum?” “Like what? Ive searched everywhere,” Emily replied, leaving the two in a frustrated silence.
“How much do we have in savings?” asked Daniel suddenly. “Lets have a look Why?” Emily wondered. “Right now, were in a one-bedroom flat, but if were going to have a baby, well definitely need more space. Shouldnt we start looking for something bigger?” “A bigger place? Somewhere else?” “Yes,” Daniel replied. “Why wait?” “I cant believe it!” Emily flung her arms around him, delighted. The very next day, Emily floated through the flat, her mother-in-laws next visit barely even ruffling her. Two weeks later, the young couple surprised the whole family with news of their move.
“What do you mean?” said Daniels mother, collapsing into a chair. “Well done, kids! Butwhere are our grandchildren going to sleep?” Daniels father chimed in as well. “Mum, come on,” Daniel reassured her. “Its not another city, just a different part of town. There are plenty of people your age in the building, and well still come visit!” he said quickly, hoping to comfort her.
Strangely enough, Daniels mother soon made friends in the new block. Meanwhile, the young couple began the next chapter of their lives together.
Some situations call for more than words; sometimes, you have to change your circumstances to find peace. And in doing so, you might just discover unexpected happiness for everyone involved.
