Emily, came the voice of her mother-in-law. Emily, who is chatting on the phone at the moment, jumps in surprise. Just sitting there as usual, her mother-in-law says, displeasure clear in her tone. Emily continues her phone call, trying to pretend she hasnt heard anything. You talk and talk, when you should have made something to eat for my son, the older woman persists.
Quiet, Emily says into the phone, visibly exasperated. Look at her! Unbelievable! her mother-in-law mutters before heading outside. Once Emily ends her call, she lets out a long, tired sigh. She is so worn out from this endless routine. Just last year, Emily and her husband finally paid off their mortgage. Its only a one-bedroom flat, but theres a wonderful big kitchen and even a small balcony. Now, at last, they can think about starting a family. Emily works from home, and while her husband understands its far from easy, her mother-in-law sees things very differently.
Jamess parents used to live in the countryside, so the young couple rarely visited. Their neighbour had plans to expand and had been pestering them for months to sell their house. As fate would have it, a flat just next to Jamess became available. Though his mother was once dead set against city living, she suddenly changed her mind and sold the house. Jamess father is still working, but his mother has only just retired and was getting dreadfully bored on her own in the village. Now, she expects Emily to be her constant company. What she doesnt realise is that her daughter-in-law spends all day working on the phonehardly idling or browsing the internet. Theres a mountain of responsibilities for Emily each day.
So, every morning, the moment James walks out the door, his mother appears at Emilys flat. At first, Emily tried to explainJames tried, toobut to no avail. After a few days, the mother-in-law was back, arriving at their door bright and early. One day, the couple decided not to answer at all. Emily had to work through the ringing doorbell, only opening when her mother-in-law threatened to call the police. Emily and James are at a loss as to how to stop his mothers constant intrusionsthey know this cant go on. One day, the older woman sulks, but by the next morning, shes back with more advice and endless conversations.
I cant take it anymore, Emily admits to James, she doesnt heed your words, let alone mine. I understand, truly, he replies, but what can I do? They chose to sell the house and buy a flatI couldnt have stopped them. Maybe we should find something for Mum to do? Like what? Emily sighs. Ive looked everywhere. An uneasy silence settles between them.
How much do we have put aside? James suddenly asks. Lets check. Why? Emily replies. Were still in this one-bedroom flatwhen we have a child, well need more space. Shouldnt we look for somewhere bigger? A larger place? Somewhere else? Yes. Why wait? You cant be serious! Emily throws her arms around him with relief and laughter.
The next day, she bustles through the flat, undisturbed even by her mother-in-laws usual visit. Two weeks later, the couple surprise their parents with the news of their move.
What do you mean? Jamess mother sinks into a chair. Brilliant, you two! Where will our grandchildren sleep now? Isnt that right? Jamess father chimes in. Mum, honestly! Were moving to a different part of London, not even a different city. Dont be upset. Loads of your friends live hereand well be over to visit! James is quick to reassure her.
Strangely enough, she soon finds friends among the neighbours in their building. Meanwhile, Emily and James finally embark on a new chapter in their lives.
