“— I’ll be staying with you to ensure everything goes as it should, — said her mother-in-law, handing her suitcase to her son before setting off to tidy up.
Emma and Alex had been happily married for five years. Initially, they hesitated to have children because they wanted to be thoughtful about it. Finally, on their anniversary, they made a significant decision.
— I’m ready, — Emma smiled. — I really want a baby.
— I think now’s the perfect time! — Alex replied. He had landed a well-paid job, the apartment renovations were complete, and there was nothing stopping them from having their first child. However, getting pregnant wasn’t immediate. They had to go through check-ups, visit doctors, and even look into alternative medicine, upon the suggestion of Alex’s mother, who noted that Emma was having trouble bringing him the good news.
Upon learning of their plans to have a child, Margaret started actively involving herself in their lives. Weekends were filled with her calls and questions:
“Any news?”
“Still nothing?”
“You’re doing it all wrong!”
“Someone needs to teach you!”
Eventually, Margaret turned up at Emma’s door with instructions.
— Here’s the address of a herbal healer. She’s expecting you tomorrow.
— Margaret, I’m skeptical about such things. I’d rather stick to traditional methods.
— I know how your traditional methods work! You’ll spend all the money on doctors and get nowhere!
— I’m a believer, and I won’t see a herbal healer, — Emma retorted. Margaret pursed her lips but stayed silent, so Emma thought the matter was settled. But Margaret had another plan. She told her son about miraculous results others had and insisted on them pursuing this option.
Surprisingly, Alex quickly sided with his mother and pressured Emma.
— Just go. There’s nothing wrong with it. She’s a herbalist, not a witch. Don’t be stubborn. Mum wouldn’t suggest anything bad, — said her husband, virtually forcing Emma to visit the healer.
Emma felt she had to comply. She didn’t want to argue, and she understood that both her mother-in-law and Alex meant well.
Emma didn’t like the healer. The woman muttered something, sprinkled some liquid on her, and gave her a packet of herbs.
— Take this once a day.
— Thank you, — said Emma, hurrying to leave. On her way out, she considered dumping the herbs in the first bin she saw but noticed the healer watching her from the window. Realizing she was being watched and fearing Margaret might find out, Emma decided to head home. She needed to convince her family she had done as told. Emma never intended to take the “prescribed” herbs; she placed the packet on a shelf and closed the cupboard.
Remarkably, even though the herbs remained untouched, Emma discovered she was pregnant about a month after visiting the healer. She chalked it up to coincidence because she hadn’t taken the herbs, only continued with her doctor’s treatment. However, Margaret credited herself for the success and convinced Alex of her contribution to the pregnancy. Believing that Emma had taken her advice, Margaret felt entitled to voice in all matters henceforth.
With her age and experience, she believed she should have the final say in all matters, even those that didn’t concern her. Her unsolicited advice ranged from Emma’s diet to her bedtime. Her attention and “care” reached an absurd level. For instance, one night, just before midnight, when the couple was enjoying a candle-lit movie, there was a knock on the door.
Margaret had traveled across town to ensure Emma was sticking to her routine and preparing for sleep.
— What’s this?! Takeout food?! — she barged in and began clearing the table of everything she saw, including Emma’s favorite sushi and noodles.
— Margaret, what are you doing?! — Emma tried to reclaim the last plate of sushi, but Margaret ranted about how such food isn’t suitable for pregnant women.
— Alex, why did you let her eat this? She might not know better, but you? Eating at this hour isn’t good for anyone!
— Pregnancy isn’t a sickness! — Emma tried to argue, but she was met with a barrage of counterarguments.
Alex, having already eaten his portion, wasn’t too upset about the food disappearing. He thought perhaps his mother was right; raw fish might not be wise.
— Okay, Mum, we won’t order this again. Sorry.
— Sorry?! Your mother called me clueless, and you’re apologizing to her? — Emma couldn’t hold back, tears streaming down her cheeks. Alex tried to comfort her while Margaret left quietly, taking a bag of food with her.
— Let’s forget this mishap. You know she means well?
— No. I don’t. I don’t like her meddling in everything! Other pregnant women crave strange combinations! And I can’t even have what I love?!
— Of course, you can. Tell you what, I’ll go to the supermarket and get you anything you want.
— Fine. Get me sushi. The same as was on the table before your mother arrived.
— No. Anything but sushi.
Emma ran off crying. The evening was ruined.
Just like other evenings when Margaret would show up uninvited and impose her rules. Once, she turned up during the day when Emma was home alone. She’d come back early from work feeling off. On the way, she started feeling better, as often happened. Starving, Emma bought herself a yogurt and a roll. She nearly choked on the roll when she saw Margaret waiting at her doorstep.
— Margaret?! Why are you here?!
— Alex mentioned you have morning sickness, — she eyed the roll. — No wonder. Eating on the go, cheap stuff. What’s this? A cheese and ham roll?! Give it here! — Margaret tried to snatch the roll, almost leading to a tussle. They were separated by a neighbor.
— What are you two doing? Fighting over a bread roll?
— Oh, the pregnant one here, inexperienced, doesn’t know what’s safe. Just a joke between us, — Margaret quickly softened.
— Oh, these young ones think they know it all…
Finding common ground, the women started chatting about their children, while Emma brushed off crumbs and locked herself inside, securing the door. Realizing she hadn’t caught her in time, Margaret knocked, but Emma didn’t let her in.
Margaret caused a commotion, alerting the whole block. Alex returned home and another argument ensued.
Once again, Margaret left quietly while Emma cried, demanding fairness. But Alex, influenced by his mother, blamed it on hormones. As the due date approached, the situation grew more intense, and Margaret’s suffocating “care” increased.
Emma’s health started suffering due to stress, prompting her to speak to Alex.
— Alex, I know you love your mum, and she loves you… but I don’t want her showing up at our home… — Emma couldn’t finish as she heard keys turning in the lock, feeling frightened because only she and Alex had keys. — Are we being robbed?!
But instead of intruders, Margaret appeared in the hallway with a suitcase.
Emma found herself thinking that she’d be more relieved by burglars than by her mother-in-law.
— How did you manage to open the door? — she managed to ask.
— With a key. Your husband gave it to me, — boasted Margaret. — He’s worried about you, and you won’t let me in. That’s not right. During these final months of pregnancy, it’s crucial to have access to the apartment in case you can’t open it. Plus, we decided you need the support, both moral and physical. Our grandchild will be here soon, and I’ll be looking after him. Meanwhile, I’ll ensure everything runs smoothly, — Margaret handed her suitcase to Alex and made her way into the living room.
— See? As expected. More unhealthy eating. This all goes in the bin. From now on, I’ll supervise what you eat and drink. I’ve brought broth for lunch and a herbal tonic from the healer. Drink it now, — Margaret demanded, leaving no room for argument.
Emma turned to Alex for explanations, but he only smiled and patted her shoulder.
— Mum’s right. It’s for the best, my dear.”
