Oh, Mum, are you frying fish again? said Alice, peering into the kitchen. It’s as if Ive got all the windows open and the extractor fan going, replied Margaret.
Ever since her daughter moved in four months ago, Margaret found herself apologising several times a day. Dinner was too salty, or I folded the laundry in the wrong place. Or the telly in her room is too loud.
Margaret didnt even realise shed started tiptoeing around her own house. She tried to do everything quietly and discreetly, not wanting to disturb Alice and her husband. At first, everything seemed normal…
After their wedding, Alice and her husband decided to live apart, renting a flat in Cambridge. Theyd visit Margaret at weekends, which made perfect sensethey both had jobs and their own responsibilities.
One day, Margaret felt unwell. The neighbours called an ambulance, and within minutes, her daughter arrived. When Margaret was discharged from hospital, Alice told her, Weve got a surprise for you. I think youll like it. Youll see when you get home.
Margaret walked in and immediately spotted bags in the hallway. Weve talked, and we’ve decided to live with you. Well look after you.
Margaret was taken aback by their decision. At first, Alice genuinely cared for her mum: tidying up, cooking, ironing clothes. But after two months, Alice began to forget why shed moved back in. Margaret recovered, and went back to doing everything herself. While the kids were at work, shed cook and clean. Her daughter often asked Margaret to let her take care of things, but Margaret convinced her that she felt much better.
Alice and her husband soon saw the benefits of living with Margaret: no rent to pay, meals cooked, house spotless.
Mum, our friends are coming over tonight. Why dont you pop over to Mrs. Clarkes for tea? Youll have company and won’t feel left out, Alice said one evening.
Margaret didnt fancy going out at night, especially since Mrs. Clarke went to bed early. The weather was mild, so she decided to stroll around the block and enjoy some fresh air. Time passed, and the guests showed no sign of leaving. Margaret wanted to rest, but waited for Alice to call and invite her back inside.
A neighbour, Michael, came out with his dog, and half an hour later, returned to find Margaret still sitting on the bench. Excuse me, are you feeling alright? he asked. Yes, just that my daughters friends are over, and I didnt want to get in the way. I live on the ground floorperhaps you remember? Yes, I do.
Theyd met several times, but only exchanged polite hellos. Michaels wife had passed away recently. His children lived elsewhere. Lets go to mine for a cup of tea. Im late for bed, and its chilly. Call your daughter and tell her you’ll be with me for a bit. Margaret dialled Alices number, but got no answer. Apparently, her daughter wasnt paying much attention to her mother. Lets go then, Margaret said.
They drank tea and chatted. Suddenly, Alice phoned Margaret: Mum, where are you? The guests have left ages ago. We’re going to bed, but youre not home yet.
Alices voice had that familiar dissatisfied tone. Margaret couldnt understand what shed done wrong this time. She got ready to leave. Michael walked her outside.
It’s not like I have two flights to climb, Margaret said. Let me walk you up. Ill feel better, Michael replied.
Since then, Margaret visited her neighbour often. Theyd share tea or make dinner together.
Sometimes, Michael cooked something special with his own recipes. That day, Margaret was round at Michaels again. It was her son-in-laws birthday, and Alice had guests at home. Your place is so quiet and peaceful, Margaret remarked. And you can stay with me forever, if youd like, Michael offered. He looked at her with such sincerity that Margaret knew immediately he meant it. Ill think about it, Margaret replied with a smile, though she already knew she’d say yes.
Reflecting on it all, I realised how easy it is to forget to value ourselves. Sometimes, it takes finding a bit of peace next door to remember we deserve consideration and kindness, too.
