Oh mum, are you frying fish again? Emily said, poking her head into the kitchen.
Yes, dear, but Ive opened the windows and turned on the extractor fan, I replied.
Since Emily moved back in with me four months ago, little criticisms had crept into my days, several times over.
You put far too much salt in the dinner, or youve stacked the laundry in the wrong place. The telly in your room is too loud.
I barely noticed when Id started tiptoeing around my own home. I tried to do everything quietly, discreetly, so as not to upset my daughter and son-in-law.
At the start, it had seemed perfectly fine.
After their wedding, Emily and her husband decided to find their own place. They rented a flat and visited me on weekends. It made sensethey both had busy jobs and lots to manage.
One day, I felt poorly. The neighbours called for an ambulance. A few minutes later, Emily turned up too. When I was discharged from hospital, Emily beamed at me, Weve got a surprise for you, mum. I think youll love it. Just wait and see at home.
When I walked into the house, there were bags strewn all over the hallway.
Weve had a chat and decided were going to live with you from now on. Well take care of you.
I was taken aback by their decision.
At first, Emily really did look after meshe cleaned, cooked, ironed. But after a couple of months, she seemed to forget the reason wed started living together at all.
Once I recovered, I slipped back into my old habits. With the kids at work, I cooked, cleaned, took care of everything.
Emily kept reminding me I should take it easy, but I managed to persuade her I was much better these days.
Before long, Emily and her husband realised the perks of living with meno need to fork out rent, the house was kept tidy, meals appeared just as they wanted.
Mum, weve got friends coming over tonight. Maybe you could pop round to the neighbours for a cuppa? Well feel more comfortable, and you wont feel left out, Emily suggested one evening.
I didnt want to go out in the evening, especially since Mrs. Brown from next door liked an early night. As it was mild outside, I decided to take a stroll around the block for some fresh air. Time passed, but their guests showed no sign of leaving. I wanted to go to bed and rest, but waited stubbornly for my daughter to call me back in.
Our neighbour Frank popped out walking his dog, and after half an hour, he returned while I was still on the bench.
Excuse me, are you alright? Frank asked politely.
Yes, Im fine. My daughters got people roundI didnt want to be in the way.
I live on the ground floor. You might remember me?
Yes, of course, I said. Wed met before, but only ever exchanged brief hellos. Franks wife had recently passed, and his children lived elsewhere.
Come and have some tea with me. Its getting chilly out here. Give your daughter a call and tell her youre staying with me for a bit.
I tried ringing Emily, but she didnt answer. Clearly, she wanted the night off from her mum.
Alright, lets go, I smiled.
We drank tea and chatted for a while. Out of the blue, Emily rang, her voice clipped, Mum, where are you? The guests left ages ago. We want to go to bed and youre still not back.
I couldnt figure out what Id done wrong this time. Making my excuses, I gathered my things as Frank offered to walk me upstairs.
Its only two floors, FrankIm fine, I protested.
Ill see you up. Makes me feel useful, he insisted.
And so, a gentle friendship started to blossom. I would find myself at Franks flat more and morewed share tea or make dinner together. Occasionally, Frank cooked a traditional stew from one of his old cookbooks.
Not long after, I found myself at Franks againit was my son-in-laws birthday, the flat was full of guests.
Your place is so peaceful and cosy, I sighed one evening.
Youre welcome to stay here for good, if you like, Frank said, and I could tell from his eyes that he was serious.
Ill think about it, I answered, smiling. Although, deep down, I already knew what I wanted.
Reflecting on it all, I realised Id spent too long putting others comfort before my own. Its never too late to choose a bit of peace and happiness for yourself.
