“Mum, I’m Getting Married!” Victor Announced Cheerfully “That’s nice,” Sofia Palmer responded with little enthusiasm. “Mum, what’s wrong?” Victor asked, surprised. “Nothing… So where are you planning to live?” his mother asked, narrowing her eyes. “Here. You don’t mind, do you? I mean, there are three bedrooms. Surely we’ll all fit?” “Do I have a choice?” his mother replied. “Well, renting a place is out of the question…” Victor said gloomily. “So I don’t have a choice, then.” Sofia said in resignation. “Mum, the way rents are nowadays, we’d barely have money for food,” Victor explained. “It won’t be forever — we’ll work and save up for a deposit. Living here just makes more sense.” Sofia shrugged. “Alright… Here’s the deal: move in, stay as long as you need, but there are two conditions — we split the bills three ways, and I won’t be your housemaid.” “Deal, Mum, as you wish,” Victor agreed. The young couple had a modest wedding and moved in: Sofia Palmer, Victor, and his new wife, Emily. From day one of the newlyweds’ arrival, Sofia Palmer started to find herself busy. When Victor and Emily got home from work, the house was empty, the kitchen spotless, and nothing cooked — everything still in disarray just as it was when they left that morning. “Mum, where were you?” Victor asked with surprise one evening. “Well, Vit, I got a call from the Community Centre — they’ve invited me to sing in the Folk Choir. You remember my voice, don’t you?” “Really?” Victor was amazed. “Of course! I told you once, but you must’ve forgotten. It’s all pensioners like me singing together — I had a wonderful time, and I’m going again tomorrow!” Sofia said with a twinkle. “Tomorrow’s choir too?” Victor asked. “No, tomorrow is our Literary Evening — we’ll be reading Shakespeare. You know how much I love Shakespeare.” “Really?” Victor was amazed again. “Absolutely! I told you that too. You never pay attention to your own mother!” Sofia replied with gentle reproach. Emily watched in silence. From the moment Victor married, Sofia Palmer seemed to find a new zest for life: she joined every club she could at the local centre, welcomed new friends who’d pop around in boisterous groups for tea and biscuits, taking over the kitchen until late for games of bingo, went out for walks, or binge-watched her favourite dramas, sometimes so engrossed she wouldn’t notice the kids were home. Sofia kept strictly to her rule — no cleaning or cooking, all household duties fell to Victor and Emily. At first, they didn’t complain, but soon Emily started to grumble, they began whispering irritably, and Victor began to sigh loudly. Sofia paid their frustrations no mind, continuing her vibrant pensioner’s lifestyle. Then one day she came home, beaming and softly singing “Greensleeves” to herself. She found Victor and Emily eating soup glumly in the kitchen. “Great news, my dears! I’ve met a wonderful man and tomorrow we’re off to a spa together! Isn’t that fabulous?” “It is!” son and daughter-in-law replied in sync. “So, is this serious?” Victor asked nervously, wondering if they’d gained yet another housemate. “I’m not sure yet, but after the spa I’ll know more,” Sofia said, helping herself to soup and seconds with hearty enthusiasm. After the trip, Sofia returned disappointed. She declared Alex wasn’t her type and they parted ways, but assured them her adventures were far from over. The clubs, outings, and gatherings continued in full swing. Eventually, one day, Victor and Emily came home to a messy flat and an empty fridge. Emily finally snapped, slamming the fridge door and exclaimed, “Sofia Palmer! Couldn’t you help a bit with the housework? The place is a tip and we’re out of food! Why do we have to do everything here?” “Why so cranky?” Sofia asked, surprised. “If you lived on your own, who’d do it then?” “But you’re here!” Emily countered. “Well, I’m not your servant — I’ve put in my time and that’s enough! I told Victor from the beginning, I wouldn’t be a housemaid. If he didn’t tell you, that’s not my fault,” Sofia replied evenly. “I thought you were joking,” Victor said sheepishly. “So, you want to live comfortably and have me pick up after you and cook mountains of food? No! I said I wouldn’t, and I won’t! If it’s a dealbreaker, you’re equally free to find your own place!” Sofia declared, heading off to her room. The next morning, just as lively as ever, singing softly “Early one morning, just as the sun was rising…” she put on a smart blouse, bright red lipstick, and set off for the Community Centre’s Folk Choir, where fun waited for her yet again.

Author Emily TaylorReading 5 minViews 2

Mum, Im getting married! called out Ben, his voice ringing with excitement.

Im glad, replied Patricia Evans, though she sounded less than thrilled.

Mum, whats wrong? Ben asked, puzzled.

Nothing Where are you planning to live? Patricia asked, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

Here, if thats alright? The flat is big enough, three bedrooms. Surely well have plenty of space? he replied.

Do I have a choice? his mother asked.

Well, we cant really afford to rent right now, Ben said, sighing. Rent is outrageous these days. If we did, wed barely afford our food, let alone save for our own place. Besides, this way well be able to save up for a deposit much quicker.

Patricia shrugged. I suppose she said. Alright then, you two can move in and stay as long as you need. But I have two conditions: we split the council tax and bills three ways, and Im not going to be the housekeeper.

Deal, Mum. Whatever you say! Ben agreed immediately.

They had a small, simple wedding, and soon enough, the new couple Ben and his bride Emily moved in together with Patricia Evans.

From the very first day, Patricias life seemed to gain new momentum. The newlyweds would come home after work, but the flat would be empty and Patricia nowhere to be found; saucepans empty of food and the flat just as messy as the youngsters had left it that morning.

Mum, where have you been? Ben asked one evening, surprised.

Oh, Ben! I was invited down the Community Centre to sing with the Folk Choir. You know Ive got a decent voice Patricia replied with a twinkle.

Really? Ben was genuinely surprised.

Well, yes! I told you ages ago, but you never listen to your old mum, she teased. Theres a lovely crowd of pensioners we sing, we chat, its brilliant fun! Ill be going again tomorrow!

And whats happening tomorrow? he asked.

Literary night were reading Shakespeare, Patricia declared. You know how much I love Shakespeare.

Ben could only shake his head, realising how much hed missed about his mothers interests. Emily watched quietly, saying nothing.

Since Bens wedding, Patricia turned over a new leaf: she joined pensioners clubs, reconnected with old friends, gathered new ones, and often hosted a cheerful group in the kitchen late into the night, brewing tea with biscuits brought along by her friends and playing bingo. Sometimes she went for walks, or got absorbed in her favourite TV dramas, oblivious to her son and daughter-in-law coming in and greeting her.

As for housework, Patricia stuck to her guns. It was up to Ben and Emily to tidy up and cook. At first, they didnt complain, then Emily started casting sidelong glances, then theyd share quiet grumbles, and Ben began sighing loudly. But Patricia paid these little signals no mind, focusing on her vibrant new social life.

One day, she swept in, humming Greensleeves. Entering the kitchen and seeing the young couple glumly eating their homemade soup, she beamed with delight.

Congratulations, my dears! she announced. Ive met a lovely gentleman, and tomorrow were off together for a weekend in Bath! Isnt that wonderful news?

It is, Ben and Emily agreed in harmony.

Is it serious? Ben asked, uncertain whether there might soon be another resident in the flat.

Its early days, Patricia replied. Ill know more after our trip.

She helped herself to the soup, enjoying it thoroughly even going back for seconds.

But on her return, Patricia was disappointed. She confided that Brian wasnt right for her, and theyd parted ways; however, she was optimistic, insisting life was far from over. Her schedule of clubs, walks, and gatherings resumed.

Eventually, after coming home to a messy flat and an empty fridge one too many times, Emily couldnt hold back. She slammed the fridge and complained loudly, Mrs Evans! Couldnt you help with the housework too? The place is a tip, and were out of food! Why should Ben and I do everything?

Whats all this fuss about? Patricia asked, truly surprised. If you lived on your own, who would do it?

But youre here! Emily retorted.

Im not your servant, dear. Ive spent years running a house Im done! I told Ben right from the start: I wasnt going to be the maid. If he didnt tell you, thats not my fault, Patricia said.

I honestly thought you were joking, Ben admitted, flustered.

So you want a comfortable life and expect me to take care of all the chores and whip up dinner every day? No! I said no, and I meant it. If youre not happy, youre free to find your own place.

With that, Patricia retreated to her room.

The next morning, as if nothing had happened, she hummed Early One Morning, put on a stylish blouse, brushed on her favourite red lipstick, and set off for the Community Centre. The choir was waiting for her.

Life sometimes brings unexpected changes, and it is important to find balance between helping family and maintaining your own happiness. If you want your life to be truly fulfilling, remember to set boundaries, cherish your independence, and always make time for the things you love.

“Mum, I’m Getting Married!” Victor Announced Cheerfully “That’s nice,” Sofia Palmer responded with little enthusiasm. “Mum, what’s wrong?” Victor asked, surprised. “Nothing… So where are you planning to live?” his mother asked, narrowing her eyes. “Here. You don’t mind, do you? I mean, there are three bedrooms. Surely we’ll all fit?” “Do I have a choice?” his mother replied. “Well, renting a place is out of the question…” Victor said gloomily. “So I don’t have a choice, then.” Sofia said in resignation. “Mum, the way rents are nowadays, we’d barely have money for food,” Victor explained. “It won’t be forever — we’ll work and save up for a deposit. Living here just makes more sense.” Sofia shrugged. “Alright… Here’s the deal: move in, stay as long as you need, but there are two conditions — we split the bills three ways, and I won’t be your housemaid.” “Deal, Mum, as you wish,” Victor agreed. The young couple had a modest wedding and moved in: Sofia Palmer, Victor, and his new wife, Emily. From day one of the newlyweds’ arrival, Sofia Palmer started to find herself busy. When Victor and Emily got home from work, the house was empty, the kitchen spotless, and nothing cooked — everything still in disarray just as it was when they left that morning. “Mum, where were you?” Victor asked with surprise one evening. “Well, Vit, I got a call from the Community Centre — they’ve invited me to sing in the Folk Choir. You remember my voice, don’t you?” “Really?” Victor was amazed. “Of course! I told you once, but you must’ve forgotten. It’s all pensioners like me singing together — I had a wonderful time, and I’m going again tomorrow!” Sofia said with a twinkle. “Tomorrow’s choir too?” Victor asked. “No, tomorrow is our Literary Evening — we’ll be reading Shakespeare. You know how much I love Shakespeare.” “Really?” Victor was amazed again. “Absolutely! I told you that too. You never pay attention to your own mother!” Sofia replied with gentle reproach. Emily watched in silence. From the moment Victor married, Sofia Palmer seemed to find a new zest for life: she joined every club she could at the local centre, welcomed new friends who’d pop around in boisterous groups for tea and biscuits, taking over the kitchen until late for games of bingo, went out for walks, or binge-watched her favourite dramas, sometimes so engrossed she wouldn’t notice the kids were home. Sofia kept strictly to her rule — no cleaning or cooking, all household duties fell to Victor and Emily. At first, they didn’t complain, but soon Emily started to grumble, they began whispering irritably, and Victor began to sigh loudly. Sofia paid their frustrations no mind, continuing her vibrant pensioner’s lifestyle. Then one day she came home, beaming and softly singing “Greensleeves” to herself. She found Victor and Emily eating soup glumly in the kitchen. “Great news, my dears! I’ve met a wonderful man and tomorrow we’re off to a spa together! Isn’t that fabulous?” “It is!” son and daughter-in-law replied in sync. “So, is this serious?” Victor asked nervously, wondering if they’d gained yet another housemate. “I’m not sure yet, but after the spa I’ll know more,” Sofia said, helping herself to soup and seconds with hearty enthusiasm. After the trip, Sofia returned disappointed. She declared Alex wasn’t her type and they parted ways, but assured them her adventures were far from over. The clubs, outings, and gatherings continued in full swing. Eventually, one day, Victor and Emily came home to a messy flat and an empty fridge. Emily finally snapped, slamming the fridge door and exclaimed, “Sofia Palmer! Couldn’t you help a bit with the housework? The place is a tip and we’re out of food! Why do we have to do everything here?” “Why so cranky?” Sofia asked, surprised. “If you lived on your own, who’d do it then?” “But you’re here!” Emily countered. “Well, I’m not your servant — I’ve put in my time and that’s enough! I told Victor from the beginning, I wouldn’t be a housemaid. If he didn’t tell you, that’s not my fault,” Sofia replied evenly. “I thought you were joking,” Victor said sheepishly. “So, you want to live comfortably and have me pick up after you and cook mountains of food? No! I said I wouldn’t, and I won’t! If it’s a dealbreaker, you’re equally free to find your own place!” Sofia declared, heading off to her room. The next morning, just as lively as ever, singing softly “Early one morning, just as the sun was rising…” she put on a smart blouse, bright red lipstick, and set off for the Community Centre’s Folk Choir, where fun waited for her yet again.

010

John and Mary John had never wanted to leave his village for the city. He loved the open fields, the river, the meadows and woods, and his fellow villagers. He decided to become a farmer, to raise pigs, sell the meat, and if all went well, expand his business. He dreamed of building a big house; he already had a car, though it was old and modest, and he invested his grandmother’s house sale money into his farm. He had one more cherished dream—to marry Mary and make her the mistress of his future big house. They were already courting; Mary knew that John’s business was only just starting, he had no serious money yet, and the house was only half-built. She was a beauty. She had never planned to strive for anything herself. “That’s what my looks are for—let my husband provide for me. I just need to find a man who will take care of everything. My beauty is expensive,” she’d say to her friends. “John’s building a house, and he’s got a car,” replied her friend Lucy, “he just needs time. He can’t turn everything around so quickly.” “But I want it all, right now,” Mary would pout. “Who knows when Johnny will finally get somewhere? He doesn’t have the money.” John loved Mary, although he sensed her feelings weren’t what he’d hoped for. He still wished she would grow to love him. Everything might have gone well, except for the arrival of Tom in their village. Tom showed up with a friend to stay with his gran for the holidays. At first, he looked down on the local girls, bored at the village hall until he spotted the lovely Mary. Mary ignored the newcomer at first, but when she learned he was from a well-off family—his father a prominent city official—she quickly switched her attention to him. Tom was older, shared experienced lines with the ladies, and knew how to woo, often buying Mary bouquets she realized were delivered specially from the city. John saw Mary accepting Tom’s flowers and grew angry. “Don’t take his flowers, why are you trying to upset me?” But she just laughed. “Oh, don’t get so wound up, they’re just flowers, what’s the big deal?” John confronted Tom. “Don’t bring Mary flowers. She’s my girl and I’ve got plans for her.” Tom wouldn’t listen, and a fight broke out—thankfully John’s friends separated them. From then on, things soured between John and Mary; she avoided him, and he grew resentful. Mary knew Tom was only in the village for a month, and would leave soon enough. “I need to do something, hook Tom and get to the city. There’s nothing for me here. And I need to act fast,” she thought. Enticing Tom home wasn’t hard. Her parents went to market in the city, and she calculated the timing so they’d find her and Tom alone together. Her father, hard and stubborn, caught them—just as she planned. Both flustered, they were confronted by her parents. “What’s going on here?” her father snapped. Mary cast her eyes down; Tom shifted nervously. “All right. Tom, you must marry our daughter or I’ll ruin you. Now get in here.” What was said remains unknown, but the next day the young couple filed for marriage, parent in tow, while Mary’s mother prepared them for life in the city. News spread swiftly through the village. John was devastated but tried to hide it. Tom, inwardly, cursed his impulse. “Why did I come here? Why did I fall for a village girl’s trick? She’s not so naïve after all—she trapped me, calculating and sharp.” But Mary just wanted city life and happiness—a beautiful life. “No matter, I’ll love him, have his children, he’ll be glad it happened like this. Only, how will his parents accept me?” she wondered. But, to her surprise, his parents were delighted that Tom brought home a pretty, down-to-earth fiancée. They were tired of the city girls Tom paraded home—who only cared about money. Mary would feed and fuss over him; clearly, she’d be a good wife. “Come in, Mary, don’t be shy—make yourself at home,” his mother Helen said kindly, and his father, Mr. Mitchell, smiled. Mary did her best to be a good wife. The flat was a spacious four-bedroom, and Mary felt comfortable with Tom’s kindly parents. Tom began to appreciate Mary, deciding perhaps she wasn’t the schemer he thought. “Yes, she pulled a fast one with marriage, but she genuinely believes we’ll be happy,” he mused, though he didn’t really believe it himself. “Well, let it be so; she doesn’t ask awkward questions—probably feels guilty herself. She clearly doesn’t want to return to the village.” Tom began daydreaming about his bachelor days after the wedding—after all, he had plenty of mates in the city. But one night, Mary surprised everyone at dinner. “I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby…” “Congratulations, Mary! We’ve wanted grandchildren for so long,” Helen beamed, and Tom knew there was no point saying the child couldn’t have come at a worse time. The wedding came soon after, and Tom’s parents gifted the newlyweds a furnished flat. Mary noticed Tom wasn’t thrilled about impending fatherhood. “It’s all right, Tom will change once the baby comes, he’ll see what happiness it is,” Mary hoped, not realizing her husband’s heart was already half elsewhere. After the wedding, Tom threw himself into partying. He told Mary: “My work means constant business trips,” and she believed him, having no idea what work he really did. She never complained to his parents about his long absences, about nights away. She simply waited, cooked lovely meals, cleaned, and missed her old village, her friends, her mum and dad. Now, strangely, she couldn’t stop thinking of John. Now she began to question if she’d made the right choice; when she asked if Tom loved her, he evaded. Helen, his mother, saw Mary was sad, knowing her son was not the best husband. Still, the birth of their son brought happiness, even moving Tom at first. But crying babies, nappies, sleepless nights quickly got on his nerves. Mary, exhausted, couldn’t find time to cook anything special, and Tom longed to bolt anywhere. He soon discovered his many flings deserted him. “Who wants a married man?” He never spoke of his wife—she had no education, a simple village girl. “What would she do when our son gets older? I don’t want her working as a cleaner or at the market. It would ruin my family’s reputation. I’ll have to provide alone. Alimony would probably be cheaper.” Tom kept a steady mistress on the side—Kate, with her own flat, money, and no interest in children. He could unwind at hers. Together, they would party, drink, go for weekends away. “Kate, if only you knew how home chaos gets to me. I don’t love my wife, and even our son irritates me. Mary might be beautiful, but she’s so… rural. I can’t take her out anywhere; she knows nothing but the countryside and cows.” Mary realized her dream life with Tom would never come to pass. She guessed he was seeing someone—he’d come home smelling of unfamiliar perfume, lipstick stains on his shirt, snappish with her, ignoring their son, even violent. They’d hoped for more children back in the village, but she confided in her mother, calling from her mobile, only to hear: “We didn’t force you to marry Tom. You made your choice. We expected you’d marry John. Eat your own porridge, then, and when you’ve had enough, come back home—for good…” Mary felt crushed; she even checked Tom’s phone while he slept and found such explicit messages from Kate, she was speechless… She told her mother-in-law, but was met with: “If you’re thinking of divorce, be warned—we’ll fight for custody of your son. You know my husband’s connections. No matter his faults, Tom’s his real dad, has a good income, their own flat. What can you offer? No education, no job, and no money.” Their baby was poorly, teething and feverish, Tom irritated by the crying. Kate was sending messages, waiting for him. He wrote that he’d come once the baby slept and Mary was in bed. Kate replied, “Give them the sleeping pills I gave you—they’ll both sleep in no time.” Tom went for a shower, leaving his phone out. Mary saw the message and was terrified. “What if he does give us sleeping pills? What if he poisons us…” While Tom was in the bathroom, she called John and told him everything. “I’ll come and get you—bring you home.” “But his parents threaten to take my son.” “Don’t worry, they’re just trying to scare you. Try to calm down—for your son too. Let your husband leave, then call me. I’ll wait nearby in the city.” Mary rocked her son until he finally slept, lay down next to him, pretending to sleep. She heard Tom peek in, then leave. She jumped up, packed a few things, rang John, and he arrived at once. He brought her home to his place. Tom returned late the next day to find wife and child gone. He called his parents. “No, Tom, Mary’s not been here. Did she really run off? I’ll call the police,” Helen fretted. “Mum, don’t. Leave it. I’m glad she’s gone, I’m sick of her—and our son. Let her live as she wants. Please, Mum,” he pleaded until she agreed. Time passed. John and Mary married, after her divorce from Tom. They lived in a big house, soon expecting another child. At last, Mary realized John was her happiness.