So, this all kicked off on a Sunday morning, right around 7 oclock. Emily and her husband had been out in London the night before, got home late, and all they wanted was a proper lie-in. But before they could even turn over for a few extra winks, the peace was shattered by a call from Emilys mother-in-law. She was ringing from their village out in the countryside, inviting them round for a barbecue. Even though Emily and her husband tried to wriggle out of it, her mother-in-law wouldnt have any of itshe kept going on about how shed already marinated enough meat to feed half the village.
In the end, saying no was pointless, so they gave in and agreed. It wasnt just going to be the in-laws there, eitherEmilys brother-in-law and his new wife were coming too. Emily and her husband had been married three years, but her brother-in-law and his wife had only tied the knot a couple of months earlier, and neither couple had kids yet.
After a whole year of living under the same roof as her mother-in-law, Emily knew what she was like. The woman loved a bargain, could be a bit tight-fisted, and was famous for banging on about never having enough money. Eventually, Emily and her husband decided to rent their own flat in the city. Luckily, Emilys parents ended up moving into her grans old place, which theyd inherited, so at least the couple were free from mortgage stress.
Anyway, when barbecue day rolled round, Emily and her husband set off on the two-hour drive to the countryside. But instead of the chilled family day theyd imagined, they were put straight to work as soon as they arrivedfixing the garden gate, planting herbs, watering flowers, you name it. Emily was knackered and starving, but her mother-in-law didnt seem fussed about barbecuing anytime soon.
Tensions properly flared when Emilys husband admitted he was hungryhe snapped at his mum, which led to a right row. It was only as the sun was setting that they finally gathered round the barbecue. And I kid you not, her mother-in-law had grilled just two sausages per person. After all that hype, everyone sat there disappointed and hungry, wondering why they even bothered.
It really stuck in their craw, because if her mother-in-law had just said she needed help in the garden, Emily and her husband would have happily come and even brought plenty of food themselves. That day just made things between them and the mother-in-law even more awkward.
Then, just a week later, she called again, trying to rope them all in for another barbecue. But Emilys father-in-law gave her a heads-upnot to take her mother-in-laws word, as apparently she just fancied a bit of free labour and wasnt interested in putting on a proper spread.
So, feeling well and truly fed up, Emily and her husband decided theyd had enough of the drama. They switched their phones off, stuck a note on the doorbell, and finally let themselves have the peaceful rest theyd been craving.
