**Diary Entry**
Mum and I sat on the old bed, both bundled up in warm layers. Winter had settled in, and the cottage had only just been warmed by the freshly lit stove.
Dont worry, Mum, I said, squeezing her hand. Well manage. Here, take your medicine.
I tried my best to reassure her, though she wasnt really my mothershe was my mother-in-law, or rather, my *former* mother-in-law. Nearly former, at least.
It had been the three of usMum, my husband Daniel, and me. Id married late, at thirty. Daniel had been divorced when we met, so I hadnt broken up any marriage. His mother, Margaret, had taken to me straight away, and I to her. She was kind, warmthe sort whod pull you into a hug and just *listen*. Id lost my own parents young, and in her, Id found family.
Daniel used to joke we were *conspiring* against him.
Five years of marriage passed in a blink. Then he changedgrew harsh, quick-tempered. Hed shout at me, at his mother. The reason? Another woman. Hed come home late, reeking of drink.
Then one day, he said he was leaving. Gave me two days to pack. Before I could even leave, *she* turned up with her suitcase.
Maybe shed timed it deliberately, wanting to gloat. But it didnt work. She was all legs, bleached blonde, with lips too big and lashes so thick she could hardly blink.
I couldnt help itI laughed.
You left me for *that*? A cow-eyed doll? Well, good luck to you. I dont regret a thing.
At least shes fun, he sneered. You and Mumjust a pair of old hens.
Insult *me* all you like, but leave your mother out of it!
Darling, the woman trilled, batting those ridiculous lashes, why is *his* mum even here? She should go with *her*.
Shes right, Mum. Time you moved on.
Where will I go? Margarets hand flew to her chest. I gave you everythingthe money from selling my flat so you could build this house!
Daniel shrugged. No theatrics. Fine, staybut keep to your room. *Alina* runs this house now.
Sweetheart, the woman cooed, just kick them *both* out.
Shes my *mother*!
Yours? You expect me to live with *that* as a mother-in-law? She fake-gasped. Oh, *darling*
Id heard enough.
Mum, youll come with me to the countryside?
Better there than with *him* and that
Sit tight. Ill pack your things.
Dont forget my medicine. And my trinket box. And my handbag.
I grabbed another suitcase, tossing in essentialsmedicine, documents, clothes, her little treasures.
Alina piped up, Take everything. We dont want your junk.
Daniel just stood there, silent. He knew his mother would never forgive him. Or maybe she wouldshe *was* his mother, after all.
Half an hour later, I was by the car. Margaret sat in the back, wiping quiet tears. She didnt even glance at her son.
How cruelto give your all and be thrown away.
How will we manage, love? she whispered.
Well be fine. Ive savings. Your pension will help. Bread and butter, at least.
We drove to the village where Id spent my childhood. Thank goodness we arrived in daylightthe cottage was freezing. I lit the stove, fetched water, put the kettle on.
You handle this like youve lived here forever, Margaret said.
Grandad taught me well. Good thing we brought suppliesno village gossip for me.
The warmth crept in slowly.
Tomorrow, Ill give the place a proper clean.
A knock at the door.
Back so soon, neighbour? Saw your car. Winters a strange time to visittrouble?
Alls well, Mr. Thomas. Ill explain another time. Fancy some tea?
I was about to invite *you*! Ohyoure not alone? Hed just noticed Margaret.
This is Margaret. Margaret, this is Thomas.
Let me know if you need anything.
Were all right for now. Thanks.
A week passed. The cottage was clean, cosy.
Margaret sighed. I was village-born too, you know. Married a city man. He died when Daniel was twenty-three. I sold the flathe *promised* Id always have a home with him. And look how it ended.
Dont cry. I know it hurts. Maybe therell be grandchildren one day.
From *her*? God forbid. Thomashe lives alone?
Yes. His wife drowned saving a neighbours child years ago. Never remarried. No kids. He and Grandad were close, despite the age gap. Hes about your age.
A month later, still no word from Daniel. Thenan unknown caller.
Emily?
Yes?
Your husbands dead.
Youve got the wrong person.
No mistake. Daniel drink-driving. The woman with him survivedflung clear, not a scratch. Youll need to identify him.
*Oh God. How do I tell Margaret?*
Emily, youre white as a sheet!
Mum, sit down. Daniels gone.
She wailed. My fault! I abandoned him!
*He* threw *you* out!
But Im his *mother*! Ohthis is my punishment!
Ill handle the identification. Mr. Thomas will stay with you.
Im coming too, she insisted.
So am I, Thomas said firmly. Well take my car.
After the funeral, we went to Daniels housenow rightfully ours. Hed never filed for divorcetoo busy with his new *love*.
Thomas escorted us. Best I comeyou never know.
The place was a wreckdirty clothes, mouldy plates, the stink of booze and rot.
Daniel *never* lived like this! Margaret trembled.
Alina slunk out of the bedroom, followed by some half-dressed bloke.
This is *my* house! Get out!
Prove it, Thomas snapped.
My *husband* diedwe even had a pre-wedding party!
They werent divorced! I said.
Close enough! Its all *mine*!
Drunk nonsense. Out. Now. The man fled. Thomas made sure she stole nothing.
Well check the paperworkcould be a will, new ownership. And change the locks.
Legal matters settled, we scrubbed the house clean. Thomas never left our side.
Ill miss you both, he admitted.
Visit us. Youre always welcome.
Youve made me feel young again. Margaret she reminds me of my late wife.
I smirked. Ive seen how you look at each other. Smitten, arent you?
He flushed. Dont be daft.
A year later, Thomas and Margaret married. Theyre happywith each other, with me. Im like a daughter to them.
And now? Theyre grandparents.
I never remarried, but Im a motherto two foster siblings I couldnt bear to separate. Funny, how family finds you in the strangest ways.
