The Door Remained Shut
Mum, open the door! Mum, please! His fists hammered against the metal surface with such force it seemed the hinges might burst. I know youre home! The cars not in the drive, so you havent gone out!
Margaret Elizabeth stood with her back to the door, clutching a cold cup of tea. Her fingers trembled so violently the porcelain rattled against the saucer.
Mum, whats going on? Her son Olivers voice grew more desperate. The neighbours say you havent let anyone in for a week! Not even Emily!
At the mention of her daughter-in-laws name, Margaret Elizabeth flinched slightly. Emily. Olivers precious Emily, for whom hed do anything. Even after what happened last Thursday.
Mum, Ill call a locksmith! Oliver threatened. Well break the lock!
Dont you dare! Margaret Elizabeth finally snapped, still refusing to turn. Dont you dare lay a finger on it!
Mum, why? Whats happened? Talk to me!
She closed her eyes, struggling to gather her thoughts. How could she explain what shed overheard? How could she tell him what shed suspected, standing in that hospital corridor?
Mum, please Olivers voice softened, pleading. Im worried about you. Emilys worried too.
Emilys worried. Of course she was. Probably terrified her plans were falling apart.
Go away, Oliver. Go away and dont come back.
Mum, are you ill? Do you have a fever? Should I call a doctor?
I dont need a doctor. I need you to leave me alone.
Margaret Elizabeth rose and moved to the window. In the drive, Oliver was on the phone. No doubt telling Emily his mother was being difficult again.
Her son looked up and saw her. He gestured that he was coming up. She stepped back and returned to her chair.
A minute later, the knocking resumed.
Mum, its me and Emily. Please open up.
Margaret Elizabeth clenched her jaw. So hed brought her. His wife, whod been so carefully plotting their future.
Margaret Elizabeth, came Emilys gentle voice, its me. Please open the door. Olivers beside himself.
What a brilliant actress. She knew just how to adjust her tone.
Weve brought food, Emily continued. Milk, bread, walnut cakejust how you like it.
Walnut cake. Margaret Elizabeth smirked bitterly. A month ago, Emily had discovered her mother-in-law adored walnut cake and had made a point of buying it ever since. What a devoted daughter-in-law.
Margaret Elizabeth, say something, Emilys voice feigned concern. Were so worried.
Worried, Margaret Elizabeth repeated, so quietly they couldnt hear.
Mum, Im not leaving until you open up! Oliver declared. Ill stay here all night if I have to!
She knew he meant it. Hed always been stubborn, even as a boy. Once he set his mind to something, he wouldnt back down.
Fine, she said at last. But only you. Alone.
What? Oliver sounded confused.
Emily goes home. Ill only talk to you.
She heard their hushed whispers in the hallway.
Mum, why? Emilys worried too.
Because I said so. Either you come in alone, or neither of you does.
More murmuring, then Emilys voice:
Alright, Margaret Elizabeth. Ill go. Oliver, call me when you find out whats wrong.
She waited until the footsteps faded down the stairs, then slowly approached the door and turned the key.
Oliver rushed in like a whirlwind, embracing her before holding her at arms length, his face etched with concern.
Mum, youve lost weight! You look pale! Whats happened? Are you ill?
I havent been ill, she said, pulling away and heading to the kitchen. Do you want tea?
Yes, he said, sitting at the table, watching her intently. Now tell me whats going on. Why have you shut yourself away for a week?
Margaret Elizabeth set the kettle on the stove and turned to him.
Why should I open the door? Whats out there worth waiting for?
Mum, whats that got to do with anything? You cant stay inside forever. You need groceries, doctors appointments
Mrs. Thompson next door goes for me. I give her a list and the money. And Im not going back to the doctor.
Why not?
She poured boiling water into the cups, adding sugar.
Because the last time I was there, I heard things I wish I hadnt.
Oliver frowned.
What did you hear?
Your wife. She was on the phone with a friend. Didnt know I was there.
What did she say?
She sat across from him, studying his face. His eyes, just like his fatherskind, sincere. Could this man really be capable of such a thing?
She was talking about selling my flat. Putting me in a care home. Spending the money.
Oliver went pale.
Mum, you must have misunderstood. Emily would never
I heard every word, she cut in. Word for word. And she said, Olivers already agreed. Says his mum cant live alone at her age, its not safe. Well put her in a decent home, sell the flat. The money will cover the deposit.
Mum, I never
Dont interrupt me! She raised her voice. And then she said, Thank God his mums so trusting. She hasnt got a clue. Thinks we adore her. But shes just in the way.
Oliver sat with his head bowed, fists clenched.
Mum, I swear, I never agreed to any of this. Emilys got a wild imagination.
Imagination? She laughed bitterly. Then why go into such detail? About the home, the moneyeverything planned down to the last penny.
He didnt answer. The silence hung heavy between them.
She sipped her tea, watching him. Shed wondered, all week, what shed see in his eyes when she told him. Shame? Guilt? Denial?
Ill talk to her, he said at last, his voice strained.
Will you?
Yes. Mum, Id never let herId never send you away. This is your home.
Is it? She set her cup down. Or is it just an asset to your future?
Oliver stood abruptly, knocking over his chair.
Im going to sort this out. Right now. And then Im coming back, and well talk properly.
She didnt stop him as he stormed out. The door slammed, shaking the walls.
And so, with a heavy heart but quiet resolve, Margaret Elizabeth continued her evening alone, knowing that, no matter what her son decided, shed keep her dignity and her home until the very end.
