**The Door Remains Shut**
*”Mum, open the door! Mum, please!”* My sons fists hammered against the metal surface so hard I thought the hinges might give way. *”I know you’re home! The cars not in the drive, so you havent gone out!”*
Margaret Anne stood with her back to the door, clutching a cold cup of tea in her hands. Her fingers shook so violently the china clattered against the saucer.
*”Mum, whats going on?”* Daniels voice grew increasingly desperate. *”The neighbours say you havent let anyone inside for a weeknot even Jessica!”*
At the mention of her daughter-in-laws name, Margaret Annes lips twisted slightly. *Jessica*. His precious Jessica, for whom hed do anything. Even what had happened last Thursday.
*”Mum, Ill call a locksmith!”* Daniel threatened. *”Well break the lock!”*
*”Dont you dare!”* she finally snapped, still refusing to turn. *”Dont you dare lay a finger on it!”*
*”Mum, why? Whats happened? Talk to me!”*
Margaret Anne closed her eyes, gathering her thoughts. How could she explain to her son what shed overheard? How could she tell him what shed suspectedwhat shed accidentally confirmed while waiting in the hospital corridor?
*”Mum, please”* Daniels voice softened, pleading. *”Im worried about you. Jessicas worried too.”*
*Jessicas worried.* Of course she was. Probably terrified her plans were falling apart.
*”Leave, Daniel. Leave and dont come back.”*
*”Mum, are you ill? Have you got a fever? Should I call a doctor?”*
*”I dont need a doctor. I need you to leave me alone.”*
She rose and stepped to the window. Outside, Daniel was on the phone. No doubt telling Jessica his mum was making a fuss again.
He glanced up and saw her. He motioned that he was coming up. She stepped back and sank into her armchair.
A minute later, another knock.
*”Mum, its me and Jessica. Open up, please.”*
Margaret Anne clenched her jaw. So hed brought her. His wife, whod so carefully plotted their future.
*”Margaret Anne,”* came Jessicas sweet voice, *”its me. Open the door, please. Daniels beside himself.”*
What a fine actress. She knew just how to soften her tone when needed.
*”Weve brought food,”* Jessica continued. *”Milk, bread, walnut cakejust how you like it.”*
Walnut cake. Margaret Anne smirked bitterly. A month ago, Jessica had found out her mother-in-law adored it, and ever since, shed brought it every visit. What a devoted daughter-in-law.
*”Margaret Anne, just say something,”* Jessicas voice wavered with concern. *”Were frightened for you.”*
*”Frightened,”* Margaret Anne repeated under her breath, too quiet for them to hear.
*”Mum, Im not leaving till you open up!”* Daniel declared. *”Ill stay here all night if I have to!”*
She knew he meant it. Hed always been stubbornever since he was a boy. Once he set his mind to something, he wouldnt back down.
*”Fine,”* she finally said. *”But only you. Alone.”*
*”What?”* Daniel sounded confused.
*”Jessica goes home. Ill speak only to you.”*
Muffled whispers followed.
*”Mum, why? Jessicas worried too.”*
*”Because I said so. Either you come in alone, or neither of you does.”*
More whispering. Then Jessicas voice:
*”Alright, Margaret Anne. Ill go. Daniel, call me when you know whats wrong.”*
She waited until the footsteps faded down the stairs, then slowly approached the door and turned the key.
Daniel burst in like a storm, pulling her into a tight hug, his face etched with worry.
*”Mum, youve lost weight! Youre pale! Whats happened? Are you ill?”*
*”I wasnt ill,”* she said, pulling away and heading to the kitchen. *”Tea?”*
*”Yes,”* he replied, sitting at the table, eyes fixed on her. *”Tell me whats going on. Why have you shut yourself away for a week?”*
She set the kettle on the stove and turned to face him.
*”Why open the door? What good would it do?”*
*”Mum, whats that supposed to mean? You cant stay locked up forever. You need shopping, doctors visits”*
*”Mrs. Thompson next door goes for me. I leave her a list and the money. And I wont be going back to the doctor.”*
*”Why not?”*
She poured boiling water into the cups, added sugar.
*”Because last time, I overheard things I wish I hadnt.”*
Daniel frowned.
*”What did you hear?”*
*”Your wife. Talking on the phone to a friend. She didnt know I was there.”*
*”What was she saying?”*
She sat across from him, studying his facehis eyes, just like his fathers: honest, kind. Could this man really be capable of such a thing?
*”She was talking about selling my flat. Sending me to a care home. Spending the money.”*
Daniel went pale.
*”Mum, you misunderstood. Jessica would never”*
*”I heard every word,”* she cut in. *”Clear as day. And she said: Daniels already agreed. He says his mum cant live alone anymoreits not safe at her age. Well put her in a nice home, sell the flat. The money will cover the deposit.”*
*”Mum, I never”*
*”Dont interrupt!”* she snapped. *”And then she said: Thank God his mums so trusting. She hasnt a clue. Thinks we love her. But shes just in the way.”*
Daniel sat with his head bowed, fists clenched.
*”Mum, I swear, I never agreed to any of this. Jessica mustve been daydreaming.”*
*”Daydreaming?”* She laughed bitterly. *”Then why go into such detail? About the home, the money?”*
And so, with a heavy but calm heart, Margaret Anne carried on with her evening alone, knowing thatwhatever her son choseshe would keep her dignity and her home until the very end.
**A mans lesson? Trust should never be blind, even with those closest to you.**
