4May2025 Im writing this while the kettle is whistling, trying to make sense of the chaos that erupted in our flat on the night before.
Honestly, we need your help! You have to help us! my motherinlaw shouted.
What on earth is happening? I thought, reluctantly pulling myself out from under a cosy throw. It was Saturday. My husband, Arthur, had driven to his mothers house in Leeds earlier that morning to lend a hand; she couldnt even manage to defrost the freezer on her own. He was back within an hour, and that sudden return set my nerves on edge.
Where are you? Come on, weve got guests! I heard Evelyns voice drifting into my halfsleep.
Why is she here? I wondered, dragging the blanket off my shoulders. It turned out Evelyn wasnt the only surprise. Peeking from behind her were Arthurs nephews, James and Thomas, whod apparently arrived unannounced. Arthur stood mute, his eyes fixed on me, heavy with guilt.
Were moving out! Evelyn barked at the boys. And you, go help with the boxes. Theyre getting paid by the hour, so make it quick!
The nephews scurried around the living room, while Arthur slipped out the back door. Evelyn wrapped her arms around me and whispered, Come on, we need to talk.
I felt disoriented, as if Id been jolted awake by a thunderclap. How had Arthurs nephews ended up in our flat? Why was Evelyn suddenly here, and what on earth were they moving? The whole scene felt absurd. Evelyn turned the kettle on and asked, Tea or coffee?
Coffee, please, I replied, startled by the sudden normalcy.
Evelyns tone was oddly conspiratorial; she rarely spoke to me without a hint of sarcasm, and when she did, it was usually a barb. What do you want? I asked straightaway.
Before she could answer, the sharp crack of breaking glass rang through the flat. Evelyn and I bolted into the hallway, where the boys stood, eyes wide, next to a shattered vase.
Stop that right now! Turn on the television, sit on the sofa, and watch a programme! Evelyn commanded. Do you hear me?
Yes, Grandma, we hear you! they shouted, dashing off to the other room.
After Evelyn cleared the mess, we headed for the kitchen, only for the front door to swing open.
Where do we put the bed? someone asked.
Right there, Arthur answered, pointing to a corner.
I stepped outside to get a better look. There was no ordinary bedjust a disassembled set of bunkbed frames that belonged to the children of Arthurs sister, the very same kids whod knocked over my favourite vase.
What is going on? I demanded.
Dont worry, Evelyn said, trying to soothe me. Annies been in hospital for a month or two, and my mother cant cope with the grandchildren, so theyre staying with us for now.
What hospital? I asked, feeling the knot tighten. Is it the one in Thailand that only treats her condition?
Evelyn looked genuinely taken aback. I pulled out my phone and opened Annies Facebook page, scrolling through pictures of her boarding a plane, then lounging on a beach.
Imagine being stuck in that hospital, day after day, she muttered. Annie left her kids, found a man, packed up and ran off.
Why are you lying to me? I snapped, hurt and angry.
Were hoping Annie will come to her senses and return.
Youll agree to take the children, wont you? Arthur said quietly.
Who says that? I shot back. Why would I ever agree? Theyre impossible! Theyll wreck the whole flat. And what will I get for it?
Were family, we need your help! All you think about is money! Evelyn shouted, her voice cracking.
Since when am I family? Youve called me nothing before. What changed? You want my help now? If youd asked nicely maybe Id have considered it, but youre full of lies! I wont help you or your daughter, whos humiliated me for years. Take your grandchildren, your bunk beds, and get out of here right now!
How can you possibly do that? Arthur asked, bewildered.
I can! This is my parents house! I decide who lives here and what happens. Do you remember how long your mother and sister tormented me, slinging mud at me? Do you recall how Annie taught her children to mock me? Their kids will never live in my flat. They have a grandmother and a father! Youve got fifteen minutes to gather the children, their stuff, and get out!
Arthur left with Evelyn and the boys, never looking back. The only message he sent afterward was a terse text: Youre a huge disappointment. Im relieved hes gone for good. I have no desire to be tangled up with him or his family any longer.
