When Mindaugas told his parents he wanted to introduce them to his girlfriend, they were thrilled.
The family gathered for a little celebration. When Mindaugas mentioned his desire to bring his girlfriend into their lives, his mother and father were genuinely excited. They understood that one day their son would have to leave the nest and start his own family. After all, he was approaching 25a serious age for a committed relationship.
Mindaugas still lived with his parents, not because he was a dependent or lacking money for rent, but because he preferred to save for his own home and avoid a mortgage. His parents supported him. They all shared a spacious apartment that comfortably accommodated everyone, and they respected each others privacy. They never demanded explanations for his whereabouts or late returns.
Mindaugas was also modest. He never expected his parents to cook or do his laundry. Everyone managed comfortably, and they even managed to save some money. Then came his girlfriendRugilė, the first woman he chose to present to his parents.
What should I prepare for lunch? his mother asked. What does Rugilė like?
Mom, dont worry about anything special. Shes careful about her figure, Mindaugas replied with a smile. She never eats fried or fatty foods and doesnt drink alcohol.
Alright, Ill make something diet-friendly, his mother said, smiling back.
Rugilė impressed them. She was intelligent and welleducated, though she ate very little, which slightly annoyed Mindaugass mother when Rugilė declined a light dessert she had prepared, insisting that sugar was bad and everyone should think about it.
She also noticed that the sofa needed new upholstery.
Your renovation looks good, but it seems the cat scratched the sofa. I can give you a cheap contact, Rugilė offered.
There was nothing wrong with that, but until then Mindaugass mother hadnt considered it a problem. The sofa wasnt torn, only lightly marked. When their cat, Mielis, was small he had approached the couch a few times with a purpose, but quickly learned it was offlimits. If you dont look closely, the scratches are easy to miss.
After Rugilė left, Mindaugass mother kept glancing at the couch, and the few claw marks suddenly seemed very noticeable.
Overall, Rugilė was sweet and friendly. She behaved politely, thanked them for their hospitality, and Mindaugass parents decided there was nothing alarming about her commentsshe meant well. Food choices, after all, are personal; its not worth forcing someone to eat what they find uncomfortable or taboo.
For a couple of months Mindaugas and Rugilė dated. She visited their home several times, never bringing a feast.
One day Mindaugas decided to talk to his parents.
Mom, Dad, I want to move in with Rugilė. I love her and we want to build a life together.
His parents exchanged looks. Everything seemed to be moving quickly, but they reminded themselves that it was the childrens decision how to proceed.
I understand it might be inconvenient if I bring Rugilė here, which would be unfair. Ill take out a mortgage; I have half the amount saved, so the payments wont be huge.
If thats what you want, his mother said.
Yes, I do. The place I found needs a bit of repair. Could we stay with you while the work is done? Just a month, at most.
Of course, son, stay as long as you need, his mother replied, genuinely believing it wouldnt be a burden. She liked Rugilė.
Soon Rugilė moved in with Mindaugass parents. They welcomed her warmly, telling her to feel at home.
It was a typical courteous phrase meant to make a guest comfortable, but Rugilė took it literally, which soon created tension.
A few days later, while Mindaugass mother was preparing dinner, she couldnt find the sunflower oil.
Rugilė, have you seen the oil? she asked.
I threw it away, Rugilė said with a smile.
Why?
I thought it would be better if we ate healthy. Honestly, I cant stand the smell of fried food.
Mindaugass mother was taken aback. Perhaps she was right, but the familys habits were differentMindaugass father loved meatballs, and the whole family adored roasted potatoes.
Rugilė, were used to fried food. I dont hate you for cooking my dishes, but you dont have to force us to change our habits, she said.
Im sorry, I didnt mean to offend, Rugilė lowered her eyes. I was only thinking about health.
His mother felt uneasy.
Its fine. Were who we are. No need to change us, she replied.
Rugilė bought new oil, yet every time she cooked, her mother felt a pang of guilt, as if she were being blamed.
The disturbances continued. When Mindaugass mother returned from work, she noticed the livingroom curtains were gone, replaced by thin, dull gray panels.
Where are the curtains? she asked Rugilė.
Oh, those were old. I swapped them with my own; Ill leave them for you. Doesnt the room look fresher now? Rugilė answered.
His mother was dismayed. The new curtains felt gray and dreary, not fresh.
I liked the old ones. Where did they go? I hope you didnt throw them away.
No, I just thought youd prefer these, Rugilė replied.
Not my taste, his mother said softly. Take the old ones back with you.
Later it emerged that several dishes had vanished from the cupboard. Mindaugass mother knew exactly who was responsible.
They were outdated; well give you a new set because its awkward to host guests with mismatched plates. I also called a upholsterer to reupholster the sofa. I chose the fabric myself; I have a good sense of style.
Mindaugass mother kept cooking, but she didnt want to argue with her future daughterinlaw. She realized Rugilės actions werent malicious, just perhaps naive or presumptuous.
Rugilė, listen, she said, sitting her down on the sofa. I understand you want to help our family, but you and Mindaugas will soon move out, and this is our home. I dont want any changes made without my knowledge.
I only wanted to improve things, Rugilė replied quietly.
I know, but please dont do anything else. Tell the worker not to come.
Rugilė got angry. That evening she told Mindaugas that nobody appreciated her efforts, even though she only wanted to help.
Mindaugas didnt defend her.
Rugilė, this is their home, their life. It would be uncomfortable for you if someone changed your house without your consent, he said.
If it made things better, Id be happy, she replied, refusing to agree.
Better is subjective. What works for you may not for my parents, he countered.
Rugilė was upset, but the argument stopped.
Mindaugass mother suddenly realized she couldnt wait indefinitely for the renovation to finish. She had always believed she could live with anyone because she avoided conflict. She hadnt expected problems to arise from an unexpected source. There was nothing inherently wrong with Rugilės intentions, but the situation exhausted her.
Rugilė stopped trying to change everything, yet she still wanted to be useful, so she began tidying up. I need to earn my place here, she said, and soon she was commenting on every cleaned square meter.
Today I cleaned the bathroom. You never did that before, did you? she remarked. Now its spotless.
Thanks, Rugilė, Mindaugass mother sighed.
I spent the whole day organizing the pantry. I threw away some old stuffnothing harmful; it was just accumulated since Mindaugass childhood, Rugilė explained.
Dont worry about it, his mother replied.
She also tried moving the sofa, spilling cat hair everywhere. Just be careful when we move out, okay? she warned.
Alright, Rugilė his mother muttered.
Mindaugass mother eventually accepted everything and counted the days until they would leave. In a moment she simply let go of her worries. Rugilė, unable to explain everything, didnt grasp what could be said aloud and what couldnt; sometimes simplicity felt worse than theft.
When the couple finally left, Mindaugass mother wanted to celebrate.
Before departing, Rugilė hugged her.
Thank you for your hospitality. Its been lovely living with you, she said.
Likewise, Rugilė, the future motherinlaw smiled.
They closed the door behind the young couple, and Mindaugass mother looked at her husband.
What a good boy, she chuckled. Just still young.
Life will teach him his own rules, his father replied, adding, And honestly, she did a great job fixing up our house.
Indeed, he said. Although well need new dishes and maybe a new hat for you, since Rugilė threw yours out, thinking they were old.
Ive been saying we need a style change for ages, Mindaugass father laughed.
In truth, the relationship between future daughterinlaw and mother remained cordial, though they lived separately. Mindaugass mother knew that, no matter what happened, she wouldnt repeat this experience. Peace was more important.
