“I expect you to give more appropriate gifts than Victoria does, considering you’re wealthier,” grumbled Sarah’s mother-in-law.
“I’m clueless about what to get Mum,” remarked James, plopping down on the sofa next to his wife.
Sarah shrugged in response. Choosing a gift for her mother-in-law had always been a struggle.
Sarah’s relationship with Elizabeth had been strained from nearly day one.
James understood his mother’s stance immediately, so after discussing with Sarah, the couple decided to keep their distance.
No one was obligated to anyone. Rare phone calls and shared holidays, if both parties wished—this was the extent of their interaction.
This year, Elizabeth decided to celebrate an anniversary and invited a large part of the family, including the young couple, to the event.
“Actually, Mum said she’d be happy with any gift,” James suddenly recalled.
“She always says that, then turns her nose up,” Sarah frowned at the memory. “Your sister could get her anything, but not us!”
Sarah remembered well how Elizabeth would always berate them over any gift they gave.
“Remember Mother’s Day? We gave her a luxurious set of cosmetics, and what did we receive in return? Tears and complaints that we think she’s old and unattractive,” sighed Sarah. “What gift has she ever liked? Gold or gadgets, because she can check their price.”
“Should I call her and ask about the gift?” James hesitated.
“Do what you think is best,” Sarah shook her head.
Seeking an easy path, James called his mother, hoping to learn what kind of present she wanted.
“Darling, you don’t need to get me anything. Just having you visit will be gift enough,” Elizabeth responded bashfully.
“Mum, are you sure? You won’t be upset later?” James pressed for clarification.
“Of course not! I’ll be delighted with any little trinket,” she laughed, and James decided to believe her.
“Mum says we can give her whatever we want,” James informed Sarah.
Sarah eyed her husband with skepticism. She didn’t entirely trust her mother-in-law’s words.
However, since James insisted on choosing a gift himself, Sarah relented.
“I suggest getting her a robotic vacuum cleaner so she doesn’t have to fuss with the vacuum hose,” Sarah proposed, considering their budget.
The couple agreed and bought a gift for Elizabeth worth five hundred pounds, heading to the anniversary with peace of mind.
The birthday woman greeted her son and daughter-in-law with joy, which quickly soured upon seeing the vacuum cleaner box.
“Why?” she muttered and let out a heavy sigh. “Darling, take it to the other room.”
Sarah was stunned for a moment by her mother-in-law’s lack of appreciation.
Following them, James’s sister entered with her husband. She ran to her mother, exclaiming joyfully, “Mum, this is for you!”
“Thank you, dear! Just what I needed!” Elizabeth exclaimed, hugging her daughter.
Sarah was curious about the gift that brought Elizabeth such happiness.
To her astonishment, she saw that Victoria had gifted her mother a modest set of cosmetics from a store worth merely three pounds.
Sarah looked questioningly at James, who watched as his sister presented her gift to Elizabeth.
James’s expression revealed his frustration at his mother’s reaction to their present.
James, holding his tongue for hours, finally snapped when Elizabeth overpraised his sister’s gift.
“Mum, can I talk to you for a second?” James took his mother aside.
“What is it?” asked Elizabeth, approaching her son. “Is something wrong?”
“Yes, Mum! I specifically asked you about the gift. Remember what you told me?” James confronted her.
“I remember…”
“Then why react with such discontent to our gift? Yet you can’t stop praising a cheap store-bought set,” James replied bitterly. “And don’t tell me it’s all in my head.”
“I won’t. It’s because you’re wealthier than Victoria, so your gifts should reflect that,” Elizabeth grumbled.
“And what kind do we give you?” James frowned. “Cheap? Do we have to attach a receipt for you to appreciate it?”
“Oh, there you go, again,” she responded, eager to end the discussion. “What can I say if I liked Victoria’s gift better?”
“Is that because you’re unaware of our gift’s cost?” James remarked sarcastically. “For your information, it cost five hundred pounds!”
“That expensive?” Elizabeth feigned shock.
However, she quickly found a way to maneuver out of the awkward spot.
“You know why I praise your sister’s gifts more? Because they match their budget, whereas yours seem thoughtless,” Elizabeth burst out unexpectedly.
“Mum, are you serious?” James clutched his head.
“Do I look like I’m joking? Considering what you earn, you could have gifted me a holiday, yet here we are,” Elizabeth declared, raising her chin proudly.
James was so taken aback by his mother’s words that he stared at her, speechless, for several seconds.
“Do you really think money just falls into our laps every day?” James’s voice suddenly found strength.
His raised voice drew Sarah and Victoria to the room. Both paused in the doorway, stunned by the confrontation.
Victoria, quicker to catch on than Sarah, immediately sided with their mother.
“Mum doesn’t need your robotic vacuum; she wanted a humidifier. Her old one broke three days ago. If you’d taken more interest, you’d know,” Victoria chided.
“I asked her about the gift!” James gritted his teeth angrily. “Are you mocking me? From now on, there’ll be no more gifts! We bend over backwards to please, and you still condemn us! Robotic vacuum isn’t good enough for you; you demand a humidifier! Sorry for not meeting your expectations! We’re leaving!” James declared, turning to his wife.
Elizabeth burst into tears, and as Victoria comforted her, the couple left the house with stony expressions.
James kept his word to his mother. To avoid awkward purchases and appearances, he decided to skip family events, sparing himself the stress.
