“So, is he going to live with us now?” he asked his wife, looking at their son…

So, is he going to live with us now? he asked his wife, glancing at their son.
Vera Johnson walks in and cant believe her eyes when she sees her son. Tom has been living with his wife separately for nearly two years now, and they only ever see each other a couple of times a month, usually on the weekends. But its the middle of the working week.
Has something happened? Vera asks, skipping the usual pleasantries.
Arent you pleased to see me? Tom tries to make a joke, but when he catches the stern look from his mum, he gives in: Ive left Emily.
What do you mean, youve left her? she asks him sharply.
With her no-nonsense attitude, shes never been one for jokes. Her job has probably rubbed off on her after all, she works at a secure unit for young offenders.
We had an argument, Tom mumbles, making it clear he doesnt want to talk about it.
So what? she stares straight at him, Are you going to come running to me every time you bicker with your wife?
Were getting a divorce! Tom blurts out.
Vera keeps looking at him, her eyes demanding an explanation. With a sigh, Tom admits, She wants me to help more around the house. Im tired after work as it is.
And what, is it so impossible for you to help your wife? she retorts, unsupportive.
Thats exactly what she said. But I told her, a womans supposed to look after the home and do the chores.
Where on earth did you pick up that rubbish? Vera snaps, her patience wearing thin.
Shes exhausted after work, all she wants is a shower, a quiet dinner with her husband, not to put up with her sons nonsense. The last thing she expects is medieval nonsense about a womans place. She and her husband have always worked and shared the housework together, and never argued over such things. But now, suddenly, her SON thinks hes some kind of MAN of the house.
Im asking you! she shouts at him, so loudly that if Tom were a boy again, hed probably have wet himself. Where did you even get this idea? Dividing up chores, are you tired from hunting mammoths? You both work, you both provide, so you should both muck in at home as well. Or did you suggest she should quit her job and become a housewife? No? Then what are you playing at? Have you ever once seen me and your father argue about housework? Never. Thats because we have the sense to pull our weight equally.
At that moment, Toms dad, Richard, walks in from work and, spotting Tom, asks, Everything all right?
Even their questions are identical, Tom thinks to himself, but out loud says, Emily and I are splitting up.
You idiot, replies his dad shortly, heading straight for the kitchen with the shopping bags.
Richard, our sons being a fool, Vera announces to her husband, explaining the source of the argument.
So, is he planning to stay with us now? Richard asks his wife, before turning to Tom: Did you know that the original word for spouse comes from a yokefellow? That means someone pulling in the same harness as their partner. Youre meant to pull together with your wife, sharing all the responsibilities equally. If one slacks off, the other carries double. And that route ends with one collapsing or the whole wagon breaking.
Tom stands there, thinking it over, but resentment towards Emily still lingers. He was hoping his parents would take his side, but instead, theyre making it clear hes wrong. The conversation continues between his parents as if hes not even there. Richard is unpacking groceries, and Vera is putting them away. Their actions say it all: Tom isnt getting any special treatment or sympathy here.
Tom looks at their peaceful family routine, puzzled by how two such strong-willed people can treat each other with such affection.
Why are you still standing there? Go and make up with your wife, his dad says firmly. And get that nonsense out of your head about who owes what to whom. Youre supposed to look after each other and help, thats what marriage is about. Off you go your mum and I have our own lives.
Tom leaves his parents place feeling thrown off he certainly wasnt expecting that kind of welcome. But his anger at Emily has faded, and he realises hes just as much to blame for the silly argument. Most of all, he understands one thing clearly now: he wants a family as happy as the one his parents have built.