Im not going to eat that, the motherinlaw declared, eyeing the soup with disdain.
Im not going to eat that, she sneered at the bowl of caldo verde.
Whats this? Helena made a grimace, sniffing as if faced with something repulsive.
Its caldo verde, Luísa, the daughterinlaw, replied with a grin. She lifted the lid of a tiny ceramic pot and began ladling the fragrant broth. Its a pleasure to cook with the vegetables from our garden.
Nothing about this amuses me, the motherinlaw muttered. All that time and effort spent on a garden!
True enough, Luísa laughed gently. But as a hobby its only fun.
Yes, when its truly yours and not something forced upon you, Helena grumbled, pursing her lips. Who are you cooking all this for?
For us. Its not much, just enough for a couple of meals.
Im not eating this junk, the motherinlaw emphatically waved her hands, stepping away from the table. You cant even tell whats in it! Helena pretended to gag, covering her mouth and turning sharply.
Luísa rolled her eyes and sighed.
She and Miguel had met a year and a half earlier, fell in love at first conversation, and married a month later in a modest ceremony. With their savings they bought a country house, which they have been decorating lovingly ever since.
During that time Luísa had seen her motherinlaw only four times, the same as Miguel. On three of those occasions she persuaded her husband to visit his mother for the celebrations.
Helena had always regarded Miguels marriage as a whim. Unable to influence her grown, independent son, she waited for the outcome she thought inevitablea fate that never arrived, leaving her uneasy.
She could not understand what Miguel saw in that plain girl and why Luísa had won him over. He was a handsome young man who had always been surrounded by more exciting, attractive women. Moreover, Helena, a staunch city dweller, had raised Miguel with the same mindset. Her maternal instinct now told her that Miguel must be tired of country life and that a little nudge would set things back to normal. After such a sad experience, she believed he would eventually find a suitable partner, and she would finally have a true friendship.
She just had to act quickly before the cunning Luísa tied him down with a child!
The plan formed naturally: Helena called her daughterinlaw and asked for a visit, since she hadnt been invited to the houses inauguration. Luísa recalled that she had already invited her twice by phone, but Helena always declined, claiming she was busy. Ignoring that, Helena announced she was ready to see her son.
Two days later she stood in the spacious, bright living room, barely containing her indignation. Her son, like her late husband, despised soups! In their family only dishes that could be recognized at first glance made it to the table.
How had Miguel let his wife dominate so quickly? Was he enchanted? Helena felt uneasy, shivered. The ridiculous notion that Luísa kept Miguel with seductive tricks was instantly dismissed. Tricks and Luísa? Incompatible! Of course, magic!
What other explanation could there be for the son eating that junk? Helena stared at her daughterinlaw with aversion. Pretending innocence, Luísa began to dismantle her husbands resolve piece by piece.
But why do you think we dont know whats in it? Luísa, ignoring her motherinlaws melodramatic flair, grabbed another plate, filled it with caldo verde, and faced Helena. You can see everything: cabbage, onion, carrot, chorizo, mint from the garden, and a slice of broa on top!
Then eat wheat bran! the motherinlaw shouted, raising her hands in indignation. At your age it would even be useful! Bran regulates bowel function and improves gut flora. Happy flora, happy owner!
Helena blushed at Luísas boldness but pressed on:
And why do you force Miguel to eat this?
Luísa blinked, curious.
Well, because he likes it.
How can a man like that? Isnt there anything else at home?
Cooking alone what you like? Ordering food? Visiting his mother? Luísa listed the options with a smile. Helenas blush deepened at the last suggestion.
Dont be sarcastic! You could at least ask Miguel what he prefers.
Helena, I asked him. Hes grown now. They told me hes learned to speak. He says he likes everything.
Hes lying! Is that clear now? At first I didnt want to argue. Now Ive had enough!
Oh! Luísa made a weary expression and sighed. But the caldo verde is already made, and I wont throw it away. Hell have to endure it. Youll support your son, wont you?
What?! Helena stared at Luísa, astonished.
Not? Too bad. I think hed appreciate your solidarity.
Its you!
Luísa! Were back! Miguels cheerful voice echoed from the doorway.
A fluffy white puppy burst into the room, barking loudly.
Aaargh! Helena shrieked, hiding behind Luísa.
Dont worry, this is Mimi. She doesnt bite and is very wellbehaved, Luísa raised her hand; the dog stopped, lifted its head, and sat obediently. Good girl, so clever.
Why do you let the neighbors dog into the house? Helena whispered, shocked.
Why the neighbor? Shes ours and lives with us.
At home?! Thats unsanitary! the motherinlaw exclaimed. And Miguel doesnt like dogs!
No, Mom, youre the one who dislikes dogs. Hello, Miguel said as he entered. You arrived right at lunch time.
Hello, son! Helena waited for a kiss on her cheek, but Miguel only gave his mother a light hug and a kiss on Luísas lips.
Shall we eat? the host sniffed the air and smiled contentedly.
Id love to, Miguel, but I cant.
How come you cant?
They prepared food for pigs. You never mentioned we had pigs. What a smell! Worse than city traffic.
Miguel looked at his mother, then Luísa, and finally at the set table. His neck muscles tightened, and his gaze at his mother lost the earlier lightness.
Honestly, Id forgotten those details, Miguel said bitterly, chuckling.
What details? Our tastes! Our rules! Traditions, after all! You never complained!
I? As a child I feared upsetting Dad. As an adult I didnt want to fight with you.
What are you saying?! Helena shouted, provoking another bout of Mimis barking. Stay quiet! she ordered, threatening the dog that Luísa kept under control. She has her own will, she said to Luísa, but why are you so weak, letting yourself be stepped on? Do you enjoy being dominated? You let her turn the house into a zoo. Are you the owner or what?
I am, Miguel replied.
Then act like the owner! Helena exhaled, relieved, feeling her mission complete.
Wheres your luggage? she asked.
At the entrance! she complained. Ive been hungry since the trip.
Great. Thank Luísa for the invitation.
What?
Thank Luísa for the final effort to get you together and apologize.
But she
Mom!
Ththank you and ssorry, Helena whispered angrily.
Luísa nodded calmly.
Lets go.
To where?
To wherever everything is to your taste, your rules, your traditions.
But Miguel, I the mother tried to argue, but was cut off:
Dad and you never liked soups, animals, the countryside. My preferences didnt count. My father gave me advice: If you dont like it here, create your own. I did that, Mom. Here my tastes prevail, my rules, my traditions. This house belongs to my wife. Dont like it? You have your own space.
Son! She turned you against me! Helena despaired, almost sobbing. She bewitched you! she muttered.
Miguel led his mother to the door, grabbed her suitcase, opened it, and escorted her to the gate in silence.
Luísa, by the way, was on your side. She gets along with the family. I never thought it could be like this. In the kitchen there was a separate dish for you, but the caldo verde was a test. The mask fell, Miguel said as he opened the door to the street. The taxi is waiting.
You but when did you call? Helena murmured, still stunned by her sons bluntness.
I asked Luísa to wait. I didnt let her leave. It was right.
You! But
I am, Mom, the owner. As you wished, he said to the taxi driver.
Spell Helena convinced herself of the diagnosis, and once in the taxi she grabbed her phone, searching for ways to break the spell. Something must exist to bring her son back!
