The air hummed strangely, thick with the scent of fresh paint and unspoken tensions.
When can we move into your new place? her in-laws asked, blunt as a hammer to glass.
Iwhat? Emily tensed, her fingers curling into her palms.
Well, now that its all finished, we figured youd be inviting us soon, said Edward with a grin that didnt reach his eyes.
Oliver, do you even hear this? Emilys voice trembled, fraying at the edges. Her husband merely blinked, pretending not to grasp why shed wound up like a clockwork toy about to snap.
Or had they planned it all along? Lured her into pouring years of her lifeand every last pennyinto this house, only to shove her aside now that it was done?
Most couples their age scraped together fortunes for shoebox flats in London, but not them. No, back when Oliver and Emily were just dating, theyd dreamed of building. It was cheaper, fasterlogical. Why settle for thirty square metres when the same money bought a proper house in the countryside?
Plenty of room for children, even a dog or two, Emily had gushed.
Luckily, the land was already theirs. Olivers aunt had signed it over when she heard of their plans.
Never gave you a proper wedding gift, did I? Consider this it. Better it goes to you than sits gathering weeds, shed said.
Still, it hadnt been easy. To save costs, theyd taken on work themselvesweekends, evenings, even in the lashing rain. Emily had dipped into her inheritance, the money from Grans old flat, and poured it all into the bones of this place.
But when the house finally stood, solid and real, every splintered knuckle and sleepless night felt worth it.
Not that it was *finished* finished. There were still loose endstrim to paint, shelves to mountbut it was *theirs*. Theyd begun sleeping there, hosting friends. The only shadow? Olivers parents hadnt lifted a finger to help.
Not with the fence. Not even with delivering the fridge, though they owned a massive Land Rover perfect for hauling things.
Are they *that* busy? Theyre retired! Emily huffed.
Oliver shrugged. Dunno. Maybe theyve got their reasons.
A worm of doubt wriggled in her gut.
Em, the tellys arriving today. Youll be in, yeah? Oliver mumbled through a mouthful of toast in their sunlit kitchen.
Course. What time?
Sometime after three. Gave them your numbersaid theyd ring an hour before.
Right. Heres your lunch.
Cheers. Off I pop. He pecked her cheek and vanished.
At half four, a knock rattled the door. Oddno call.
Emily opened it.
Olivers parents stood there, grinning like cats whod found the cream.
Oh! She startled, words dissolving.
Hello, love! Didnt expect us, eh? Margaret trilled.
S-sorry, of course I recognised you! Just surprised
Gonna let us in, then? Edward winked.
Oh! Rightcome in.
They swept into the open-plan living space, eyes greedily tracing every corner.
Lovely! So much better than some cramped flat, Margaret cooed. Plenty of room for everyone!
Er yeah, Emily said faintly.
Sowhen do we move in? Edward cut straight to it.
Pardon? Her spine stiffened.
Now its done, we thought youd want us here, he said, as if explaining to a toddler.
We didnt design it for four, she stammered.
Were not royalty! A spare rooms plenty! Edward laughed.
Were letting our flat out, dear. Bit of extra pension money, Margaret added brightly.
Did you discuss this with Oliver? Emilys voice was thin as ice.
Not yet, but he wont mind.
The audacity choked her. Not a single favour, not one lifted fingerand now they expected to *live* here? Profit off it?
She couldnt bring herself to refuse. But Oliver would.
Tea, then? Edward sniffed. Or are we strangers?
Right. Yes.
They lounged at the table, sipping leisurely, when her phone rang.
The delivery driver apologised for forgetting to callhe was outside now.
Emily fetched the massive telly box, the couriers hauling it in with polite nods.
Blimey, thats a beast! Edward whistled. Wheres it going?
That wall. She pointed.
Brilliant! Well watch the news there tonight.
We werent planning to get an aerial.
Whatll you watch, then? A blank screen?
Streaming. Films, shows. No one watches telly proper anymore. Unless theyre ancient.
Thats us! Margaret cackled. Ill have Oliver sort an aerial.
Emily willed the clock to hurry.
Oliver arrived mercifully on time.
Your parents are here. They want to *move in*, she hissed, clinging to his neck.
*What?!*
Shhtheyll explain.
Since when? he demanded.
Just popped by! Smashing place, Edward boomed.
Hardly a palace. Kid comes alongno space left, Oliver said lightly.
Nonsense! Youve two spare rooms upstairs! Margaret chirped.
Guest room and office. We have mates stay over. Parties. Were young.
We dont like noise, Edward muttered.
Excuse me? Olivers smile faltered.
Told Emily already. Were moving in, letting our flat. Bit of income.
Oliver crossed his arms. No room.
Oliver! Your own parents? Margarets voice cracked.
Did you find time to help *us*? Couldnt even fetch a fridge. Now you want to *cash in* on our house? No.
A silent glance passed between Edward and Margaret.
Come on, love. Time to go.
They left without another word.
The moment the door shut, Emily crushed Oliver in a hug.
Thank you. I was terrified youd side with them.
Why would I? Saw how they hurt you, refusing to help. Bit of income? Sod that.
She buried her face in his shoulder.
Dont mention it. Nowfeed me?
The house exhaled around them, finally at peace.
