Are you worried that Mums going to settle in your flat forever? Emily grinned as she spoke.
Sarah, have you changed your mind about Mum’s flat? Anna, my sister, put her mug of tea down with such force the Earl Grey splashed onto the countertop. Shes really on her own over there in her council flat. Its those steep stairs. And your place, well, theres plenty of room.
Emily wiped the tea away with a cloth, taking her time. This was a conversation wed had over and over for the past two months, ever since Mum broke her hip.
Anna, we already talked about this. Were looking after Mum groceries, prescriptions, cleaner twice a week. But moving? Thats a big thing. For her and for us. Shes told us herself: she doesnt want to leave what she knows.
What she knows! Anna scoffed, eyeing the bright and spacious kitchen in Emily and my flat. The flat I inherited from Gran five years back roomy, three bedrooms, in a lovely part of Cambridge. Anna had always envied it.
Shes cooped up in there! Here, shed have the park round the corner, fresh air. And you wouldnt say no to extra help with the kids, would you? Mum dotes on her grandkids.
A bit of help is one thing, said Emily, carefully. Living together is quite another. Weve got our own routine, Mums got hers. And besides she stopped, swallowing the rest of her thought.
Besides what? Anna narrowed her eyes. Frightened shell make herself at home here forever? Annas grin turned sly. But thats no bad thing! A family should stick together. Youve got to be willing to share, Emily.
Thats not the point, Anna, I cut in, having caught the end of their chat from the hallway. Its about comfort. Mums better where she is. Familiaritys important for her recovery. Thats what her doctor said, too.
Anna slumped in her chair, her face turning sullen.
Right, well, you lot know best, dont you? Living like lords in this palace, while we she waved towards the window, as if out there was the edge of the world rather than just a normal part of town.
All right, all right, if youre sticking to your guns. But theres another way. Quite a practical solution.
Emily and I exchanged a wary glance. Here it was. The real reason for Annas caring visit.
Go on, then I said, cautious.
Mums place Anna smiled, playing her trump card. That council flat of hers. Its nearly falling apart. Markets all over the place, youll never get a decent price quick. But as it happens, she paused with melodrama, I know just the estate agent. Very sharp. Can move things along, no problem. But for that, Mum would need to sign a power of attorney. And we all know her state after the fall, paperwork isnt exactly her priority, is it? She cant be traipsing about to solicitors.
And? Emilys voice was tight. Pure manipulation, I thought.
Simple fix, Anna beamed, but her eyes were hard. Ill take the power of attorney. I sort the lot: valuation, buyers, paperwork. Mum gets the cash, can rent somewhere proper, maybe invest. And you she gave us a loaded look youre free from that old dump. Everyone wins! Especially Mum. We want whats best for her, arent I right?
I leaned against the kitchen doorway, arms folded. Emily saw how my jaw tightened.
Power of attorney in your name? For the only home Mums ever had? I said, very slowly. Anna, are you being serious?
Whats wrong with that? Annas eyes widened, all mock innocence. Im her daughter. If you cant trust family, who can you trust? Or are you saying you dont trust me? Her voice wobbled, playing at hurt.
This is not about trust, I replied, cooly. Its about legal caution. A power of attorney over a property thats serious business. It needs to be done properly, perhaps with a solicitor coming to see Mum here. No middlemen. No sharp agents.
So thats it, youre against me? Anna stood up, her cheeks flushed. You think Im going to cheat Mum? Steal her inheritance? How dare you!
I didnt say that, I kept my voice even. Im saying all this has to be transparent and proper. If Mum wants to sell, thats her decision. Well help her make sure everythings above board: get a proper, independent valuation, bring a solicitor in. Any power of attorney, if needed, will only cover specific actions for a set time. Nothing open-ended.
Oh, I see! Anna grabbed her bag. You want to keep everything in your control? Line your own pockets? Grans flat wasnt enough, now you want Mums too? What a way to care! Suits you, doesnt it?
Anna, thats enough, Emily snapped. Thats just nasty. Weve always helped Mum and will keep helping. But were not getting caught up in funny business, signing away her home behind closed doors. You came here for yourself, not for her!
For myself? Anna shouted. I dont need her flat! I want the best for Mum! You two? Pair of misers. Youre scared shell move in and youll lose your precious kingdom. Or worse, I might get a piece of it! Youve turned him against me, havent you, Em? She jabbed a finger at Emily, eyes blazing. Divide and conquer!
Enough, Anna, I said, soft but firm, stepping into her way.
Anna glared, cheeks blotched from rage, before whirling round and storming out, slamming the front door.
Emily collapsed onto a chair, clutching her head.
Oh, Michael. I cant believe her. Power of attorney, a sale she calls it care, but its pure daylight robbery!
I put my arm round Emily. I always knew shed try something, but this this is a new low. Playing on Mums weakness, trying to get her flat.
What do we do now? Shell go straight to Mum, lay it on thick, tell her were against her.
I know, I sighed. Were going to see Mum. Well explain everything calmly. Tell her what Anna suggested, why were worried, and offer real help.
We drove over to Mums in half an hour. Jean Smith, Mum, answered the door with her crutch, surprised but smiling shyly. Her leg was still slow to mend.
Whats all this, then, dears? You just dropping in?
Mum, can we have a chat? I helped her to her chair.
A proper chat. About your flat. And about what Anna wants.
We told her everything Annas push to have her move in, the sudden interest in selling the council flat, the insistence on giving Anna legal power. The argument earlier today. The accusations.
Mum listened quietly, her face growing graver.
I might be getting on, Michael, but Im not daft. I sensed Anna was angling for something. Always asking, Finding it tough, Mum?, Maybe better to sell while you still can?. Lately, always talking about your lovely place, always asking about room for me she sighed.
Thought she just cared. But now I see.
Mum, if you want to sell, well help. But any decisions are yours, and theyll be done the right way. No pressure. And no shady business with Anna holding your power of attorney. Thats risky for you.
Id never put anything in Annas name, Mum said, firm as iron. Its not that I dont love her, but shes got her own interests. Always looking for a windfall.
She paused.
And moving in here no, dears. I love you both, love the kids, but this has been my home for thirty years. My stuff, my neighbours, my surgery. This is home even if Anna thinks its a heap.
Emily and I exchanged a relieved glance.
All right, lets think about getting you a carer properly, I suggested. So youre comfortable here.
Maybe well look into someone, Mum agreed.
In the meantime, she fixed us with a steely gaze, Id like you two to be my next of kin for anything official. Just in case. If anything happens, Anna cant do anything with my home, or my money, or my health without you both.
A week later, a solicitor came round and Mum signed new paperwork, making Emily and me her legal representatives but only for health and property matters, nothing more. It was airtight, with clear limits and a specific end date, and Mum could revoke it anytime.
When Anna heard (no doubt through mutual friends or by instinct), and came around again, ranting that wed tricked Mum, her words fell flat. I handed her a copy of the paperwork.
Mums decision, Anna. Her choice. The games are finished.
Anna spat threats (Ill challenge this!, Youve tricked her!), but it was over she knew it. The last of her bluster blown away, she left, slamming the door so hard the letterbox rattled.
Things werent all mended. The tension lingered. Emily and I realised this wasnt just a squabble it was the opening shots in a battle for inheritance, control, influence. But we stood firm, knowing now: sometimes, sticking up for your own immediate family even against your closest kin isnt cruelty. Its simply whats right.
