Lately Emma wasnt herself at all. The cracks in her marriage to Tom were widening, and she felt helpless in the painful situation. It all began with little things as it usually does.
After work, Tom started hurling poisonous remarks at her. His jokes were laced with venom; every word cut deeper than a slap. Day by day his behaviour grew worse. Even on his days off he gave her no respite.
Looking like a witch! he snarled, eyes glued to his phone. Other lads have wives who smile, and Ive got a shriveled prune!
It was true Emma did look older than her years. Her job was hard and grueling, leaving lines on her face. Hearing that from her own husband was the worst part. She worked for the family, earning twice what Tom made, so he had no right to complain.
Tom spent his money however he pleased, never asking anyones advice. I spend where I like! No kids to save for! hed boast.
Emma put up with it. They got by on what they had. They werent officially married, but lived as a couple and werent in a rush for a wedding. Still, Toms mother Margaret had long called Emma a daughterinlaw, and Emma treated her as a motherinlaw.
Margaret proved to be a meddlesome, neversatisfied presence. She constantly stuck her nose into the young couples affairs, and most of her nitpicking landed on Emma.
The pair lived in a semidetached house on the outskirts of Manchester. Though the neighbourhood was urban, the garden needed constant care. Often Emma begged Tom for help:
I just cant keep up Im at work from dawn till dusk!
Whats it to me? Tom snapped. Its your house, youre the lady of the house, whats my business?
Indeed, in winter the garden was buried in snow until Emma got out the shovel herself. In summer the grass grew up to the windows. They hired gardeners now and then, but after a long day Emma still had to finish the chores herself.
Meanwhile Tom lounged on the sofa, only occasionally getting up to see what was happening.
Emma forgave a lot, but the final straw came when she trudged home after an exhausting shift. She was so tired she could barely drag her feet, and shed stopped at the corner shop for a bag of groceries, her hand throbbing from the weight.
She hoped Tom would meet her she even called, but he didnt answer. Panting and wiping sweat from her brow, Emma heard music drifting from the back garden.
Leaving the bag by the gate, she hurried inside where a lively party was in full swing. Inside, resentment boiled; tonight shed finally let everything out.
The house was a proper bash blaring music rattled the windows, the table was piled with snacks and a meal Emma had prepared earlier so she wouldnt have to cook at night. Tom, oblivious to his wife, was dancing with a woman who had clearly overindulged and was dressed a little too revealing.
Without saying a word, Emma walked across the room and switched the music off.
Tom blinked, his eyes clouded. What are you doing? he asked, his voice wobbling.
I was about to ask you the same! Whats going on? Whos that woman?
His dance partner kept moving as if nothing had changed.
Whats it to you? Tom sneered. Just an old schoolmate, thats all. Or you think I cant relax in my own home?
If you remember, you once said this is my house and you have no say in it. So get out now, see your guest out, then well talk!
I wont! Tom tried to stand, but the room swayed.
Emmas disgust was complete. Hed stopped being a man to her long ago just a burden, no help at all. Living with him out of fear of loneliness? No way.
Grabbing the other woman by the arm, Emma ushered her out the gate. Time for you to go!
She turned back to the house. Are you staying or are you leaving yourself?
Tom shrugged, snatched a salad and a bottle from the table, and staggered toward the door.
Live without me, call me a hysteric later! he shouted as he left.
Oi, oi, oi! Toms mother wailed, clutching her head. My head is splitting!
Mum, stop shouting! Emma chased me off because I didnt meet her, Tom lied, knowing his mother would side with him.
Whats there to meet? she asked, puzzled.
Who knows! Shes always on my case: this, that! Im fed up! Maybe Im tired from work too? Think its easy? Why should I help out in someone elses house?
Exactly! Margaret encouraged. Let her sort out the house, claim her share, then ask! Dont act like youre doing her a favour. Shes healthy, she can manage herself!
Thats what I told her! And she got offended!
Let her be offended! Dont give in! Nothing to concede! She wants marriage? Shell endure. Shes no longer a little girl to be snubbed!
What now? Tom asked, his head hanging low.
Hang on, son! his mother urged. Shell crawl back, sweet as ever, begging you. After a week alone shell realise what shes done. Dont give in when she returns, demand she registers the address. Otherwise shell be left without you!
Thus Margaret gave Tom advice on handling Emma. He nodded along, his head bobbing to her words.
Youre right, mum! I wont put up with her whims! Who does she think she is, ordering me around? Im not a slave, Im a grown man! Im my own master!
Following his mothers counsel, Tom vanished for a week no visits, no calls, just waiting.
Meanwhile Margaret wasnt having an easy time herself. She kept nagging Tom: this, that. When he tried to push back, she reminded him of the oldfashioned discipline a swift swat across the back with a wooden spoon.
Dont think youre on your wifes side; youre at mums house! No work, no lunch! she barked, blunt and final.
After seven long days, Tom decided to go home. Im coming, mum! Ill see how shes doing without me. Shell be crawling on her knees, begging me to return!
Go, go! Dont give up! Speak clearly youll get back only on your own terms! she shouted.
He left the house with a triumphant swagger, chin up, shoulders straight, steps confident almost as if he were about to storm in and show who was boss.
He reached the gate, entered the garden and froze.
Something was off.
He looked around: the garden was immaculate, the lawn trimmed like a ruler, the windows glittered, flowerbeds were neat, the paths were spotless, no hint of weeds.
Not only that everything seemed alive, colourful, lovingly tended.
Even the gate was new solid and sturdy, not the creaky old one theyd had.
Tom fumbled for his key, but it no longer fit. He hesitated, then knocked firmly on the door.
Inside, footsteps halted, then the door opened.
It wasnt the Emma hed known the tired, darkcircley-eyed woman. Standing there was a fresh, smiling Emma, eyes sparkling.
I thought you were the one suffering alone At least you could have called! she said playfully, tilting her head.
Why would I? she replied with a soft smile. A husband disappears for a week and you expect a phone call?
I dont have a husband, she answered calmly.
And where would he come from? Emma laughed. Just one visitor once, and it was a disaster. No point recalling it!
Tom turned beetred. Youre talking about me?! Youll get a slap and a new attitude! I should have raised you better! I only felt sorry for you before!
He stepped forward, but Emma didnt flinch.
From the doorway emerged a tall man, laid his hand on Emmas shoulder and said firmly, Hey mate, get out. And do it quietly.
Whos that? A lover? Tom sputtered. If you chase him off Ill forgive you and come back! I promise not to hit! he declared, trying to sound generous.
Then something bizarre happened. Time seemed to warp Tom was standing one moment, then sprinting the next, as if demons were after him. Someone from behind seemed to push him faster.
Emma stood on the porch, laughing until tears streamed, watching her older brother chase Tom out of the yard. Tom was literally flying toward the gate while her brother gave him a couple of sharp kicks.
As soon as Tom crossed the threshold, her brother slammed the gate shut and turned to his sister:
Em, dont you dare take that fool back! Honestly, I cant understand how you ever tolerated him!
Emma sighed deeply. I was a fool, thats why I put up with it. I kept hoping hed change.
You cant change people, you can only cut them off! If you need a hand around the house, call me, Ill come over and help. And let him know hes not welcome here again.
What if he doesnt get the message?
Then Ill explain it again, her brother winked, and together they walked back inside.
Inside, guests were still partying, watching the drama through the windows.
Cheers to the birthday girl! someone toasted.
To the birthday girl! the crowd echoed, glasses clinking.
Emma smiled. How wonderful it was to have a big brother caring, strong, and always there.
