Either your mum moves out, or were getting a divorce, I told my wife after her latest drama.
How long are we going to wait? Well be late! Gwendolyn glanced impatiently at the clock, shifting from foot to foot in the hallway.
Im ready, just let me fix my tie, called Andrew from the bedroom. By the way, wed have already left if you hadnt changed outfits three times.
Oh, give me a break! Gwendolyn snapped. I want to look presentable at your office party, not like a drab mouse!
Andrew appeared in the doorway, tugging at the knot of his tie. At fortyfive he still kept a trim figure, though a few silver strands were already peeking at his temples.
You always look smashing, he said more gently. Especially when youre not knuckling down.
Gwendolyn was about to retort when Ethel Brown, her mother, shuffled in from the kitchen, a steaming mug of tea in her hands.
Where are you two all dressed up for? she asked, eyeing them over her spectacles.
Its Andrews office party, Mum, as I mentioned this morning, Gwendolyn adjusted her earrings.
Ah, right, Id forgotten, Ethel took a sip. And why so late? Its already nine oclock.
Thats why were in a rush, Andrew tried to stay calm, though his nerves were doing a little jig. Gwendolyn, are you calling a taxi? Or shall I drive?
Lets get a taxi. I want you to be able to relax too, Gwendolyn fished out her phone.
Sensible, Ethel intervened. Men are always first to finish a drink, but when it comes to responsibility they disappear into the hedgerows.
Andrew clenched his teeth and counted to ten. Every remark from his motherinlaw felt like a courtroom accusation, even when she was just talking about the weather.
Mum, please, Gwendolyn whispered, casting an apologetic glance at her husband.
Alright, Ill be quiet, Ethel retreated to the kitchen, leaving the door ajar so she could eavesdrop.
The taxi will be here in five minutes, Gwendolyn said, slipping the phone into her evening bag.
Got it, Andrew grabbed his coat. Did you take the keys?
All set.
Ethel reappeared from the kitchen.
When are you getting back? Should I lock the door for the night?
No need, Mum. We have the keys.
What if you lose them? Or have a bit too much to drink? she eyed Andrew skeptically.
We wont misplace them, Andrew cut in. I know my limits.
You all say that, and then
The doorbell rang, cutting the argument short. The taxi pulled up, and Andrew exhaled a sigh of relief. Another evening without a tirade from Ethel.
Dont stay out too late! Ethel shouted after them.
In the back seat Gwendolyn squeezed Andrews hand.
Sorry about my mum. She just worries.
Of course, Andrew replied, watching the dark street flash past. Sometimes he imagined being a passerby, free from the feeling that every step was being graded.
Three months earlier Ethel had moved in after Gwendolyns father died. It was supposed to be temporary, a stopgap until Mum got used to life without him. That temporary turned into a permanent fixture, and their threebed flat began to feel like a cramped cage.
The office party was held in a swanky restaurant in the heart of London. Velvet banquettes, a live jazz trio, colleagues in their best festive attire everything set the scene for a pleasant night. Andrew gradually relaxed, chatting with coworkers and their partners. Gwendolyn shone in a deep navy dress, turning heads everywhere.
What a splendid wife you have, said Victor Sinclair, the company director, as they lingered by the bar. A true lady.
Thank you, Andrew said proudly, watching Gwendolyn animatedly converse with Victors wife. Im lucky.
And how long have you two been married?
Fifteen years this April.
Impressive! Victor nodded. Children?
No, Andrew shook his head. It never worked out.
It was a sore spot. Theyd spent years undergoing tests and treatments, only to be told everything was fine and they just had to wait. Eventually Gwendolyn decided they were happy enough as a pair.
The evening wore on. Andrew had a couple of glasses of wineno more, he always knew his limit, despite Ethels opinions. By eleven he was ready to head home.
Shall we stay a bit longer? Gwendolyn suggested. The dancing just started.
Lets have another half hour, then well go, Andrew agreed. Tomorrows a working day.
Gwendolyn smiled and pulled him onto the dance floor. To a slow tune they swirled like they did in their youth. Andrew pressed her close, inhaling the scent of her perfume, thinking maybe life wasnt so bad after all. Just a little nagging motherinlaw, nothing more.
They got back around midnight. The flat was still lit, though they hoped Ethel was already asleep.
You finally turned up, Ethels voice announced as they crossed the threshold. I was about to call the police.
Mum, its just a party, Gwendolyn sighed. Nothing to get worked up about.
In my day respectable folk didnt come home that late, Ethel pursed her lips. And you, Andrew, youre smelling of spirits.
Ive only had two glasses all night, he managed calmly.
Everyone says that.
Mum, were exhausted, Gwendolyn interjected. Lets talk tomorrow.
Of course, of course, Ethel huffed dramatically. Im nobody here, my opinions dont matter.
Andrew slipped into the bathroom. The hot shower washed away the days irritation and the fatigue that had built up over fifteen years of marriage. When he emerged, Gwendolyn was already in bed.
Dont mind Mum, she whispered. Shes struggling after her husbands death.
I get it, Andrew lay down beside her. But this has been going on for three months. We cant even have a normal conversation without her commenting.
Give her time, Gwendolyn stroked his arm. Shell adjust.
Andrew wanted to admit he was scared of getting used to the constant criticism, the need to account for every move, the lack of personal space. He stayed silent. Gwendolyn drifted off, and he faced another long day at work.
Morning began with the scent of fried fish. Andrew had loathed that smell since childhood, a fact Ethel knew all too well. He trudged into the kitchen, grimacing.
Good morning, Ethel grumbled. Breakfast is almost ready.
Thanks, but Ill have a sandwich at the office, Andrew poured himself a coffee. Im in a rush.
As always, Ethel sighed theatrically. My cooking never meets the standards of a senior manager.
Its not that, he said, taking a sip. Im just late.
And little Gwendolyn will have a proper breakfast at home, like a respectable wife, Ethel placed a hefty fillet of fish on her plate. Not like some who bolt around like madmen.
Andrew finished his coffee in silence and left the kitchen. In the hallway he ran into a stillsleepy Gwendolyn.
Already off? she asked.
Yes, a lot to do, he kissed her cheek. Your mum made fish again.
Oh, dear, Gwendolyn wrinkled her nose. Ill speak to her.
No need, Andrew sighed. It wont change anything.
The workday dragged on, his mind drifting back to the flat. At lunch his phone rang.
Hi, love, hows it going? Gwendolyns voice sounded tense.
Fine, working. Whats up?
Mum was poking around your wardrobe, saying she was tidying up. I told her you dont like anyone touching your stuff, and she got upset.
Im fed up, Andrew snapped. Why does she think she can run the house?
Shes just trying to help, Gwendolyn defended. Shes always busy, needs something to do.
Let her mind her own business! Andrew raised his voice, then realized colleagues might overhear. Ill call back later.
He hung up, staring out the window. Maybe it would have been easier if Ethel moved back to her own flat? Shed sold hers soon after her husbands death, saying too many memories lingered. Now there was no way back.
That evening Andrew stayed late at the office, unwilling to face home. When he finally walked in, Gwendolyn met him with a guilty look.
Did something happen? he asked, slipping off his shoes.
Mum accidentally broke your model plane, Gwendolyn said quietly. The one you brought back from Germany.
Andrew froze. The rare Messerschmitt hed painstakingly assembled over months lay shattered on the floor.
Accidentally? he asked.
She was vacuuming, hit the wardrobe, and it fell.
Why was she vacuuming in my study? anger rose. We agreed thats the one room she never enters!
She meant well, Gwendolyn lowered her eyes. She knew youd be late and wanted to tidy up.
Where is she now?
Shes at the neighbours, said shed return once youve calmed down.
Andrew entered the study. The wreckage was unmistakable broken wings, a split fuselage. Months of work reduced to splinters.
Thats the last straw, he whispered, looking at the fragments.
Andrew, please, Gwendolyn pressed from behind. She didnt mean to.
Its not about the plane, he turned to her. Its about your mother not respecting our space, our rules, our relationship. Shes always interfering.
Shes just worried about us, Gwendolyn defended, but her voice lacked its earlier confidence.
No, shes not worried. Shes controlling. I cant live like this any longer, Andrew said firmly.
What do you mean? Gwendolyns eyes widened with fear.
Either your mum moves out, or we divorce, he declared. Im not joking. Im at the end of my rope.
Gwendolyn recoiled as if struck.
You cant be serious! Kick Mum out?
Im not kicking her out. She can rent a flat nearby. Well help with the rent, well visit, well keep in touch. But living under the same roof is impossible for me.
And if I choose Mum? Gwendolyn whispered.
Then well have to split, he answered quietly. Fifteen years Ive put you first, but the last three months Ive felt like a guest in my own home.
Tears welled in Gwendolyns eyes.
Its unfair! Mum is alone, she needs support!
I need my wife, Andrew said, moving closer. I need a home where I can unwind, not constantly brace for another comment or intrusion.
A sudden bang on the front door announced Ethels return. Hearing the raised voices, she strode in.
Oh, youre here, she began, presumably already muttering nasty things about me. I was only trying to do whats best. And that dusty little toy of yours was already gathering cobwebs, no use at all.
Mum! Gwendolyn exclaimed. Not now, please.
When? When will your husband finally listen to the truth? He…
Enough, Andrew interrupted, surprised by his own calm. Ethel, shall we all sit down and talk like adults?
Ethel fell silent for the first time. They moved to the sitting room, Andrew in an armchair, Gwendolyn and her mother on the sofa.
I understand your predicament, Andrew began. Losing a partner after so many years is hard. But you also have to understand us. Gwendolyn and I have built a life together for fifteen years, and now that life is under threat.
Because of me? Ethel snapped.
Yes, Andrew answered straight. Because of the constant supervision, the remarks, the interference. I feel like a stranger in my own house.
This is my house now, too, Ethel retorted.
Thats exactly what I wanted to discuss, Andrew kept his composure. I think it would be better for you to live separately.
Youre evicting my daughters mother onto the street? Ethel flared. Thats absurd!
No one is being thrown out, Andrew said patiently. Well help you find a nearby flat, well visit, well contribute financially.
And if I refuse? she crossed her arms.
Then, Im afraid Gwendolyn and I wont be able to live together, Andrew looked at his wife. Ive already told her.
Extortionist! Ethel shouted. Gwendolyn, youre letting this happen?
Gwendolyns tearstreaked face lifted.
I dont know what to do, Mum. I love you both. But Andrews right the last few months have been tough for everyone.
So you want me to go? Ethels voice trembled with hurt.
I want us all to be happy, Gwendolyn said softly. Right now nobody is.
Silence settled. Ethel glanced between daughter and soninlaw as if seeing them for the first time.
I never imagined it would be this bad, she finally admitted. I thought I was helping.
We appreciate your concern, Andrew said gently. But sometimes concern can become overbearing.
Ethel lowered her head.
After your father died I was terrified of being alone, of the silence. So I started meddling, controlling, just to feel useful.
Gwendolyn embraced her mother.
We love you, Mum. Youll always be part of our lives. But perhaps Andrews right? Maybe itd be better if you lived nearby, but not under our roof?
Ethel stayed quiet for a long while, then sighed.
You may be right. I didnt want to admit it, but Ive been overstepping. Its hard to accept that Im no longer the centre of my daughters world.
Youll always be important to us, Andrew said. Yet we must respect each others boundaries.
They talked for ages about plans, the future, how to rebuild their relationship. For the first time in three months Andrew felt truly heard. He began to see his motherinlaw not as an enemy, but as a lonely woman frightened of being irrelevant.
The next day Gwendolyn found an advertisement for a onebed flat in the next street. She and Andrew viewed it, paid the deposit, and helped Ethel move in a week later.
Youre not angry with me? Gwendolyn asked when they returned to their flat after the move.
About what? Andrew replied, surprised.
About the ultimatum. It was harsh.
Sometimes you have to be firm to protect what really matters, he hugged her. I didnt want to lose you, but I couldnt go on like this.
You know, Gwendolyn mused, maybe its for the best. Mum sounds almost happy. She said shed joined a seniors interest club.
See? She needed her own life, not just looking after us.
They sat on their couch in the quiet of their flat, enjoying a rare moment of peace. Gwendolyns phone buzzeda message from her mother, a photo of her newly decorated sitting room, fresh flowers and family pictures.
Looks like weve got it right, Gwendolyn smiled.
Andrew nodded, feeling the tension of the past months melt away. Sometimes you have to reach the edge to find a new path. Sometimes a bold ultimatum can lead to a happy ending for everyone.
