Lily, just look at thisits beautiful, isnt it? gushed Grace, stroking the glossy deep cherry-red planetary mixer as if it were a prized sports car. Despite the faint whiff of burnt sugar and vanilla in the kitchenher meringues werent going quite to planher face shone with pride. It whips up egg whites in under two minutes; I even timed it! I always wanted one of these but never quite splurged, you know how pricey they are. And nowlook at me! Baking royalty!
Lily stood framed in the doorway, her polite smile hardening with every passing second into something brittle, almost painful. Inside, her heart pounded erratically, thudding cold fury and humiliation through her ribs. She recognised the mixer instantlynot just the type or shade, but the very one.
Lovely, Lily managed, carefully keeping her tone steady. Really is top notch. How did you swing that, then? Did James finally cough up?
Grace waved a spoonful of sugary cream at her, dismissing the idea with a laugh.
Oh, James? Hes always off buying new tyres or the latest fishing gear. No, this is from Mum! Can you believe it? She just popped in yesterday with a big box. Said, Here you go, love, youve two little ones, you run through cakes like nobodys business, I barely boil porridge these dayskettle and saucepan do me fine. Our mums a diamond, truly.
Lilys gaze dropped to the box discarded by the bin. There on the side, near the barcode, was a small dentcurved, like a crescentand a scuff mark. She remembered it all too well: hauling that unwieldy mixer from her cars boot two weeks ago, shed caught the corner on Ivys iron garden gate.
It had been her gift. Shed spent weeks researching, comparing, saving up half her bonus, giving up new boots to afford it. Shed proudly wrapped and brought it to Ivyher mother-in-lawjust ten days ago for her birthday.
Ivy had clutched Lilys hands and gasped. Lily, why spend so much! Thats a small fortune! Ill treasure it, honestlyIll only use it on special occasions!
Well. Here was the special occasionin her daughters kitchen.
A diamond of a mum indeed, Lily echoed, hollow. Everything for her children, it seems.
At that moment, TomGraces brother and Lilys husbandwandered in, chewing a sausage roll, utterly at ease with the world.
Oh! Chatting about gadgets, are we? Nice bit of kit, Grace. Mum said shed pass it along to you.
Lily swivelled on Tom, her eyes narrowing.
You knew?
Tom choked, realising too late, and tried to backtrack.
Well… Mum rang, said the machine was… a bit much, with all the bits and whirring. Said she was nervous shed break it. Figured Grace would make better usebaking all the time. I just said, You do what you want, Mum.
Really? Lilys voice was icy and low. Too much? Tom, its got one dial. One! On and off. Your mother organises her whole social life on a smartphone. But a mixer baffles her?
Graces mouth stopped mid-bite, watching Lily warily.
Lily, whats with you? Are you actually upset? It wouldve sat in a cupboard at Mums, gathering dust. This way, its used! Were a family, arent we?
Oh, a family. Lilys nod was slow, deliberate. Seems in this family, its always my money, my effortstraight to you, Grace.
She spun on her heel and strode to the hallway, snatching up her handbag.
Lily, waitwhere are you going? Tom called, chasing after her.
But shed already slipped out onto the stairwell, suffocated and stinging, tears threatening with every heartbeat. It wasnt even the first timeand she knew it. Not by a long stretch.
Last year, shed given Ivy a lovely set of stainless pans; a month later, she saw them steaming away in Graces flatmums wrists, apparently, werent up to the heavy handles. Six months ago, shed brought back a thick woollen throw from a work tripnow lining Graces dogs basket: Patch shivers, and Mum says the wools scratchy.
But that mixercosting nearly three hundred poundswas the final straw.
In the car, as Tom finally caught up with her and wordlessly started the engine, a leaden silence settled. He drummed his fingers against the wheel, glancing at her, searching for words.
Look, dont mope. I know it was awkward. But Mums getting on; she can be odd. She meant well. Grace always struggles, you know that.
Mmm, Lily answered, her voice flat. Meant well. By repurposing my presents? Tom, I work for that money. I dont magic it up or print it in the shed. I wanted to make your mum happy, thats all. Instead, she justdidnt care. Didnt even call to ask if Id mind. Just decided Im a walking wallet for Grace.
Youre exaggerating.
Am I? Fine. Your mums 60th is soon, remember? She wants a new telly, the big one for her kitchen. Remember the price?
About four hundred, I think. We said wed chip inuse our salary for it.
Ours? Lilys tone sharpened. Youre paying for your car loan. Half your pays gone before it hits the bank. Itll be me again, Tom. Me.
Were family
Exactly. And Ill be putting real thought into the next gift.
For the next fortnight, Lily retreated into cool, polite distance. She didnt call Ivy, and when Ivy rang, she claimed she was swamped with work. If Ivy noticed the frostiness, she didnt say. Her mind was on her birthday partyan extravagant bash, all the family and some old friends, a hired venue, the lot.
Lily darling, Ivy trilled, three days before, not forgotten, have you? Five oclock sharp! Ive cleared a place on the kitchen wall for the new TVI took the old shelf down.
Lily hung up, staring at her reflection, jaw set.
Youre waiting, are you? she told herself. Just you wait.
On the day of the party, Lily dressed with carea navy dress, serious but elegant, hair and makeup perfect. She looked a million dollars.
Wheres the telly? Tom asked, rooting around for his tie. Are we having it delivered straight to the café?
No, Lily said as she fastened her earrings.
So… are we picking it up on the way? Itll barely fit in the bootLily, were nearly late!
Relax, Tom. The presents sorted.
He breathed out, trusting her. She always delivered.
At the café, a sea of people: Ivy at the head table, beaming in a glittery gown, while Grace fussed over her hair. When Lily and Tom walked in, Ivy flashed her gold teeth in delight and welcomed them like celebrities.
Tom handed over a massive bouquet of roses. Lily offered a cool kiss on her mother-in-laws powdered cheek.
Happy birthday, Ivy. Many more to come.
Thank you, Lily! Thank you! Ivy eyed the door, brimming with anticipation for the delivery.
None arrived.
People took their seats. Speeches flowed: Uncle Jack grumbled through a long-winded toast, then Ivys childhood friend, then Grace.
Grace rose, clutching a shiny gift bag.
Mum! Youre the best, always caring for others. So were giving you this premium bed linen set and a spa voucherpamper yourself, queen-style!
Everyone clapped politely. Lily watched, lips pressed. Shed spotted that bedset on sale last weekcheap as chips, wrapped nicely though.
And nowTom and Lily! boomed the MC, an affable chap with an accordion.
Tom nudged Lily, nervous. Wheres the gift? Whats the surprise?
Lily stood, glass in hand. The hush was electric; all eyes were on her. Ivy leaned forward, barely breathing, already picturing a new TV glowing on her kitchen wall.
Dear Ivy, Lily began, her voice ringing clear, today is a wonderful day. Sixty yearsa moment to treasure. A time to value what really matters.
She paused, letting the crowd lean in.
Tom and I have always tried to choose presents with care. I remember finding those pans so your cooking would be easier. That merino throw for your chilly nights. Most recentlythe planetary mixer, which I gave you just two weeks ago.
Graces smile slid away; Ivy stiffened, regaining composure only by force.
These gifts were more than moneythey were my thoughtfulness and affection. I wanted to bring you joy.
Now she swept her gaze around the table. Toms face drained white; he reached to tug her sleeve, but she moved away.
However, Lily went on, her tone hardening, Ive realised something: My gifts never seem to find a home with you. They end up in Graces kitchen or even her dogs basket.
The guests began to whisper. Grace turned crimson; Ivy opened her mouth but faltered.
Evidently, my taste doesnt suit youor perhaps you simply have no need for such things, and prefer to pass them to your daughter. Thats admirable, reallytrue motherly sacrifice.
Lilys smile was dazzling, glacial.
Thats why this year, Im saving you the trouble. No more agonising over gifts, spending our family money, only for you to wonder how to shuffle it along to Grace. Im breaking the cycle. If Grace needs a TV, she can save up herself. Tonight, Ivy, I offer you my sincerest affection and respect for your generosity. That, I think, is the best gift.
Raising her empty hands, palms open:
Ive come empty-handed, because youve already got your every need metthanks to gifts Ive given in years past. My conscience is clear.
She lifted her glass.
To your health, Ivy! And may everyone get exactly what they deserve.
She drained her Champagne in one and sat.
Silence crashed over the banquet. Even the ceiling fan buzzed too loud. Eyes darted. Someone behind her stifled a giggleclearly not the only one familiar with Ivys habit of regifting.
Ivy sat scarlet, gulping for air.
How dare you… At my own partyhow dare you insult me!
Mum, please! Grace cried, glaring daggers at Lily. You cant get worked up!
Shes a viper! I opened my heart to hershes stingy! Tom! Will you just let your wife behave like this?
Tom simply sat, shrinking into his collar.
Lily… Tom whispered, was that necessary? Couldnt we have done this at home?
I tried, Tomat home I get told Grace needs it more. Now everyone knows.
Ivy started melodramatically clutching her chest.
Call the ambulance! Youre killing meget out! Both of you! And you, Tomif you side with her, dont come back!
With pleasure, Lily replied, rising with her bag. Tom, coming? Or staying to help fund a TV? Mind, the bank cards with me, and I changed the pin this morning.
She hadnt, but the bluff worked; Tom leapt up, shot a guilty look at his family, and trailed out after Lily.
They stepped into the evening air, leaving plates clattering and Ivys wailing behind them. Neither spoke till they reached the car. Tom just rested his forehead against the steering wheel.
You know this is war, Lily? Shell have the whole family lined up against us now.
Lily looked at the amber city lights. Let her try. For once, I feel lighter. After years of guilt and spending and being the good one… Im done. Im your wife, not a cash machine or white goods supplier. I deserve respect.
I do respect you, Tom said softly.
Then lets go home. And next time, we visit your mumwell take flowers and a cheap cake. And by the way, were buying that TV. For us. In our bedroom. We always wanted one.
He paused, thinking. Finally he turned the key.
You know… itd suit the bedroom. And the mixeryou want one just like it?
She smiled, genuinely this time, for the first time all night.
Not cherry-red. Emerald green. And itll stay in my kitchen. End of.
Driving home with Lily beside him, Tom left his phonebuzzing with callsscreen-down, music up loud.
Family drama hurts. But tonight, dignity meant more than any mixer or telly. Lily knew Ivy would eventually thawshed want something, after all. But the rules had changed, and now Lily, at last, was the one making them.
And the next weekend, they did buy the TV. And the emerald mixer too. Ivy called a month later, moaning about her health, the weather and Grace wrecking the mixer kneading stiff dough for pies. Lily listened politely, then replied, Such a shame, Ivy. Stillits just a thing. Health is what matters. And with a clear mind, she hung up the phone.
