The In-Laws Descend Uninvited — Do you really think you’re in charge here? You reckon just because you’ve got a bump you can do what you like? I see right through you. You’re only with him for the mortgage and the cash. — Let’s go, Sue, — Ivan’s dad muttered, nudging the door. — No point talking to them. They’ll come crawling back once they need us. The pregnancy was already a week overdue. The test had sat in her handbag for two days, but she was too scared to take it out. She knew: if there were two lines, their fragile peace—two years of no contact with “that lot”—might explode in an instant. — Lils, could you pass the Allen key? Left it somewhere in the hallway,— her husband yelled. Lily peered out. Ivan was sitting on the floor, sweating and hair wild. Seeing him like that made her remember their first rented flat, five years back. Back then Ivan didn’t even know which end of a mop to hold, and genuinely wondered why buckwheat didn’t jump in the saucepan itself. — Here you go,— she handed him the tool.— You fixed the loo yesterday, the chest of drawers today. Your mum would faint if she knew you did all this yourself! Ivan smirked. — Mum thinks I should be parked in a chair, waiting for someone to bring me a glass of water. She reckons you’ve turned me into a house… well, you know. — I just made you a grown adult,— Lily leant against the door frame.— How do you feel about being “unmanly”? — Honestly, I can breathe easier now we’ve given up waiting for their approval. They were quiet for a bit, then Lily asked, — Ivan, what if… what if things change? What if we have a baby? The hammer froze mid-air. Ivan looked up. — Mum will twig immediately, he said quietly.— You know, someone will rush over and tell her. — That’s what scares me. We’ve just started living our own lives. Your dad, back then, two years ago… to this day I jump every time the doorbell rings unexpectedly. — Dad went too far that time. Doesn’t excuse him. Old-fashioned, you know. He thinks a man shouldn’t touch a dish cloth. Washing up’s a disgrace, apparently. — Ivan, he threatened me! Lily shook her head. He said to my face that if I didn’t “restore things” and stop “bullying” you, he’d find a way to get rid of me! And your mum was right next to him, pretending to cry! They genuinely believe I’ve ruined your life, Ivan! Ivan stood, put down his tool, and came over. — Lily, I won’t let it happen again. I just froze last time, didn’t deal with it right. It won’t happen again. I promise! — Your mum won’t stop, Ivan. Not with us or with our baby. She’ll think she owns any grandchild. We won’t even be able to raise our own child—she won’t allow it! I don’t know what to do. Only one option: we run as far away as we can. Ivan was silent. What was there to say? She was right. * Two weeks later, fears were confirmed—Lily was pregnant. Part of her was happy, but… She became extra careful. She asked her husband not to tell his mother, picked a private clinic clear across the city, hoping Maria Smith’s long fingers wouldn’t reach. It didn’t work. Saturday morning, as Lily poured tea leaves into the pot, the doorbell rang. Then a loud thumping. So loud Lily got scared. She stared at her husband; Ivan slowly rose from the table. — Don’t open it,— Lily mouthed. — Ivan! Open up! I know you’re in! shouted Maria Smith’s familiar voice.— Keeping your own mother on the doorstep, really? Ivan sighed, straightened his shirt, and went to answer the door. Lily stayed in the kitchen, wishing she could vaporize. Maria Smith swept in like a hurricane, coat and boots still on, right into the living room. Ivan’s dad, Peter Smith, trailed behind, at least taking off his shoes at the door. Fighting the urge to cross herself, Lily tip-toed out to the hall. — Well, hello there, dear daughter-in-law,— Maria sneered.— How long did you think you could keep this kind of news from the lady of the family? — What news? Lily feigned ignorance. She knows already?! — Don’t play dumb! My friend called me yesterday—congratulated me on becoming a grandma! Have you lost your minds? Lily, I can forgive you, since you’re obviously clueless. But you, Ivan! I expected better! So you went to some private quacks? You can’t run from me. I’ve sacrificed my whole life making sure my children get the best, and now you want my grandchild born in some dump? — Mum, calm down,— Ivan tried to stand between them.— We’ll decide ourselves where and how we get checked over. Can we live our lives the way we want? — Ivan, hush!— barked Peter Smith.— No one asked you. Look at yourself! Look, Maria! She’s turned you into a right doormat. And now she’s using the baby to blackmail us, make sure we never see our own grandkid! — I’m not using anyone,— Lily said loud and clear.— I just want peace. You didn’t call for two years. What changed? — Mum, go,— Ivan said quietly. — What? Maria stopped short. — Go. Take dad. You barge into our home, insult my wife. You threatened her before, you’re still doing it now… I don’t want you here. I’m sorry, but… Please. Don’t come again! — We only want the best for you!— Maria screeched.— Look at your life! Washing floors! Shopping for groceries! She’s chained you up so you can’t leave! Are you even a man? You’re not the head of the family, you’re the help! — It’s called partnership, Mum. You wouldn’t understand; dad’s always at your beck and call. All you want is everyone grovelling. Look at Nadine! She even gets ill according to the timetable you wrote out for her! Peter raised a hand. — How dare you talk like that to your mother, you little—? Forgotten who fed you when you were lazing through uni? — I remember. And I’ve repaid you in full! I’ve only not helped you these past two years; before that, how many times did I send you money? Maria Smith abruptly slumped onto the hall stool, wailing: — Oh, my heart… Ivan, get my pills… You’ll be the death of me… Lily, look at what you’re doing! If anything happens to me, it’ll be your fault! Lily folded her arms, having memorized every line of this act over the years. — Maria, your face is pink, your breathing normal, and your carotid pulse isn’t hitting tachycardia. Doctor to doctor—cut the theatrics. Your tricks don’t work on us anymore. The mother-in-law instantly silenced. She stood, fixed her coat, shot Lily a look of pure hatred. — Fine, have it your way. But don’t come crying later! I’ll make sure no hospital in this city will treat you well. And I’ll find a way to take the baby—because someone like you is a danger to society! — Let’s go, Sue,— muttered Peter, pushing open the door.— No point talking to them. They’ll come crawling back when they’re desperate. The in-laws left, and Ivan spent the evening making herbal tea for his shaking wife. * Problems for the couple started almost straight after that last row. Their doctor’s attitude shifted—cold and abrupt every time she saw Lily. After one grim check-up, Lily came home in tears. — She’s not bluffing, Ivan. She’s already started making my life hell! What lies did she tell Dr. Adams to make her hate me? — We’re not sticking around,— Ivan said, squeezing Lily’s hands.— I’ve got an idea. Remember they offered me a transfer to the Manchester office? I turned it down because you didn’t want to leave your job. Lily looked up. — Manchester? Ivan, that’s… far. — That’s the point! We’ve got a place to start, new clinic, new doctors. Best of all, your mother can’t reach us. Let her torment Nadine. Lily, I spent five years trying to be the “good son.” Stayed quiet when Dad shouted at you, when Mum called you useless. No more. I’m not just a son anymore—I’m a father now. And I have to protect my family. Lily wiped her tears, nodded shakily, hugged her husband. The move took a month. Lily quit her NHS job, Ivan did the transfer paperwork. Only a couple of trusted friends—ones who could keep a secret—knew where they were going. *** Their peaceful life didn’t last—days after the move, both Lily and Ivan started getting calls from family. But it was his mum who upped her game: — Ivan, what are you doing! Where have you gone? I had to hear from strangers you’d moved! I went to your flat, some old lady answered, said you didn’t live there anymore! Where are you? Tell me your address, right now! His father chimed in: — When I find you I’ll…! You gave your mum a heart attack, only just revived her before the ambulance arrived! What, turned into a whipped wimp now? Can’t even leave your wife’s side? I want nothing more to do with you! Relatives kept ringing. In the end, to spare his pregnant wife, Ivan changed both their numbers. After that, at last, peace returned. In due time, they had a son, and named him Alexander—a name Maria Smith absolutely cannot stand.

Author John SmithReading 9 minViews 2Published by January 27, 2026

The In-Laws Came Calling

You think you run the house now, do you? You think a baby bump means you get to do as you please? Patricias voice seethed through the narrow hallway, sharp enough to cut. I see straight through you, Anna. Youre only with him for the mortgage and his salary.

Come on, John, muttered her husband, Gerald, nudging the battered front door open with a resigned shrug. No point trying to talk sense into them. Theyll come crawling back when things get tough.

The delay was nearly a week now. Anna had hidden the pregnancy test for two days in her handbag, but she hadn’t dared to look.

She knew it: if that test showed two lines, the fragile peace she’d managed with James over the past two yearsno visits, no calls, no dramawould blow apart.

Anna, pass me the Allen key, would you? Think I left it by the front door, James called, sweat beading on his brow, hair falling into his eyes as he wrestled with the flat-pack dresser in the corridor.

Peering out, Annas mind flicked back to their first rented flat, five years ago. James, clueless, not knowing which side of a mop to hold, marvelling that pasta didnt leap into the saucepan by itself.

She handed him the tool with a half-smile. You fixed the loo yesterday, now youre assembling a dresser. Your mum would faint if she knew you did it all yourself!

James grinned lopsidedly. Mum thinks I should be on an armchair, waiting for someone to hand me a cuppa. Shes convinced youve turned me into a domestic slave.

All Ive done is show you how to be a grown-up, Anna leaned on the door frame, voice soft. You alright, truly? Is it hardbeing broken?

He shook his head. Im fine, Anna. Honestly, I can breathe easier since we stopped trying to please them.

She was quiet for a moment, then whispered, James, what if what if everything changes? If we have a child?

The hammer paused mid-strike. Jamess eyes met hers. Mum will find out straightawayyou know how fast the word gets around.

Thats what scares me. Weve only just started living. Your dad, that episode two years ago I still jump at every knock on the door.

He went too far then. Hes stuck in his old wayscant see that the world’s moved on.

He threatened me, James, Anna’s voice trembled. He looked me in the eye and said if I didnt bring things back to normal and stop twisting you around my finger, hed make sure I was out of the picture. Your mum stood right beside him, dabbing away crocodile tears. They really think Ive ruined your life.

James stood up, tool forgotten, and crossed to her. Anna, I wont let it happen again. Last time, I frozeI should have protected you. It won’t happen again, I promise.

She wont stop, James. Your mum wont let usor our childlive in peace. Shell treat our son or daughter as her own property. Shell never let us parent.

Annas voice broke as she pressed a hand to her chest. The only way out is to get as far from her as we possibly can.

James said nothing. There was nothing left to say. She was right.

***

Two weeks later, their fears were realisedAnna was pregnant, both thrilled and terrified.

She moved cautiously, begged James not to tell his family, and even chose a private clinic across town, praying Patricia wouldnt get wind of it.

But even that wasnt enough. On Saturday morning, as Anna was just spooning tea into the pot, the doorbell shrilled.

Then heavy knocking. Anna froze. James slowly stood up from the table.

Dont open it, Anna mouthed, white as a sheet.

James! I know youre in thereopen up! Fancy leaving your own mother on the doorstep?

James sighed, straightened his T-shirt, and shuffled down the hallway. Anna hovered in the kitchen, every nerve begging her to disappear.

Patricia burst inside like a force of nature, shoes and raincoat still on, storming into the sitting room. Behind her, puffing and red-faced, came Gerald, who at least had the decency to remove his shoes.

Anna, fighting the urge to cross herself, drifted into the corridor.

Well, hello, darling daughter-in-law, Patricias smile was barbed. And just how long were you planning to keep this news from the head of the family?

Anna played dumb. What news?

Shes already found out?

Dont pretend! My friend rang me last night. Congratulated me on becoming a grandmother. What on earth are you playing at? Id expect this nonsense from Annashes always been hopelessbut you, James! Running off to some private quack to avoid me? Ive spent my life making sure my children had the best, and you want your child seen at some backstreet dump?

Mum, pleaselet us sort things out ourselves, James tried to interject.

Shut up, James, snapped Gerald. No ones asking you. Look at yourselfwhats she done to you? Shes made you a right doormat. Now using the baby to keep us away from our grandson!

Im not hiding behind anyone, Anna said firmly. I just want peace. You havent called in two yearswhats changed?

Jamess voice was low but clear. Mum, go. Take Dad. You barge in, insult my wife, threaten herthis cant go on. Please, just stay away.

Patricia flinched. What did you say?

I said, dont come back. Youve threatened Anna, youre doing it again now. Im done. Pleasego.

We only wish you well! Patricia shrieked. Look at your life! Washing your own floors, shopping for groceries! Is that what you call manly? Youre her skivvy, thats what you are!

James stood firm. Its called a partnership, Mum. You wouldnt know it. Dads always jumped at your beck and call. You want everyone fawning over you? Look at Nadineshe cant take a sick day unless youve scheduled it for her!

Gerald stepped forward, glaring, Watch your mouth, boy. Forgotten who kept a roof over your head while you faffed about at university?

I remember, James shot back, and Ive paid you back, more than once. Youve had cash off me for yearsjust not these last couple.

Suddenly Patricia sagged onto the hallway pouffe, wailing theatrically. Oh, my heart James, my pills, in my bag Anna, you see what youre doing? Youre giving me a heart attack! If anything happens, itll be your fault!

Arms folded, Anna met her gaze coldly. Years of these performances had left her unmoved.

Your cheeks are pink, your heartbeats steady. Patricia, as one healthcare worker to anotherdrop the theatrics. Your tricks dont work here anymore.

Patricia fell silent, gathered herself, and shot Anna a venomous look.

Fine. Have it your way. But dont come crying later. Ill make sure every hospital in this county knows your face. And I will get my grandchildsomeone like you is a danger.

Come on, Pat, Gerald barked, opening the door. No use talking to them. Theyll come begging when they realise.

As the front door clapped shut, James spent the rest of that chill evening soothing a shaking Anna with chamomile tea.

***

The trouble started almost immediately. The midwife at Annas clinic suddenly grew cold and distanther face pinched, her questions clipped.

After another graceless appointment, Anna returned home in tears. She isnt bluffing, James. Shes already turning people against me. What on earth did she say to make Anna the midwife treat me like that?

James sat across from her, clutching her hands. Were not sitting here waiting for more punches. Remember that transfer offer in Manchester? I turned it down because you didnt want to leave your job. Maybe its time.

Annas eyes widened. Manchester? James, thats so far.

Thats the point! Well have a place of our own, new doctorsand your mum wont reach us there. Let her make Nadine miserable for a while. I spent years biting my tongue, trying to keep the peace while Dad raged and Mum called you useless. Enough. Im not just a son nowIm a father. I have to protect us.

Anna wiped her face and nodded, then melted into her husbands arms.

The move took a month. Anna resigned, James transferred. No one but a couple of trusted friendsreal vaults, mouths sealedknew where theyd gone.

***

Their new calm vaporised within days. The calls started, first a trickle, then a torrent. Patricia led the charge.

James! Where are you? Why am I finding out from strangers youve moved? I went to yourssome old dear answered, told me youd gone! Where are you? Give me your address!

Gerald called too, all fury and bluster. Ill have your head when I find you! You nearly gave your mother a heart attacktook me hours to calm her before the ambulance came. Youve let your wife rule you. I want nothing more to do with you!

The rest of the relatives joined in. To spare Anna, now heavily pregnant, yet more nerves, James changed both their phone numbers. Only then did a fragile peace settle.

Their son arrived on time, a rosy-cheeked little boy named Alexandera name Patricia, fittingly, couldnt stand.