So, here’s what happenedEmma was on the phone with the delivery guy, right? She jumped a bit and almost dropped her phone when her mother-in-law poked her head into the room.
Youre still just sitting there! grumbled Mrs. Williams, scowling from the doorway.
Emma tried to keep the conversation going, pretending not to notice the older woman.
Always on your phone! You never make a proper shepherds pie or a roast Mrs. Williams went on loudly.
Just stop! Emma snapped, before returning to her phone call.
Oh, now shes snapping at me. Well, fine! Mrs. Williams tossed her chin in the air and left the flat.
Emma finished her call and groaned, dropping her head onto the kitchen table. She was absolutely knackered.
Last year, she and her husband finally paid off their mortgage. The flat was only one bedroom, but it had a spacious kitchen and a lovely balcony. Theyd been thinking about starting a family and were trying to save up, working hard.
Thanks to the new work-from-home rules, Emmas job had moved online, so she was working remotely now. Tom, her husband, understood it was even harder working from home but his mum? Not so much.
Toms parents were from the outskirts of London, but age was catching up with them and the couple couldnt always pop over. Plus, their neighbour wanted to expand and had been persuading them for months to sell their old cottage and garden. Then, as luck would have it, a flat right next to Toms went up for sale. Mrs. Williams, who had always insisted shed never move to the city, suddenly did a complete turn and sold their house, snapping up the flat next door. Mr. Williams was still working, but his wife had retired and was bored stiffso having Emma next door looked like a treat.
But she didn’t get that Emma wasnt chatting to mates all dayshe was working. She had deadlines, targets, and real responsibilities. If she missed them, she could get a warning or be fired.
Emma tried explaining. Tom did too. It only worked for a day. Next morning, Mrs. Williams was back, her voice booming through the hall.
One time, Tom and Emma even took her keys away, but then Emma had to work with the doorbell ringing non-stop. It took Mrs. Williams threatening to call the police before Emma finally opened up. They didnt dare try that again.
Theyd tried everything, and Emma honestly couldnt see a way forward. Living like this was impossible.
Now Mrs. Williams was sulking, but thatd last a few hours at mostthen shed be back with more helpful advice, jabs, and endless chats.
I just cant do this anymore Emma told Tom. Its driving me mad, she doesnt even listen to you half the time
I know, Tom sighed. But I dont know what else we can do. It was their decisionsold the cottage, got the flat, we couldnt really stop them Maybe if she had something to do?
Like what? Ive looked at clubs for pensioners, but everythings closed at the moment.
The room went quiet.
How much do we have saved? Tom suddenly asked.
Wed have to check the accountstheres a bit of cash in the drawer, why?
Were living in a one-bed flat now. When the baby comes, what are we going to do? Lets look for a bigger place.
A bigger flat? Somewhere else? Emma sat up straight.
Yeah, what are we waiting for?
Yes! she cried, rushing into his arms. Yes!
The next day, Emma was running round the flat, genuinely buzzingeven Mrs. Williams showing up didnt bother her.
A month later, they stunned Toms parents with the big news.
What? Mrs. Williams dropped onto a chair.
Hush, mum! Brilliant! said Mr. Williams. Wheres the grandchild going to grow up? Youve done the right thing!
Mum, were only in the next neighbourhoodnot even halfway across town, Tom said, kneeling beside her.
And just like that, a month later, they were starting their second honeymoon in their lovely new flat.
Still Sitting There, Are You? – Muttered the Mother-in-Law, Peeking into the Room
