If you argue, my son will throw you out onto the street, the motherinlaw warned, forgetting whose apartment they were in.
Arina, make a cabbage pie for tomorrows dinner, Lyudmila Vasilievna said as she entered the kitchen and took a seat. I havent had a proper pastry in ages; youre always preparing odd meals.
Arina turned away from the stove, where she was panfrying cutlets. Her motherinlaw sat with the same sour expression, tugging at her familiar burgundy sweater.
Im allergic to cabbage, Lyudmila Vasilievna, Arina answered calmly, flipping a cutlet. I cant make it.
What do you mean you wont? the motherinlaw snapped. I asked, and now you refuse? Who do you think you are to talk back? In my day a daughterinlaw always respected her elders!
This isnt a matter of respect, Arina replied, moving the pan to another burner. If I cook cabbage Ill have an allergic reaction. If you want it, make it yourself.
Make it myself? Lyudmila Vasilievna leapt from her chair. Im not your servant! Youre the lady of the house, so obey my orders! Your allergy is just an excuse; youre simply too lazy to handle dough!
Lyudmila Vasilievna, what does laziness have to do with this? Arina turned toward her. I cook, clean, do laundry every day. I just cant bake a cabbage pie because Im physically unable!
Cant or wont? the motherinlaw stepped closer, narrowing her eyes. You think that because my son married you you can boss me around? Well see who really runs this place!
Keys rattled in the hallwayMikhail had returned home. Lyudmila Vasilievnas face instantly shifted to a look of distress.
Misha, my son, she rushed to him. Good youre here. Your wife has become downright insolent! I asked her for a pie and shes been rude, refusing!
Mikhail shed his jacket and gave his wife a weary glance; she stood by the stove, tension etched on her face.
Arina, whats happening? he asked, hanging the jacket on the coat rack. Why are you refusing your mother?
Im allergic to cabbage, Misha, Arina said softly. Ive already explained that to Lyudmila Vasilievna.
Allergy? What allergy? Mikhail waved his hand. Dont worry, Mom. Arina will bake the pie tomorrow. Right, darling?
Arina glanced at her husband, then at her motherinlaw, who wore a triumphant smile. Pain clenched her heart.
No, I wont bake it, she said firmly, removing her apron and heading for the door. You can eat without me.
She slipped into the bedroom and shut the door. Voices muffled behind the wallMikhail and his mother ate calmly, discussing everyday matters. Arina lay facedown on the pillow, tears streaming down her cheeks.
From the other side the low murmur continuedMikhail talked about work, his mother nodded sympathetically, as if nothing had occurred, as if his wife hadnt stormed out in tears.
The next morning Arina rose earlier than usual. Lyudmila Vasilievna still slept; the house was unusually quiet. Mikhail sat at the kitchen table with a coffee, scrolling through news on his phone.
Misha, I need to speak with you, Arina said, sitting opposite him, hands clasped. Its serious.
He looked up, puzzled.
About what?
About your mother, Arina inhaled. Im exhausted by her constant nagging. Lyudmila Vasilievna criticises everythinghow I cook, clean, what I wear. Im tired of obeying her in our own home.
Arina, what are you saying? Mikhail put his phone down. Mom is just she has her habits.
Habits? Arinas voice sharpened. Is that how you describe a woman who orders adults around? Maybe its time you found her a rented flat, so she lives separately? Were still youngwe need our own space.
Mikhail slammed his cup on the saucer.
So you want to throw my mother out onto the street? His tone grew metallic. She asked to live with us, and you want her gone?
Im not saying that, Arina reached for him, but he pulled away. Just a separate place. We could help with the rent
Look, I dont like this, Mikhail stood, preparing for work. Mom doesnt bother anyone. On the contrary, she makes life easiercooks, helps around.
When does she cook? Arina also rose. Misha, wake up! I work, come home, cook, clean, laundry. And your mother only criticises!
Enough, Mikhail cut in, pulling on his jacket. I wont hear any more. Mom stays here. Period.
The door slammed shut with a harsh metallic clang. Arina was left alone, staring at his halffinished coffee. The bitterness of their exchange spread through her like the cold drink. She lifted the cup, rinsed it, and set it to dry.
Injustice gnawed at her. Her motherinlaw had given her apartment to her daughter and then insisted on living with them, while Mikhail saw nothing wrong. Arina was fed up with being watched all the time.
Half an hour later Lyudmila Vasilievna entered the kitchen, hair neatly done, robe buttoned to the last button, her face a mask of displeasure.
Well, look at the mess youve made, she began without greeting. So unkind! Did you think my son would back me up?
Arina poured herself tea in silence, trying not to react.
See? Lyudmila Vasilievna continued, sitting down. My son took my side! That shows he knows whos in charge. And because of that, you must obey me!
Arina set the kettle down a little more sharply than intended.
Today youll clean the whole apartment until it shines, the motherinlaw lectured. Wash the windows, mop every floor, make the bathroom sparkle. Otherwise youll wander around like a lady in a dirty house!
The house isnt dirty, Arina replied quietly.
Not dirty? Lyudmila Vasilievnas voice rose. I saw dust on the livingroom dresser yesterday, and the hallway mirror was smudged! If you argue, Ill tell my son you dont listen to me!
Something inside Arina snapped, like a stretched string finally breaking. She turned sharply toward her motherinlaw.
No! she shouted, voice tight. I wont do it! Ive obeyed you for far too long! Ive lost myself! I cook when you order, clean when you demand, stay silent when you shout! Enough!
Lyudmila Vasilievna sprang up, face flushing with rage. She screamed:
How dare you? How dare you talk back to me?
Arina raised her voice as well.
I dare! Im a person, not your servant! I will not put up with your nitpicking any longer!
If you talk back, my son will throw you out! the motherinlaw shouted, shaking her fist.
Then the dam broke. Years of silence and humiliation rushed out in one powerful wave. Arina straightened, her voice booming, forcing Lyudmila Vasilievna to step back.
Youve forgotten whose flat this is! Youve forgotten who let you live here without paying rent, utilities, groceriesnothing! Let me remind youthis is my apartment, bought before the marriage, before I ever met your son or your family!
Lyudmila Vasilievna stared, mouth agape, clearly not expecting such a retort.
But Arina kept going.
And from now on you will no longer dictate terms to me! Or it wont be me who ends up on the streetit will be you! Understand?
For a few seconds the motherinlaw stood frozen, then gradually recovered, her face flushed, eyes narrowed.
How dare you speak to me like that? she shrieked. You have no right! I am your husbands mother! I am older than you! You must respect me!
Respect must be earned, not given because of age! Arina retorted. In the months youve lived here you havent earned a single ounce of respect!
How dare you Lyudmila Vasilievna gasped, outraged. Who do you think you are? Im Mishas mother! Youre just a temporary woman! Hell always choose me!
Then the two of you move out together! Arina cut in. Ill stay in my apartmentthe one I pay for, clean, and cook in! While you just boss around!
I Ill tell my son! the motherinlaw stammered. Hell find out how you treated me!
Go ahead and tell! Arina crossed her arms. Just dont forget to mention that you live here for free!
Lyudmila Vasilievna turned indignantly, stomped to her room, and slammed the door so hard the windows rattled.
A few minutes later an agitated voice came from the bedroom. The motherinlaw was clearly calling her son. Arina caught fragments: completely cheeky insults me threatens to kick me out
She calmly finished her tea and began getting ready for work. Let Lyudmila Vasilievna complaintoday she finally spoke the truth.
That evening Mikhail returned, his face flushed with anger. Barely crossing the threshold he attacked his wife:
What do you think youre doing? he shouted. Mom told me everything! How dare you insult her? Threaten to kick her out of the house?
Out of my house, Arina corrected calmly, removing her apron. I didnt threaten; I warned.
Out of yours? Mikhails voice rose. Were married! Whats yours is mine!
No, dear, Arina replied. I bought this apartment before we married, and I will no longer tolerate your mothers rudeness.
Mom didnt do anything wrong! Mikhail yelled. She only asked for help around the house!
She gave orders, Arina countered. She insulted me, and you defended her.
Of course I defended her! Shes my mother!
Then live with her, Arina said, heading for the front door and flinging it wide open. But not here. Pack up and leave.
Youre joking? Mikhail stared in disbelief.
Not at all, Arina pointed to the doorway. Youve used me enough, lived off me enough. Decide where you want to live. I choose happinesswithout you!
Lyudmila Vasilievna burst out of the room, hearing the shouting.
Whats happening? she asked, but seeing the open door, she understood.
Pack up, Arina repeated. You have half an hour.
Relief washed over Arina like a tide. She had taken the hardest step.
If You Start an Argument, My Son Will Toss You Out on the Street,” Declared the Mother-in-Law, Overlooking Whose Flat This Actually Was.
