Mother, Im getting married! my son exclaimed merrily.
Thats lovely, I replied, though perhaps not quite as enthusiastically as he expected.
Mum, whats wrong? William asked, looking rather surprised.
Oh, nothing Where do you plan to live? I inquired, narrowing my eyes just a touch.
Here, if you dont mind. The flats spacious enoughthree bedrooms, surely we can all fit? he answered hopefully.
Do I have much choice? I asked, not bothering to hide my apprehension.
Well, we cant exactly rent a place, can we? William remarked glumly.
So, no choice at all, it seems, I said with resignation.
Mum, rents outrageous nowadays. Wed barely have enough for groceries. If we stay here, we can save up quicker for our own place. Well both be working, he pleaded.
I shrugged, uncertain but attempting a small smile.
I suppose Right then, move in and stay as long as you need, but Ive got two conditions: the utility bills are split equally, and Im not going to be the housekeeper.
Of course, Mum, youre absolutely right, William agreed instantly.
And so, the young couple had a humble wedding and moved in together with me: William and his bride, Emily. From day one, it seemed I was suddenly busier than ever. The newlyweds would arrive home from work, but the flat was emptyno dinner simmering on the hob, no tidied rooms. The mess they left in the morning was exactly as it had been, scattered about the living room and kitchen.
Mum, where have you been? William asked one evening, bemused.
Well, love, I got a call from the Community Centre. They invited me to join the Village Choiryou do recall I’ve always had a voice, I explained.
Really? he said, surprised.
Oh yes! Youve forgotten, but I told you long ago. Its a lovely gathering of other pensionerssinging, laughing. I spent such a delightful afternoon there, Ill be back tomorrow! I added with newfound cheerfulness.
And what about tomorrowanother choir session? William wondered.
No, tomorrow its our literary evening. Well be reading Shakespearemy absolute favourite, as you know, I replied.
Is that so? he said, bemused once more.
Ive always said so! You never listen to your dear mother, I teased gently.
Emily listened quietly to these exchanges, saying nothing at all.
Since Williams marriage, I seemed to be rejuvenated: I joined every club for pensioners in town, added new friends to my old circle, and sometimes a cheerful troop would visit, commandeering my kitchen late into the night for tea and shortbread, playing bingo or watching a new serial so avidly I barely noticed the children coming in from work, greeting me in passing.
Housework became off limits for meI left it all to Emily and William. At first, they didnt complain. Gradually, Emily gave sidelong glances, they whispered grumpily together, and eventually William started to sigh loudly. I paid them no mind, keeping myself busy and active for my age.
One day, I arrived home in high spirits, humming Greensleeves under my breath. Entering the kitchen where the young ones sat listlessly eating freshly cooked soup, I announced brightly:
My dears, congratulate me! I met a wonderful gentleman at the tea dance, and tomorrow were off together to Bath for a little holiday! Isnt that splendid?
That is splendid, William and Emily replied in unison.
Sois it serious? William asked, visibly anxious at the thought of another potential resident.
I wont know till after the tripperhaps then things will be clearer, I answered. I ladled myself a hearty bowl of soup, finished it, and went back for seconds.
After the trip, I returned a bit deflated. I said Geoffrey wasnt quite right for me and wed parted ways. I assured them there was plenty in life still ahead. The clubs, the walks, and cosy gatherings continued with gusto.
Eventually, after coming home yet again to an untidy flat and empty pans, Emily could bear it no longer. She slammed the refrigerator door with irritation and declared,
Mrs. Sutton! Could you handle some of the housework as well? This place is a tip! The fridge is bare! Why should we do everything?
Why are we all so cross? I asked, genuinely mystified. Would you expect someone else to clean for you if you lived on your own?
But you live here! Emily retorted.
I’m not your housemaid, Emily. Ive done my share over the years, thats quite enough. And I told William from the startI wouldn’t be the housekeeper. If he didnt mention it to you, thats not my fault, I said, standing my ground.
I thought you were joking, William sputtered.
So you want comfort and orderand for me to tidy everyones things and cook every meal? No. I said I wouldnt, and I wont! If it bothers you so much, youre always free to live elsewhere, I replied, retiring to my room.
The next morning, just as cheerfully, humming Early One Morning to myself, I put on a lovely blouse, applied a spot of red lipstick, and headed off to the Community Centre, where the Village Choir awaited me.
