Oh, Mum, youre frying fish again, said Emily, poking her head into the kitchen.
Yes, but Ive opened the windows and put the extractor fan on, replied Margaret.
Over the last four months, ever since her daughter moved in with her, Margaret had grown used to hearing these sorts of comments several times a day.
Youve made dinner too salty, or, Youve put the clothes in the wrong place. Or, The telly in your rooms too loud.
Margaret hardly noticed when she began tiptoeing around her own house. She tried to do everything quietly and discreetly, so as not to disturb her daughter and son-in-law.
At first, it all seemed alright
After the wedding, Emily and her husband decided to live on their own. They started renting a flat, only popping back to see Margaret on weekends. That made sense, with their jobs and businesses to run.
Then, one day, Margaret fell ill. The neighbours rang an ambulance, and within minutes her daughter arrived, too. When Margaret was discharged from hospital, Emily said:
Weve got a surprise for you. I think youll like it. Youll see when we get home.
Margaret entered her flat and was greeted by a jumble of bags in the hallway.
We talked it over and decided were going to live with you now. Well look after you.
Margaret was taken aback by her childrens decision.
At first, Emily truly did care for her mother. She cleaned, cooked, ironed clothes. But after two months, she seemed to forget why shed moved back in.
Margarets health improved. She was soon back to doing everything herself. Whenever the children were at work, shed tidy the house and cook.
Her daughter would often ask her just to take care of herself, but Margaret always insisted she was better off this way.
Emily and her husband quickly saw all the perks of living with Margaret. No rent to pay. The house was spotless, and dinner was always ready.
Mum, some friends are coming over tonight. Would you mind popping over to the neighbours for a cup of tea? Itll be easier for us, and you wont feel out of place, her daughter once asked.
Margaret really didnt want to go out in the evening, especially since her friend next door went to bed early. The weather was warm, so she decided to sit outside and get some fresh air. Time ticked by, and the guests didnt seem to be leaving. She wanted to go to bed but waited stubbornly for her daughter to call her back in.
The neighbour across the way, Frank, took his dog for a walk and returned half an hour later to find Margaret still on the bench.
Excuse me, is everything alright? he asked.
Yes, its nothingjust that my children have friends over, and I didnt want to get in the way.
I think you remember me. I live on the ground floor.
Yes, I remember.
Theyd spoken before, but only to exchange greetings. Franks wife had recently died, and his grown-up kids lived elsewhere.
Come round to mine for a cup of tea. Its getting chilly. Ring your daughter and let her know youre staying with me.
Margaret tried calling Emily, but got no answer. It seemed her daughter wasnt interested in her whereabouts.
Alright, Ill come, said Margaret.
They had tea and chatted. Suddenly, Emily called:
Mum, where are you? The guests left ages ago. Were off to bed, but youre nowhere to be found.
Her daughters voice bristled with disapproval. Margaret was puzzledwhat had she done wrong this time? She gathered her things to go home. Frank walked her to the stairwell.
Ive just got to climb two flights, Margaret said.
Ill walk you up. Ill feel better that way, Frank replied.
From then on, Margaret spent more and more time with Frank. Theyd share a pot of tea or cook lunch together. Sometimes, Frank would whip up one of his favourite dishes. On the day of her son-in-law’s birthday, with guests at their flat, Margaret found herself back at Franks.
Your place is so calm and peaceful, she told him one day.
Youre always welcome here, said Frank. If you fancied, you could stay for good.
He looked at her so sincerely that Margaret knew he meant every word.
Ill have to think about it, she replied with a smile.
Though in truth, shed already made up her mind.
We all deserve a home where were respected and can be ourselvesand sometimes, true comfort and belonging are found where we least expect them.
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