The sister-in-law arrived expecting a feastthis time, she was met by an empty table.
Is she coming again this Saturday? But we agreed these weekends would be just usId so hoped for a drive in the countryside, Will, I can barely see straight after this weeks end-of-quarter chaos!
Her voice rang out through the tiny kitchen, bouncing strangely from the white tiles. Emily stood at the sink, scrubbing foam from a plate, and stared at her husbands back. William sat at the table, eyes fixed on his mug of cold tea, tracing patterns along the linen tablecloth with his fingers.
Em, what could I do? he replied, sighing as he tried to sound conciliatory. Olivia called, she said she, Dan, and little Jacob have missed us. Especially Jacobhes been asking about his uncle. I couldnt just turn away my own sister. Theyve set their hearts on it.
Missed us, has she? Emily switched off the tap so forcefully that the faucet squeaked. She dried her hands and turned, arms folded. Will, they were here a fortnight back. And before that, for Easter. And every time, its the same old song. They turn up empty-handed, devour everything Ive spent half a Saturday cooking, leave a mountain of washing up, and vanish.
William flinched. He hated these rowshis family taught him kin must be welcomed, day or night, no matter how tired you were or what plans you had.
Why tally every crumb that passes someone elses lips? he muttered, pushing the mug away. Shes my sister. Our situations easier than theirsDans bonus got halved, Olivia mentioned. Let them come. Ill nip to the shop and get what we needpromise Ill do the washing-up, too.
Emily just let out a dry laugh. The promises were always the same. Yes, William would go to the shop, but hed bring back a loaf of brown bread, a big bottle of lemonade, and whatever was on offer at the deli counterblissfully convinced that would charm his guests. The costand hours at the stovealways fell squarely on Emilys shoulders. As for that washing-up, he rarely managed more than a post-lunch doze on the sofa, leaving her alone with the sticky pans.
Theyd been married six years. The flat was Emilys, inherited from her grandmother. William earned decently, but much went on his car payments and helping his pensioner parents. Emily worked as a senior pharmacist for a large chain, bringing home the main household budgetgroceries, bills, the odd new appliance, holidays.
She wasnt stingynot at all. Early days of marriage saw her laying generous spreads, baking pies, roasting joints. But shed begun to feel that Olivias visits were just downright cheekya convenient, weekly tradition. Olivia, ever boisterous and full of herself, treated her brothers home as though it were a restaurant with complimentary service.
Come Friday evening, Emily trudged the aisles of Tesco, her list clutched with growing despair. Olivia wouldnt touch chickenfodder for the poor, shed jokeso there needed to be proper beef for schnitzels, smoked salmon for canapés, an array of real cheeses, the sort of salad veg that cost as much as a train ticket, and of course, a chocolate cake for Jacob.
She paid at the till, sighing at the hit to her debit cardjust over £80. Money shed planned to squirrel away for winter boots, since her old ones were falling apart. The boots would have to wait for next months pay.
By the time she dragged the shopping up three flights, arms numb, she felt ragged. William was running late at the garage, so she had to haul it all up alone.
Entering the hallway, she dropped the bags with a groan, slipped off her shoes. She heard Williams muffled voice from the bedroom; hed made it back first and was clearly on the phone. Emily shouldered the groceries toward the kitchen, but as she passed the ajar bedroom door, she slowed.
He had Olivia on speaker. Her voice came through sharp and jauntily:
Look, book it now while the early-bird deals are on! Weve wanted to try that all-inclusive in Spain for ages. Dan had his advance in yesterday, we paid upfront. It stungcost nearly £2,500but you only live once!
Wow, hats off, William managed. I thought you were on a budget, with Dans bonus gone?
Olivia cackled. Oh Will, of course were saving! Two months living basiconly the essentials. No restaurants, no nice stuff. I boil Dan sausages with pasta. But come weekendsits round to yours! Emily feeds us till were stuffed; theres always some posh fish, roast meats, those fancy salads. I eat enough there on Saturday to last me till Wednesday on yoghurts! Seriously, it saves a mint. Just make sure Emily gets some smoked salmon. Jacob adores it. All right, see you at one, dont forgetwell be starving!
The line clicked off. William just laughed softly and tossed his phone onto the bed.
Emily stood frozen. Her hands ached from the bags, but the real pain was elsewhere. A bitter, ice-cold resentmentlaced with burning indignationrose and swallowed her whole.
No money, are they? Pasta for supper? £2,500 for a Spanish getawaywhile I scrimp on boots to feed these freeloading opportunists, so they can save their budget at the expense of mine.
Quietly she withdrew to the kitchen. She switched on the light, scanned the clean, beloved counters, gazed at the food shed just paid for. Something inside her finally, quietly snapped. All her softness, her habit of being the good daughter-in-law, evaporated, replaced by steely, resolute calm.
No fits. No shouting. She acted methodically.
First, she unpacked the bags. The prime beef went into the bottom of the freezer, right beneath last years Christmas turkey. The cheeses, salmon, the fancy charcuterie were tucked into an opaque container and hidden on the lowest fridge shelf, covered with saucepans. She halved the cakeone piece went with the treats, the rest left out on a plate.
Not a crumb remained on the kitchen table. Worktop: immaculate. Sink: spotless.
The rest of the evening was ordinary. Emily made a plain mealboiled buckwheat with reheated meatballs. William, emerging from the bedroom, ate without remarking on the missing culinary treasures, then retreated to the television. He didnt mention tomorrows guests, secretly assuming his wife had it all in hand.
Saturday dawned to silence. Emily woke late, stretched luxuriously beneath the duvet, strolled to the shower unhurried. William was still asleep; ordinarily, shed be in the kitchen, apron on, whirring through dozens of tasks. Instead, she brewed herself a fragrant coffee, sliced off some of the special cheese, breakfasted alone and content in the window chair with her book.
By noon William appeared, scratching his head at the lack of bustle or baking scents.
Em, arent you making anything? Olivias lot will be here in an hour. Is the oven broken?
No, not broken, Emily replied without looking up from her novel. Im having a day off. Its my weekend too.
William paused, perplexed. What do you mean, day off? How are we going to feed them?
I dont know, Will. Theres buckwheat and some meatballs left from last night. If thats not enough, Tescos over the roadyour wallets on the dresser.
William laughed nervously, sure she was teasing. Dont sulk just because theyre visiting. I promised to do the dishes! Wheres yesterdays shopping? You came in with heavy bags.
The foods for the week. And its not for people who save up for their Spanish resort by cutting costs at my expense, Emily said, finally looking at him sharply, her voice steady and icy. I heard you and Olivia last nightevery single word. Well, Ive news: this house is no longer a charity canteen.
William flushed crimson, mouth opening to defend himself, but just then, the doorbell rang like a thunderclap. The visitors had arrived, dead on lunchtime.
William rushed to the hall. The flat was soon filled with loud greetings, scuffling feet and cheap perfume.
Oh, at last! The traffic was murder! Olivia bellowed. Will, darling! Wheres our slippers? Jacob, dont wipe your hoodie on the wall!
Into the kitchen swept Olivia in a dazzling tracksuit, hair scraped into a messy ponytail. Right behind her came Dan, a tall, heavy-set man with permanent disapproval etched into his brow, and fifteen-year-old Jacob, glued to his phone.
Olivia surveyed the kitchen, sniffed the air, and frowned.
Hello Em. Whats that odd lack of smell? Havent you started cooking yet? Were starvingskipped breakfast just to save room for your beef schnitzels!
Emily calmly closed her book, set it aside, and faced them.
Hello Olivia. Dan. No, we havent eatenand were not planning to. Theres nothing cooked.
Olivia blinked furiously, looking from her brother to his wife as though theyd lost their minds.
What do you mean, nothing cooked? Will, you said you were expecting us! Were your guests! My Jacob needs his meals on timehes growing! Its nearly one oclock! Her voice climbed an octave.
Well, if Jacobs on a strict schedule, perhaps you should have fed him at home. Or popped into a café en route, Emily replied with a pleasant smile.
Dan let out a grumpy huff and plonked onto a stool, arms crossed on his chest.
Is this some kind of joke? We traipsed across half of London to stare at an empty table? Come off it, Em, dish up the salads. Were famished.
The word famished stung, but Emily didnt even blink. She gripped the table and looked Olivia in the eye.
No salads, Dan. No schnitzels. No smoked salmon, either. I happened to overhear a certain fascinating conversation last nightwhere I learned my homes just a handy way for you to cut the grocery bill for your trip to Spain.
Olivia gulped air, her face cycling quickly from pale to scarlet. She threw William a death glare.
Did you have me on speaker with her in the flat?! she shrieked, instantly revealing herself.
William braced himself. Liv, I didnt know she was in the hall I thought she was still busy in the kitchen.
Oh, you thought! Olivia swung back to Emily, fighting to attack. So what? Yes, were going to Spain! And saving what we can, whats wrong with that? Were family! You should host and treat us! Youve got no kidsyouve money to spare! Cant your brother help out his own sister? One roast wont ruin you. Stingy cow!
Emily stood tall, eyes narrowing. All her pent-up exhaustion channelled through cold, precise words.
First, Olivia, no one in my house owes you anything. This flat wasnt bought by you or your brother. Its mine. Second, my purse isnt a charity fund for your holidays. In three months, your visits have cost me nearly £500. Thats my money, my graft. Id rather spend it on myself than bankroll people who mock me behind my back.
Youre counting the food my childs eaten? Shame on you! Olivia clutched her chest, angling for tears. Dan, are you hearing this insult?
Dan rose, fists bunched. Oi, this is Wills homenot yours.
Dan, calm down! William said, stepping between them for once, voice steely. You dont talk to Emily like that, not in her place.
In her place? Olivia cackled. Who are you, thena lodger? Got nothing to say for yourself? Are you a man or what? Tell your wife to get her apron on and look after your family!
William faced his sisterreally faced her. At last, he saw not the poor relation but a loud, demanding woman with no respect for anyone here. Shame washed over him for letting this happen, for all the times Emily did the lions share while he turned a blind eye.
My wife doesnt owe you a thing, Olivia, he said, voice firm. Shes not serving you anymore. Emilys right. You only come over when youre hungry. Not once did you ask how were keeping, or if we needed a hand. Youve never even brought a cake.
Is that right? Olivia clutched her head, tragic. So youve chosen her over meyour own sister! Dont expect to see my face here again! Mums going to hear every wordshell know what a wimp she raised you to be!
Tell whoever you like, Emily replied icily. Theres the door. Maybe pop into the shop on the corner for some sausages for Jacobcheaper that way.
Olivia was left spluttering. She grabbed Jacob by his sleeve, almost knocking his phone to the floor.
Lets go, Dan! They hate us here! May they choke on their money! she bellowed, blowing through the hall like a gale.
Shoes were jammed on, the welcome mat askew, the door slammed with such fury the keys rattled on their hook.
Silence descended. Emily breathed deep, feeling the tension finally lift. Her hands shook, but it was the joy of relieflike kicking off tight, painful shoes.
William stood awkwardly in the hallway, then drifted over to her, gently touching her shoulder.
Em Im sorry. Ive been an idiot. I truly didnt see it. It seemed harmlessa chance to sit together as a family. Only now do I realise how much they took advantage. Took advantage of you.
Emily looked into his genuinely regretful eyes and understood this cost him. But he had chosen rightlyhed chosen her, their home.
As long as you understand now, Will, she said quietly but firmly. Ill never turn away your family if they treat us with respect. If they want to visit, lovelybring a pudding, bring a smile, and after an apology. Until then, thats it.
Thats it, he nodded, grateful. He shuffled his feet, then grinned, sheepish. Since its just usand nobody comingfancy ordering pizza? Or sushi? My treat. No washing up!
Emily laughedgenuine, free, for the first time in ages.
Pizza, please. And queue up that film weve been meaning to watch.
As William gleefully tapped in their delivery order, Emily fetched out the other half of the special chocolate cake from its hiding place, sliced herself a generous piece, poured a fresh cup of coffee and sat down at the gleaming, empty table. Before her stretched a peaceful weekend, all for them alone.
