Susan sat beside her mother-in-law on the weathered old bed. Both women were bundled in thick jumpers and scarves, their breath clouding in the chilly room. It was midwinter in Yorkshire, and they’d only just coaxed the first flames from the cracked iron wood-stove in the corner.
Its alright, Mum, Susan whispered, handing over a cup with shaking hands. Well be alright, I promise. Were survivorsyou and I. Let me get you your medicines now.
Her words were steady, but inside Susan was fighting back worry. Technically, this wasnt even her mum, not by bloodjust her ex-mother-in-law. Nearly ex.
The two of them and her husbandRichardhad once all lived together. It hadnt been what Susan envisioned when she finally married at thirty, stepping into Richards life as his second wife. Shed been so sure of her place: Richard was already divorced. She hadnt broken anything apart.
Susan had quickly won over Margaret, her mother-in-law. Margaret, too, had taken to Susangentle hugs, late-night talks, kindness shed needed ever since her own parents died young. In Margaret, Susan found something shed thought lost: family. The conspirators, Richard used to call them, cheeks dimpled with affection.
Five years sped by in an instant. But then something shifted. Richard grew sharp, restless, picking fights with Susan and his mum. He barked cruel words. The truth emergedhed started seeing someone. Hed stay out late, come home reeking of whisky.
One night, Richard coldly declared his intentions. I want a divorce. You have two days to sort yourself out. Susan barely had time to gather her things when Richards new love arrived, suitcase in towa tall, glamorous blonde with bee-stung lips and false lashes so thick she could scarcely blink.
Susan startled herself by laughing aloud. Youve traded me for this scarecrow with cows eyelashes? Good luck to you bothI certainly wont miss it.
At least shes fun! Richard shot back. You and Mothertwo old hens, clucking about.
Susans voice chilled. Insult me if you must, but why talk to your own mother like that?
Richards new girlfriend simpered, clinging to his arm. Darling, your mum isnt staying with us, is she? She can go with your ex, cant she? Why should we bother with her?
Yes, Mum. Youve overstayed your welcome, Richard added, eyes steely. You gave me everything from selling the flat so I could build this houseyou should be happy. Margaret clutched her chest.
No theatrics. You can stay, but keep to your room. From now on, Albina runs the house.
Kittens, lets get rid of both of them, cooed Albina, eyelashes all aflutter.
Shes my mum! Richard protested weakly.
You want this as my mother-in-law? Oh, please
Susan had heard enough.
Mum, lets go to the village, Susan said quietly.
Id honestly rather live in a country cottage than under the same roof as you two, Margaret replied, dignity wavering.
Just stay put, Ill pack your suitcase. Dont forget your medicine and jewellery box, alright? Susan moved quickly, loading their few possessions. Documents, clothes, the jewellery box, medicine, underwearall squeezed into suitcases.
Take everything thats yourswe wont have your scraps, Albina sniffed, linking arms with Richard. He said nothing. He knew, in his heart, what hed doneespecially to his mother.
In half an hour, Susan was outside, car engine idling. Margaret sat in the back, dabbing at her tears, not sparing a single look for her son. The pain of being cast asideafter giving so muchgnawed at her.
How shall we manage now, girl?
Well manage fine, Susan managed a brave smile. Ive got some savings; youve your pension. Therell be bread and butter for us yet.
They drove to the village where Susan had grown up. By the time they arrived, dusk was falling and the little cottage stood cold and silent. Susan lit the stove, fetched buckets of water, and put on the kettle.
How do you make everything look so easy? Margaret marvelled as the room began to lose its chill.
My grandfather taught me everything I know. At least weve groceriesno need to go to the village shop today. I can do without the local gossip, Susan replied with a wry grin.
By next morning the house was warmer, though it needed a thorough cleaning.
A knock at the door startled them. Old Mr. ChapmanSusans childhood neighbourstood in the snow, peering inside. Susan! Not seen you in ages. What brings you down here, heart, and in winter? Alls well, I hope?
Were fine, Mr. Chapman. Just settling in. Please, have some tea, Susan replied.
He nodded at Margaret. Youre welcome to anything you need, ladies.
A week passed. Their cottage shone, and the cold outside slowly faded from their bones.
You know, Susan, Margaret confessed one evening, I was a country girl myselfbefore marrying Richards father. He was killed when Richard was just twenty-three. I sold my place, gave him everything. He promised Id always have a home.
Susan squeezed her hand. Dont cry. I know it hurts, but youre not alone. And you never know; perhaps youll be a grandmother yet.
From that blonde troublemaker? Heaven forbid! What about you? Do you plan to marry again?
They chatted about Mr. Chapman, who still lived alone after his wife drowned years ago, saving a neighbours little boy. He and my granddad were friends, though hes a good bit younger.
Weeks rolled by. No word from Richard. One day, Susans phone ranga number she didnt know.
Susan? This is the police Im afraid your husbands dead.
Youve got the wrong number, Susan replied, numb.
Im sorry, theres no mistake. Richard was over the limit, crashed his car. A young lady survived. Please, come to identify him.
Susans stomach turned. How would she tell Margaret? She found Mr. Chapman.
Whats happened, Susan? Youve gone pale!
Mum, please sit down Richards gone.
Margaret let out a wail. Oh, dear God. This is my faultI left him!
No, Mumhe pushed you away.
Im still his mother! Fates punished him now.
I need to go to the hospital. Mr. Chapman, will you stay with her?
Ill come too, Mr. Chapman said, voice gentle. Well take my carno arguments.
After Richards funeral, Susan and Margaret decided to visit his house. Legally, since the divorce wasnt final, the house would now pass to them. Mr. Chapman accompanied them everywhere.
Inside, the place was unrecognisablestrewn with dirty clothes, dishes even on the floor, stinking of stale drink. A life once ordinary, now utterly unravelled.
From the bedroom drifted Albina, in a silk dressing gown, followed by a half-dressed, scruffy man.
What are you doing here? This is my home, get out! Albina shrieked.
Mr. Chapman faced her squarely. Show me the deeds, love. Youve no legal claim. Richard died before your wedding even happened.
We celebrated early. It all belongs to me now! she blustered.
Thats enough nonsense, Susan said firmly. Get out. Is there anyone else here?
The man slunk away without a word. Mr. Chapman quietly saw them off.
They changed the locks and checked the paperseverything in order. Rubbish was cleared. Through it all, Mr. Chapman never left their sides.
Im sorry youve got to stay here now, but Ill miss you both when you leave, he admitted shyly.
Well visit, Susan promised. You can come see us, too.
He blushed. Margaret reminds me of my late wife.
Ive seen how you look at herand she at you, Susan teased. Could it be love?
He stammered, but a twinkle sparkled in his eyes.
Within the year, Mr. Chapman and Margaret were wed. They found comfort with each otherand Susan, too. She was like a daughter to them. But the family didnt end there.
Susan became a mother in her own way. She never remarried, but adopted a brother and sister she simply couldnt bear to have separated. Shed hoped for one, but was blessed with two.
Family, Susan learned, can be found in the most unexpected placesnot just by birth, but through kindness, heartache, and the strange twists of life.
