Oh, really! shrieked the motherinlaw, her face flushed. So your your wife has turned you against your own mother? Fine, I get it now.
Blythe, we need to talk seriously, Dennis sat on the edge of the kitchen table, watching his wife stir a sauce.
What about? Blythe asked, whisking a mushroom ragù over a low flame, careful not to let it scorch.
About mum and about money, Dennis said, his voice tight. Shes asked for help again this month.
Blythe exhaled heavily. In the last six months such conversations had become routine. First, Agnes Peters had begged for a little extra before retirement medicines and groceries. Then more and more. Each time she promised to repay, but the debt only grew.
How much this time? Blythe turned off the stove.
Thirty thousand pounds, Dennis lowered his eyes. She says the fridge has broken.
What? Blythe snapped, turning sharply toward him. Weve been scrimping for two months to fix the bathroom! And you want
Blythe, its just mum, Dennis began, as if that made it easier.
Its your mother, who owes us over a hundred thousand! Blythe slammed her spoon onto the table. Shes never returned a penny!
A knock sounded at the door. Agnes Peters stood in the doorway, a dignified woman with immaculate hair and pearl earrings.
Blythe, how wonderful youre home! the motherinlaw chirped, gliding into the kitchen. Whats that mouthwatering smell?
Pasta with mushroom sauce, Blythe replied crisply.
How sweet of you to cook for my son. You know hes always liked simpler meals since he was a lad, Agnes cooed.
Mum! Dennis interjected. I love what Blythe cooks.
Very well, Agnes said, taking a seat. By the way, Im here about something.
My fridge is terrible the food is spoiling. And my pension doesnt arrive for another two weeks
No, Blythe said firmly.
What no? the motherinlaw asked, surprised.
We have no money. We cant keep lending you.
Agnes clapped her hands together. How can you say that? You both work! Your salaries are decent Is it hard to help your mother when you have money?
The money goes to the mortgage, utilities and the bathroom repairs, Blythe retorted. And to the loan we took to help you last time.
Youre accusing me? tears welled in Agness eyes. Ive spent my whole life devoted to Dennis! Ive given him everything!
And you keep giving now using our money, Dennis tried to interject.
No, love, let your wife finish, Agnes cut him off. I want to hear how she blames me for asking my own son for help.
Help? Blythe smiled bitterly. You call this help? You take our cash, promise to pay it back and never do! Yet I see you with a new handbag, a spa weekend.
How dare you! the motherinlaw shouted. Im an old lady; I need to look after my health!
We need to live, to build our own family, to repair our flat. We cant because were constantly propping you up!
Dennis! Agnes turned to her son. Do you hear how she talks to me? Will you let this stand?
Mum, Blythes right, Dennis whispered. We truly cant keep giving money.
Oh, so now your your wife has turned you against your own mother? Fine, Ive got it. Just dont come back when she blows all your cash on trinkets and restaurants!
I dont even have time for restaurants, Blythe said wearily. Im doing overtime to pay your pension loans.
Ungrateful! Agnes shrieked. I
What are you doing to me? Blythe cut her off. You know what? Im not a cow you can milk for every whim!
The motherinlaw fell silent, staring at her daughterinlaw, stunned by the unexpected rebuke.
Youve already owed us over a hundred thousand, Blythe continued. Ive kept a ledger of every sum and date. Either you start repaying, or forget about any more requests.
Dennis! Will you let her speak to your mother like that? Agness voice cracked with tears.
Mum, stop, Dennis said firmly. We truly cant give you any more money. Were in debt ourselves.
Agnes sank into a chair, covering her face with her hands. I thought you were like a daughter to me, Blythe. I thought we were one family Yet you count every penny, record it like an accountant.
Because you never repay, Blythe replied calmly. And you keep asking for more.
Youve got nerve! the motherinlaw sobbed. Ive given my son everything, even when we were short. Now Im old, ill, and apparently a burden.
Dennis glanced helplessly at his wife. Blythe recognised the familiar tactic: the guilttrip.
Agnes Peters, your pension is above average, and you still rent the flat you inherited from your mother. Where does that money go?
You dare question me? Agnes snapped. Do you know how much my medication costs? The bills? The groceries?
I do, Blythe nodded. And I also saw the receipt for that new mink coat you bought last month.
Youre still asking? Agnes shouted. Do you know what my medicines cost? What the council tax is?
I know, Blythe said. And I know you bought that coat.
Dennis intervened. Enough, Mum. Lets talk calmly.
Whats there to talk about? That your wife turned you against your own mother? Agnes stood, fury burning. Without me you wouldnt have married! I paid for the wedding, for the first mortgage instalment.
Weve already paid you back three times! Blythe exploded. You keep saying keep it, then remind us of the debt!
Is that it? Agnes clenched her fists. Im just an ATM? You take money, give it back without a thank you?
No, Agnes Peters. Were the ones acting as your ATMendless and free.
She paled, sinking back into her chair.
Ungrateful I could have given this flat to another son, or to grandchildren. Yet I gave it to you, Dennis
Mum, stop! Dennis pounded the table. If you keep this up, Ill stop speaking to you altogether.
Agnes pressed a hand to her chest. Son, you didnt mean that, did you? Im your mother
Ive had enough of the constant manipulation and guilttripping, Dennis said. Blythe is right this cant go on.
When Agnes left, Dennis and Blythe remained at the kitchen table, the silence heavy.
You know, Dennis finally said, I only just realised how shes been using us all this time.
I wanted to tell you ages ago, Blythe wrapped her hands around a cooling mug of tea. But I was afraid you wouldnt understand. Im sorry. I should have spoken up sooner.
A few days later Agnes called her son.
Dennis, I was thinking maybe you and Blythe could come over for tea? Ive baked a cake.
Did you apologise to Blythe, Mum? he asked.
For what? For asking for help? Agness voice trembled with a familiar hysteria.
For the manipulation, for the pressure.
Youve become so cold, son. Your wife has turned you against your mother
Fine. Until you apologise, we wont come.
Please, Dennis! Agnes begged, slamming the receiver.
Two weeks passed without a word from Agnes. Blythe noticed Dennis checking his phone anxiously, worried about his mother.
Should I call her? she suggested.
No. Let her think about her own behaviour.
Soon Agnes appeared at the door, unusually quiet and embarrassed.
Ive been thinking she began. Maybe I was wrong. Blythe, Im sorry.
Come in, Agnes Peters. Tea? Blythe gestured.
Thank you, Agnes sat, her hands shaking slightly. Ive even considered getting a parttime job. My pension doesnt stretch far enough.
Blythe and Dennis exchanged a look. Perhaps the first step toward change had been taken. After that uneasy conversation, the relationship with the motherinlaw began to shift slowly but noticeably. No more sudden visits begging for cash, no more manipulative hints.
That evening the couple set firm rules for their family finances.
Anything involving money, especially helping relatives, will be discussed together, Blythe said, pouring tea. Im done being caught in the middle.
I agree, Dennis took her hand. I finally see how long I let Mum push me. All those reminders of how she helped me
Youre not to blame, Blythe replied gently. Its time to put everything in its place.
A week later Agnes arrived with a tray of scones, looking oddly unsettled.
I baked these shall we have tea together?
During tea she avoided any talk of money, instead reminiscing about her youth, how she met Denniss father, how they started their life together.
And guess what, she announced while stirring sugar, Ive signed up for computer classes at the local seniors centre. They teach us how to work online for free.
Why? Dennis asked.
I want to earn a little extra. Lots of retirees now do document work, translation
At Denniss birthday the whole family gathered. It was the first big celebration after the feud. Agnes sat proudly, not complaining, not hinting at problems.
Im now doing Excel spreadsheets! she announced. I even know how to use VLOOKUP.
My mums got a parttime job, Dennis explained, helping a small firm with paperwork.
After the party Blythe confided in Dennis.
Can you believe how much shes changed?
She finally realised she can solve her own problems, he replied. Admitting that wasnt easy for her.
Six months later Agnes handed Blythe an envelope.
This is the first part of the debt, she said. Its a little, but Ill try to pay it back gradually.
Should I refuse? Blythe hesitated.
No, Agnes answered firmly. You were right then. I shouldnt have behaved that way.
Recently Agnes landed a permanent position at the firm where shed been helping.
Now I have both a pension and a salary! she exclaimed over the phone. I even signed up for an English class. At my age, you just dont stop learning.
Blythe and Dennis spotted her in a supermarket, looking younger in a smart business suit, hair neatly styled.
Just popped in for groceries after work, she smiled. Its lovely to spend money!
Watching those changes, Blythe realised sometimes all you need is the courage to say no. Even the toughest relationships can turn around. Their dealings with Agnes grew calmer and more honestno more guilt trips, no more constant pleas for cash. And Agnes proved that at any age you can start a new chapter, if you only want to.
