In the dim light of their rented one-bedroom flat in Manchester, where Emily and Robert had lived for the past three years, Margarets sharp voice cut through the quiet like a blade.
When are you two going to buy a proper home? she demanded, perched stiffly on the sofa, her gaze boring into her daughter as if shed committed some unforgivable crime.
How much longer must you waste your lives in rented digs?
Emily sighed and turned toward the window. These conversations had long ceased being merely unpleasantthey had become outright torture. From the moment she married Robert, Margaret had never let up. He wasnt good enough. No house, no money, nothing to his name. What sort of husband was that? For three years, Margaret had needled them: When would they buy a place? Why were they still throwing money away on rent? Wasnt she ashamed of living like this?
Frustration simmered in Emilys chest, threatening to boil over.
Were looking for the right place, Mum, she finally replied, forcing her voice steady. The right area, the right price, something with decent work done inside. We need a place thats already lived-inwe cant afford renovations. Understand?
Margaret scoffed, rolling her eyes with such theatrical disdain that Emilys hands clenched into fists.
Of course, her mother drawled, dripping with sarcasm. If youd married a proper man, youd be living in clover, not scraping together pennies for some shabby flat. You could be looking at new builds by now. Instead? Youre settling for scraps.
Emily stood abruptly, barely holding back the urge to shout.
Ive got errands to run, Mum, she muttered dryly, striding toward the door.
Margaret called after her, but Emily didnt listen. She ushered her mother out, shut the door, and leaned against it, exhaling hard. Only then did she realize how tightly wound shed beenher shoulders ached, her jaw sore from gritting her teeth. Lately, every visit with Margaret left her with a pounding headache, as if shed braced for battle and come out bruised.
She poured herself a glass of water in the kitchen, sitting at the table, trying to steady herself. Then the phone rang.
Em! Roberts voice crackled with excitement. Ive found it! The perfect flat! You need to come right awayheres the address. We have to move fast, love. This is our chance!
Emilys heart leapt. She scribbled down the details, threw on her coat, and hailed a cab. The whole ride, she fidgeted, urging the driver silently to hurry.
Robert waited by the building, face alight. He took her hand, leading her inside.
The flat was on the third floor. A modest two-bedder, snug but homely. Fresh paint, warm beige walls, wooden laminate floors, double-glazed windows. The owners were leaving the furnituresofa, wardrobes, kitchen fittingsall clean and well-kept.
Robert showed her every corner. Bedroom here, lounge there. The kitchen gets the morning light. And lookshops round the corner, bus stops nearby, a school just down the road. The price is fair. The sellers are in a rushmoving up north. Were lucky.
Emily wandered silently, touching the walls, peering into cupboards. A warmth spread through her chest. This was theirs. She could already picture their lives heretheir belongings in place, mornings with tea at the kitchen table.
Shall we take it? Robert asked softly, hope in his eyes.
Yes, Emily said, smiling as he pulled her into an embrace.
They agreed to the sale on the spot, setting a date to sign the papers. All the way home, they bubbled overRobert chattered about furniture, paint colours, while Emily smiled quietly, joy bubbling inside her so fiercely she wanted to shout.
The next weeks blurred into a whirlwind of paperwork, packing, frantic arrangements. Robert handled most of it, and Emily was grateful. Then came moving dayboxes hauled, furniture arranged, their first evening in their own home.
Standing in the lounge, Emily took it all in. Robert wrapped his arms around her from behind.
Our home, he murmured in her ear.
Ours, Emily whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks.
But the peace didnt last. The very next day, the doorbell rang. Margaret stood on the threshold, disapproval etched into every line of her face.
Hello, she huffed, pushing past Emily without invitation.
She inspected every inch of the flat, lips pursed. Finally, she turned, her voice thick with scorn.
This is it?
Emily faltered. What do you mean?
Margaret wrinkled her nose as if standing in a rubbish tip. Its tiny. Cheap. I thought youd at least get a three-bedder. This? Hardly more than a bedsit. A shoebox would be roomier. Is this really how you choose to live?
Emilys face burned. Robert stepped in.
Margaret, its our first home, he said gently. Well save, maybe move up later. For now, its enough. Were happy.
Margaret sniffed, grabbed her handbag, and stalked out, tossing over her shoulder, This flats just like your husband. Dull, shabby, and worthless.
The door slammed. Emily stood frozen, the words clawing at her. Roberts sad smile told her hed heard.
Dont mind her, he said softly.
But the hurt in his eyes cracked her heart.
Time passed. They settled inflowers on the windowsills, pictures hung, little touches making it theirs. But weeks later, Margaret returned. Robert retreated to the bedroom at the sound of her voice.
Over tea, Margaret scowled. Every time I see this place, it sours my mood. Why on earth did you buy this hovel?
Emily gripped her cup. Its what we could afford, Mum.
Because you married Robert! Margaret snapped. Proper men provide better. My neighbours daughter lives in a new-build, three beds, doesnt lift a fingerall because she married a real man, not some dead weight like yours!
Something in Emily snapped.
Oh, brilliant comparison! Her voice shook. Never mind that her husbands been reported three times for beating her! That she hides bruises under makeup! That she stays for the moneyis that what you want for me?
Margaret tried to interrupt, but Emily wasnt done.
I love Robert! she shouted. Id live under a bridge if it meant being with him. Because he loves me too. Hed never raise a hand to me, and thats worth more than any flat or car. If you cant accept that, then dont bother coming back!
Margaret gaped, flushed, then stormed out without a word.
Silence settled. Robert emerged, pulling Emily into his arms as she sobbed into his chest.
Im sorry, she choked out. Sorry for her. Sorry she
Shh, he murmured, kissing her hair. Its all right. Id live under that bridge with you, honest.
Emily looked up through tears and smiled. No, they werent rich. No sprawling new-build, no fancy car. But they had each otherfully, fiercely. And that was everything.
