Youre not a wife, youre a maid. You dont even have children!
Mum, Helen is moving in for a bit. Were renovating the flat, its unliveable right now. Theres a spare room here, why should she sit in dust and chaos? said Helens husband, David.
He clearly didnt mind the arrangement, but the same couldnt be said for his wife and mother. Davids mother couldnt stand her daughter-in-law.
I have to work, I cant stay here all day muttered Helen.
Helen worked from home, so she needed peace and quiet. David was out at work all day, which made sharing a roof with his mother even more tricky. Helen was used to having her own space and not being disturbed.
Helen looked at her mother-in-law, lost for words. Davids mother plainly didnt want Helen in her house, but there was no other option. They sat down to dinner together.
Helen, would you pass your famous salad, please? David asked.
David, dont eat that stuff. I made you a different one, much healthier his mother fussed.
Helens expression darkened. Her husband was allergic to tomatoes how could his mother forget? When David was little, she never paid attention, claiming there was no need to bother the doctors, just give him a pill and hed be fine.
Hes allergic, why did you put tomatoes in the salad? Helen said.
Oh, dont be daft. Its just one tomato, nothing dreadful will happen, replied his mother.
Hell get sick.
Helen, calm down. Hes not allergic. Im his mother, I know him better than you.
Im his wife. I look after my husband.
Youre hardly a wife, just a maid. You dont have any children! When you do, well talk.
Helen shot up from the table and ran to the bedroom. Her mother-in-law always knew how to hit a sore spot. David rushed to comfort his wife.
David, Im sorry. I think Ill go stay with my parents. Or Ill work from the office. I just cant live with your mother.
Let me talk to her. Shell stop!
No, weve been through this a thousand times. We cant live together under one roof.
They ended up renting a flat for a while, just to avoid another family row. Of course, his mother complained, but she didnt have a choice. And Helen couldnt help but feel grateful for having such a kind and understanding husband.
