“‘When can we move into your new house?’ the mothers‑in‑law demanded. ‘Not getting it?’ Irina snapped. ‘Now that you’ve wrapped everything up, we’re sure you’ll be inviting us over soon.’

When can we move into your new house? the inlaws asked straight away.
Not clear? Poppy snapped, her nerves suddenly taut.
Well, if youve finished everything, well be expecting an invitation soon enough, Arthur mused.

James, do you realise this is crossing a line? Poppy blurted, her frustration finally spilling over, especially as James pretended not to understand why she was getting so worked up.

Perhaps theyd arranged the whole thing on purpose, hoping shed pour a few years of her life and every penny shed earned into the build, only to be left with nothing at the end.

The young couple didnt follow the trend of their peers buying tiny flats at astronomical prices. When James and Poppy first started dating, they agreed that building a house would be cheaper, faster and far more sensible. Instead of a cramped thirtysquaremetre apartment, they could get a spacious onehundredandthirty for the same amount of cash.

Therell be room for the kids, and we can finally get a pet without worrying about space, Poppy beamed.

Luckily the plot of land was already theirs. It had belonged to Poppys aunt, who, after hearing how serious the couple were, transferred it to her niece.

I didnt really give you anything for the wedding, so heres my gift a plot where you can raise your children she said, The fields been idle for twenty years; might as well put it to good use.

Even with the land secured, things werent simple. To save money, the pair tackled several stages themselves, often working after their day jobs, on weekends and even in soggy weather.

Poppy also tapped into an inheritance; the money from her grandmothers flat went straight into the build.

When the house finally stood, they realised every sweaty hour had been worth it.

The build wasnt 100% finishedthere were still a few details to sort out, both structural and decorativebut the fact that they could already live there filled them with giddy pride.

They began spending nights in the new place, inviting friends over. Poppys only regret was that Jamess parents never lent a hand, despite the countless pleas for assistance.

Her inlaws always had important matters and couldnt help with the fence, the Christmas tree planting, or even delivering the fridge. They owned a big, rugged 4×4 with a trailerexactly the vehicle you need for a country projectso in the end the couple had to foot the delivery bill themselves.

Are they always this busy? And doing what, exactly? Theyre retired, after all, Poppy wondered.

They wouldnt lie about it, James shrugged.

Poppy suspected the parents were indeed occupied, just never at the right moment to answer a request. Still, a tiny worm of doubt crawled through her mind.

Poppy, the new TV is due today. Youll be home to receive it? James shouted as he hurried out, sandwich in hand, from his bright new kitchen.

Of course. What time are they arriving?

They said sometime in the afternoon, between three and eight. I gave them your number; they promised to call an hour before.

Thanks, love. Ive packed a lunch for you.

Cheers, Im off, James kissed her cheek and trotted into the hallway.

Around four oclock there was a knock at the door.

Poppy expected a delivery, though it was odd they hadnt called as promised.

She opened the door to find Jamess parents standing on the doorstepMiriam and Arthur.

Oh! Poppy blurted, caught off guard, managing only a startled gasp.

Hello, dear Poppy! Didnt recognise you at firstnow were rich! Miriam chirped, her smile as wide as a barn door.

Sorry, I did recognise you, just didnt expect you to turn up.

And will you let us in? Arthur winked.

Of course, come in, Poppy said, still a little flustered.

The inlaws glided into the spacious living room, which opened onto the kitchen area, and began admiring the surroundings.

What a lovely place you have! Miriam exclaimed, shaking her head enthusiastically. Its brilliant you built a house instead of buying a flat. A house feels solid, spaciousenough room for everyone!

Yes Poppy nodded, trying to hide her bewilderment.

When can we move into your new home? the parents asked outright.

Not catching on? Poppy replied, tension snapping like a rubber band.

Since youve finished everything, we thought youd soon invite us over, Arthur reasoned.

We never planned the house for four people, Poppy admitted, cheeks reddening under the barrage of questions.

What, do you think were royalty? One bedroom will do us just fine! Arthur laughed heartily.

Were thinking of taking a small pension boost and renting out our flat now that we have a place to live, Miriam explained.

Have you discussed this with James? Poppys eyes rolled; the idea of the husbands parents trying to make a profit off their home was absurd.

Not yet, but he wont mind, Im sure, Arthur said confidently.

Poppy was stunned by such bluntness. The couple had never answered a single request for help, yet now they wanted to move in and even earn a little rent.

She found herself too exhausted to give a firm rebuttal, hoping James would step in.

Are we being treated like strangers? At least offer us some tea! Arthur protested.

Absolutely, Poppy replied meekly.

The inlaws sipped tea at the kitchen table, drifting into a comfortable silence until the telephone rang.

The delivery driver apologised for missing the promised call and announced he was already outside.

Poppy went to meet the courier, who helped carry the massive box inside and then bowed out politely.

Blimey, thats huge! Arthur marvelled. Where do you plan to hang it?

Over there, Poppy pointed to a bare wall.

Brilliant! Well be lounging on the sofa tonight, watching the news.

Actually, we never intended to fit an aerial,

Ha! What will you watch then, a blank screen?

Movies, series, appsthese days no one watches TV the oldfashioned way, only the youngsters, Poppy shrugged.

So thats us! Miriam laughed. Ill talk to James about getting an aerial installed.

Poppy counted the minutes until James arrived, silently praying he wouldnt be held up at work. Fortunately he pulled in on time.

Heres James! she shouted as the engine revved.

She threw herself into the hallway to meet him.

Your parents are here and they want to move in, she whispered, wrapping her arms around his neck.

What?! he gasped.

Keep quiet, theyll tell you everything themselves.

Since when? James asked.

Theyve turned up to see the place, say they love it, Arthur declared cheerfully.

What about the baby on the way? There wont be enough space, James warned.

Nonsense! You still have two rooms upstairs, Miriam interjected.

One nursery and one guest room. Friends often crash for a night, we throw parties Were still young at heart, James chuckled.

Oh, we dont like noise, Miriam said, eyeing James.

Then youll have to be quieter, he agreed.

Why? James was puzzled.

Weve already told Irene we want to move in and rent out our flat to earn a bit, Arthur said, confident.

Weve got nowhere else to go, James shrugged.

My dear, how can that be? No room for parents? Miriam exclaimed pitifully.

Did the parents ever find time to help? They couldnt even deliver a fridge! You never showed up, and now you want to make money off our house? No, thats not happening. I love you, but theres no space, James replied, arms crossed.

Arthur and Miriam exchanged a glance.

Lets go, love, weve got to be off, Arthur said shortly.

Right.

The parents rose silently, dignified, and headed for the front door.

When they left, Poppy flung herself into Jamess neck.

Thank you so much! I was terrified youd side with themtheyre your parents, after all.

Why would I? Ive seen how upset you get every time they refuse to help. Why should I welcome them just to make a quick buck? We want to rent out the housethats not a reason to live with us.

Thank you! Poppy pressed herself tighter against him.

No need to thank me, he smiled, just feed me dinner as a thankyou.

Deal, she laughed, pulling him closer.

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