The Door Remains Locked

**The Door Remains Shut**

*Mum, open the door! Mum, please!* His fists hammered against the metal surface with such force it sounded like the hinges might give way. *I know youre home! The cars still hereyou havent gone out!*

Margaret Elizabeth stood with her back to the door, clutching a cold cup of tea. Her hands trembled so badly the china rattled against the saucer.

*Mum, whats going on?* Williams voice grew more desperate. *The neighbours say you havent let anyone in for a week! Not even Charlotte!*

At the mention of her daughter-in-laws name, Margaret grimaced slightly. *Charlotte.* His precious Charlotte, for whom hed do anything. Even what had happened last Thursday.

*Mum, Ill call a locksmith!* William threatened. *Well break the lock!*

*Dont you dare!* Margaret finally shouted, still refusing to turn. *Dont you dare touch it!*

*Mum, but why? Whats happened? Talk to me!*

Margaret closed her eyes, trying to gather her thoughts. How could she explain to her son what shed overheard? How could she tell him what shed pieced together by chance, standing in the corridor of the hospital?

*Mum, please* Williams voice softened, pleading. *Im worried about you. Charlottes worried too.*

*Charlottes worried.* Of course. Probably afraid her plans were falling apart.

*Go away, William. Go away and dont come back.*

*Mum, are you ill? Do you have a fever? Should I call a doctor?*

*I dont need a doctor. I need you to leave me alone.*

Margaret rose and walked to the window. In the garden, William was on the phone. Probably telling Charlotte his mother was being difficult again.

Her son looked up and saw her. He gestured that he was coming up. She stepped back and sank into her armchair.

A minute later, he knocked again.

*Mum, its me and Charlotte. Please open up.*

Margaret clenched her jaw. So hed brought her. His wife, who so carefully plotted their future.

*Margaret,* came Charlottes gentle voice, *its me. Please open the door. Williams beside himself.*

What a brilliant actress. She could switch tones when it suited her.

*Weve brought food,* she continued. *Milk, bread, a walnut tartthe kind you love.*

*Walnut tart.* Margaret smirked bitterly. A month ago, Charlotte had found out her mother-in-law adored walnut tarts and had been bringing them ever since. Such a devoted daughter-in-law.

*Margaret, at least say something,* Charlottes voice sounded concerned. *Were worried.*

*Youre worried,* Margaret repeated, too quietly for them to hear.

*Mum, Im not leaving until you open up!* William declared. *Ill stay here all night if I have to!*

She knew he meant it. Hed always been stubborn, even as a child. Once he set his mind to something, he wouldnt relent.

*Fine,* she said at last. *But only you. Alone.*

*What?* William didnt understand.

*Charlotte goes home. Ill only speak to you.*

She heard their hushed whispers in the hallway.

*Mum, but why? Charlottes worried too.*

*Because I said so. Either you come in alone, or neither of you does.*

More whispers, then Charlottes voice:

*Alright, Margaret. Ill go. William, call me when you find out whats wrong.*

Margaret waited until the footsteps faded down the stairs, then slowly approached the door and turned the key.

William burst in like a storm, embracing her before pulling back to study her face.

*Mum, youve lost weight! Youre pale! Whats happened? Are you ill?*

*I havent been ill,* she said, pulling away and moving to the kitchen. *Would you like some tea?*

*Yes,* he sat at the table, watching her intently. *Tell me whats going on. Why have you locked yourself away for a week?*

Margaret set the kettle on the stove and turned to him.

*Why should I open the door? What good is waiting out there?*

*Mum, what does that even mean? You cant stay shut in forever. Youve errands to run, doctors appointments*

*Mrs. Jenkins from next door goes for me. I leave her a list and the money. And I wont go to the doctor.*

*Why not?*

She poured boiling water into the cups, adding sugar.

*Because the last time I went, I heard things I wish I never had.*

William frowned.

*What did you hear?*

*Your wife. Talking on the phone to a friend. She didnt know I was there.*

*What did she say?*

Margaret sat across from him, staring into his eyesjust like his fathers, kind and honest. Could this man really be capable of such a thing?

*She was talking about selling my flat. Sending me to a care home. Spending the money.*

William went pale.

*Mum, you misunderstood. Charlotte would never*

*I understood perfectly,* she cut in. *Word for word. And she said: Williams already agreed. He says his mum cant live alone, its dangerous at her age. Well put her in a nice home, sell the flat. The money will cover the deposit.*

*Mum, I never*

*Dont interrupt!* Her voice rose. *And she went on: Thank God my mother-in-laws so trusting. She suspects nothing. Thinks we love her. But shes just in the way.*

William sat with his head bowed, fists clenched.

*Mum, I swear, I never agreed to any of this. Charlotte talks nonsense sometimes.*

*Nonsense?* She laughed bitterly. *Then why the details? The care home, the deposit*

With a heavy but steady heart, Margaret spent the rest of the evening alone, knowing that no matter what her son chose, she would keep her dignity and her home until the very end.