What do you mean ‘there’s nothing for dinner’? We didn’t come here for your convenience!” the father-in-law exclaimed, taking a seat at the bare table.

What do you mean nothings been made for dinner? We didnt come here for you! George, my fatherinlaw, said, plopping down at the empty kitchen table.

I dont get why you put up with this, Lucy, Emmas workmate, chimed in, shaking her head. I wouldve put my foot down ages ago.

Emma let out a sigh, stirring her tea. The lunch break was almost over and a quick chat with Lucy hadnt eased the pressure at all.

You know, sometimes I feel like Im living in a public footpath, Emma said, pushing her mug aside. Picture this: I get home after a long meeting, barely standing, and theres my motherinlaw and her friend in the kitchen having a cuppa like its their flat. And Daniel never even gave me a headsup.

What did you do? Lucy asked.

What could I do? I smiled, put the kettle on, and fetched some biscuits

Lucy rolled her eyes. Youve been putting up with them for five years now.

Emma rubbed her temples; the nagging headache thats been her constant companion lately was back in full force.

Daniel says I should be grateful your inlaws treat you like a daughter, he says.

Do they pop round often?

Three or four times a week, at least. Especially George he loves dropping in unannounced. Hell slump into the armchair and start: Back in our day and then always asks, Whats for dinner?

Just then Emmas phone buzzed. Daniel had texted that his parents would be stopping by that evening to discuss weekend plans.

Look, Emma handed the phone to Lucy. He doesnt ask; he just states it as fact.

And the flat is yours, right? Lucy squinted.

Yes. I bought it before we got married took out a mortgage up to my ears, three years left. I dont take a penny from Daniel. My dad used to nag me: If you split up youll have to share the house. So Im paying it myself and keep every receipt.

And they know that?

Of course. It means nothing to them. George said bluntly, Now this is the family nest.

The rest of the workday slogged on. Emma tried to focus on spreadsheets, but her mind kept drifting back to tonight. After talking to Lucy something inside her cracked. Shed convinced herself everything was fine, that this was just how families were, but now

At six, she packed up and decided she wasnt cooking dinner tonight. Let them feel, for once, that shes a person, not just a personal chef.

When she got home she headed straight for the shower, changed into something comfy and avoided the kitchen altogether. She settled into her favourite armchair with a novel shed been meaning to start.

The doorbell rang at seven. George stood on the doorstep with a fresh newspaper, and behind him Maggie, Emmas motherinlaw, carried a bag of sunflower seeds.

Weve come to see you! Maggie chirped, marching straight into the kitchen.

Emma gave a silent nod. George, still in his street shoes, slipped into the living room and plonked down in his armchair as usual.

Whats for dinner? he asked, unfolding the paper.

Nothing, Emma replied bluntly.

George lowered the newspaper. Nothing? Dont just stand there like a statue! Get something on the stove!

The front door slammed Daniel was home.

Hey everyone! he called from the hallway. Oh, Mum, Dad, youre already here!

Maggie peeked out of the kitchen. Dan, the thing is Emma didnt make anything.

You didnt make anything? Daniel frowned at his wife. You knew my parents were coming.

I knew, Emma said calmly. You told me at lunch.

So what? You couldve thrown something together. Its not the first time.

Emma caught her motherinlaw exchanging a knowing look with Daniel.

Its not the first, or the tenth, Im tired of being a 24/7 canteen, Emma said, rising from her chair.

Dear, what are you saying Maggie began.

Im not your dear! Emmas voice cracked. I have a name. I have a life. I even have my own flat!

Emma! Daniel stepped forward. Stop the drama!

Drama? Emma laughed bitterly. You call it drama when, for the first time in five years, I say no?

George folded his paper with a flourish. You know, Dan, I always said youd spoil her. Look where thats gotten us.

And you Emma snapped at George, her throat tightening. A lump rose in her throat, her hands trembling.

Whatme? he raised an eyebrow. Go on, finish what you started.

Emma clenched her fists. Five years of bottled resentment erupted.

You treat my home like its yours. You pop in whenever you feel like it, boss me about food But this is my flat! Mine! I deserve a bit of peace!

Maggie threw up her hands. Dan, can you hear? Shes kicking us out!

Emma, stop this, Daniel grabbed her elbow. Apologise to my parents.

I wont, Emma pulled away. Im done apologising for wanting a normal life without daily visits and orders in my own house. Im exhausted!

Daniels parents shuffled to the door. Maggie muttered that Emma was ungrateful. For a moment everything was quiet, and Emma even hoped the storm had passed.

A few weeks later Daniel announced his parents would be staying for a couple of days. Emma had just returned from a threeday business trip, drained from endless meetings.

Dan, I just got off the plane. I need to rest, get my head straight

You know how much they love dropping in, Daniel replied, eyes glued to his phone.

Emma thought, They just love free meals, but said nothing.

The parents arrived that evening with two massive suitcases. The sheer amount of luggage set Emmas nerves on edge.

George plonked himself in front of the TV and cranked it up. Maggie, coat still on, marched to the kitchen.

Emma, love, were famished after the road. Make something quick, please.

Im working, Emma said, pointing at her laptop. Ive got a deadline.

Working, she says, Maggie snorted. You could make an effort for your husbands parents.

Georges voice boomed from the lounge: By the way, Emma, could you help me with my phone? The internets gone

I cant right now, sorry, Emma replied.

Shes always like that, George shouted to his son. No respect for his elders.

Daniel stayed silent, pretending not to hear. Emma clenched her teeth and went back to work. Half an hour later Maggies voice cut through the kitchen again.

Emma! How long are you going to pretend youre busy? Were starving!

Order delivery, Emma snapped finally. Theres a magnet on the fridge with the numbers.

Ugh, Maggie grimaced. We prefer homecooked. In my day, a daughterinlaw

Im not your 1950s daughterinlaw! Emma slammed her laptop shut. I have my own life, my own job, my own plans! Why should I drop everything every time you need something?

Silence fell. Even the TV seemed to soften.

George said slowly, Dan, do you hear how shes talking to us?

Emmas just tired, Daniel tried to smooth things over. Ill sort dinner myself.

No, son, George rose. Its not about being tired. Shes gotten full of herself because the flat is hers, so she thinks she can look down on us.

You know what? Emma stood up too. Yes, its my flat. And I have the right to decide who lives here and when!

Emma! Daniel placed a hand on her shoulder. A little tolerance, please! Theyre my family!

Leave me be, Emma whispered. I cant keep doing this.

Enough! Maggie shouted. If youve got time to argue, get cooking.

Four pairs of eyes bore into Emma. She gave in.

A few days later Daniels parents finally left. Emma hoped peace would return. The next couple of months were relatively calm.

One evening, after a brutal day of backtoback meetings, traffic and a difficult client, Emma turned the key in her flats door and froze on the landing.

Voices and clatter came from the kitchen. George and Maggie were already settled, groceries spread on the table, pots out.

Ah, there you are! George tore himself away from the paper. What are you making for dinner?

Emma set her bag down slowly. Nothing.

Daniel, who had been standing by the window, looked away. George frowned.

What do you mean, nothing? We didnt come here for you! We came for the food! Get to the stove!

Something snapped inside Emma. All five years of humbling herself, of catering, had been for nothing. No one ever saw her as a person.

I see, Emma said, straightening up. So its all about the food? I thought you came to see your son.

Emma, dont start, Daniel tried to intervene.

No, love, Im finishing this, Emma said, turning to him. This isnt a cafeteria. Not a hotel. This is my home! Mine! And Im not going to let anyone run it any more.

Maggie threw up her hands. Dan, do you hear what shes saying?

You havent heard me for five years, Emma continued. Ive cooked, Ive put up with your visits. And you she looked at Danielhave never once taken my side. Not once!

Because youre wrong! Daniel snapped. Youre acting like

Like what? Emma cut him off. Like someone fed up with being a servant in her own house?

George stood up. Well be off then. We wont get in the way of you sorting things out.

Right, Emma nodded. Go. And dont come back without an invitation.

Emma! Daniel grabbed her hand. Apologise. Now!

No, Emma shook his hand free. Enough. Choose, Dan. Either you start respecting my boundaries or go back to your parents. For good.

A heavy silence settled. Emma watched Daniels gaze flick between her and his parents, then back again. At last he bowed his head.

Sorry, Emma. But theyre my family.

And me? Emma asked quietly. What am I?

Daniel stared at her face for what felt like ages. You wont change your mind? he asked, his voice flat.

Emma shook her head. Shed finally found the strength to take control, and she wasnt about to surrender her freedom.

Daniel slipped on his coat and followed his parents out. The front door slammed, and the flat fell unnaturally quiet. It was the end of their marriage.

Emma sank into a chair. The tears didnt come. Instead there was a strange relief, like a heavy backpack finally set down after years of carrying it.

Her phone buzzed a message from Lucy: How are you?

Emma smiled and typed back: Can you believe it, I finally .