Never Expected This From My Husband: When Mum Can No Longer Live Alone, Family Drama Unfolds and My …

Jem, we need to do something sighed Olivia into the phone.

Whats up? replied her younger sister, Emma, with a note of concern.

The call from her elder sister already had her on edge.

Usually, theyd exchange short texts, but Olivia insisted on an actual phone call this time.

Mum cant live alone any longer. If you spoke to her a bit more often, youd know, Olivia chided gently.

Oh, dont start! Just tell me. What dont I know?

Olivia sighed againEmma was prone to taking offence at the slightest suggestion about her independence, a habit she had maintained for years.

Mums seventy-three now. Her blood pressures all over the place, and shes constantly worn out. She barely manages to cook for herself or keep the house tidy. Im not even talking about popping down the bakery for bread. Thankfully, Mrs. Knight from next door brings her a few bits.

Are you saying Mums starving? Emmas tone sharpened.

Of course not! I come around every couple of weeks with everything she might need. But what Im saying isMum cant take care of herself anymore. What if she falls, or breaks something? Itll be ever so hard to manage her care.

The sisters fell silent for a moment.

Margaret always had a fuller figure, and it had become even more noticeable with age. Despite her health issues, she enjoyed her food and hated it whenever her daughters mentioned anything about dieting.

Shes lonely too, Olivia added. Nearly in tears after I leave. Keeps saying everyones abandoned her. I just cant take it.

So what are you actually suggesting? Emma sounded exasperated.

Olivia hesitatedit seemed to get harder to talk to Emma every year.

Im suggesting that you move in with her.

Oh, brilliant! Emma snapped. And why dont you go live with her, then? Let me guess! Your precious Tom, your brilliant husband, and your stepson Benonly twenty-five, the poor ladcant be left. Right?

Emma, whats this about?

This is about you always deciding everything for everyone! And I bet you dont care at all what happens to me! Emma was practically shouting.

Olivias temper flared.

And where were you when Mum was run off her feet between looking after Dad and looking after you and Chloe? Traipsing from village to your place with food, looking after Chloe so you, dearest daughter, could work and get some rest! Didnt hear you complaining back then!

For a moment, Emma was quiet. Olivia was right. When her brief marriage with Chloes dad had ended, and her ex-mother-in-lawlovely woman, thathad kindly allowed Emma and Chloe to stay in their flat until Chloe was eighteen, things had been tight. Chloes dad sent the smallest allowance imaginable, and Emma felt like a hamster on a wheel, working to keep her and her daughter afloat.

Back then, her parents help had been a godsend, and her mum had truly supported her. But would she be reminded of it for her entire life?

Her former mother-in-law kept her wordnever bothered them until Chloe came of age, then politely asked them to move out. By then, Chloe was at college in the city, seeing a boyfriend, so Emma took the opportunity to find work in London.

For years now, Emma lived in a rented flat just outside London and worked various jobshard to find good work after forty!

Still, she was quite content with her life and had no interest in moving back out to the countryside.

Like youd have any idea what its like to raise a child alone! Emma shot back, knowing exactly where to aim. Try living my life first before you start with the lectures!

Now Olivia went quiet. At first, her life had gone well. After uni, she stayed in the city, worked as an accountant, and hoped for a good match. Trouble was, all the men were either already taken, a bit hopeless, or after her money.

At thirty-nine, she finally met Tomthree years older, a widower with a ten-year-old son, Ben. Tom worked as an electrician and could fix just about anything. He didnt drink, barely spoke (some would say he was stern), and was meticulous to a fault.

Olivia fell for him hard. For all the fourteen years of their marriage (they wed a year after meeting), she did her utmost to please him.

She won Ben over too, eventually, and doted on her husband and stepson. Shed always hoped for a child of her own, but it hadnt worked out. So Tom and Ben became her world.

She wasnt about to give all that up.

I wanted to bring Mum to live with us, Olivia said, her voice slightly rough, but she wont even hear of it.

What? And your beloved Tom is happy to have his mother-in-law in a two-bedroom flat? Emma teased. Or did you not mention it to him ahead of time, knowing full well Mum would refuse?

Emma! Please, can we be serious? This isnt the time for jokes.

Were done here, Emma muttered, hanging up.

Theyd certainly had their say.

Olivia squeezed her phone, staring vacantly ahead. Having Emma move in with Mum would be the perfect solution. Olivia could still help out with money and groceries, and Emma could look for remote workthere was good internet in their little village.

But Emma clearly had no intention of making life easier for Olivia. Just like in their childhood, she was still spoiled in middle age!

No way to order her about these days.

I spoke to Mum. She says shes fine and doesnt need help. Stop making a fuss! came an abrupt text from Emma the next day.

Olivia didnt even bother replying.

What was the point? Emma rang Mum at best once a month and sent a handful of messages. And Mum? She never complainedjust delighted when Emma checked in and never dared upset her. Any sign of upset and Emma might cut contact for months.

Meanwhile, Olivia never got upset with Mum, patiently listened to her worries week after week, and then lay awake half the night thinking about it all.

Even Tom, who rarely noticed her moods, had finally asked her if something was wrong.

But she hadnt told him much. Better not to bother him. Still, Olivia couldnt see an answer.

Hiring a carer? That would cost an arm and a leg.

Right, enough! Tom set his teacup down with a clunk. For three months now, youve not been yourself. Whats up? Tell me properly, now.

Surprised, Olivia started to cry but quickly gathered herselfmen dont like tearsand explained the problem as simply as she could.

Why didnt you tell me your Mum was struggling? Tom looked her straight in the eye.

I-I didnt want to worry you she stammered, avoiding his gaze.

She thought: Perhaps it was a mistake to tell him. He didnt need all this.

I see, Tom stood up. Thanks for dinner. Im off to bed.

He didnt even watch the news as usual. What now?

Olivia tossed and turned half the night and overslept the next morning, missing her alarm.

It was Saturdayshe didnt have workbut she always laid out breakfast for Tom at the same time. Now shed let him down again.

But her husband was calmly sipping tea in the kitchen, engrossed in something on his phone.

Awake? he turned to her, his face stern but voice even.

Yes, Tom! Ill get breakfast ready! she jumped up.

Sit down, we need a chat.

Carefully, Olivia perched on a kitchen stool, bracing herself.

Ive been thinking. We cant abandon your mum like this. Its not right, leaving old folk alone. My mum died young… Anyway, were moving in with her. Ive checkedits possible for me to get a job with a local farmer, and Im sure theres work for you too.

Olivia almost slid off the stool.

Tom Are you sure?

Absolutely. Or are you forgetting how Margaret spoilt Ben rotten and never let me lift a finger? No, Olivia, I remember well. To be honest, Ive always rather fancied a move to the countryif your mum doesnt mind, of course.

Olivia stared at her husband, not quite believing it. Was this a dream?

And what about Ben? she blurted out.

What about Ben? Tom said, bemused. Hes a healthy young man with a job and a degree. Hell be grateful to have the flat to himself!

Oh, Tom! Olivia flung her arms around his neck, sobbing, forgetting how little he liked emotional displays.

But he didnt pull away. He just patted her shoulder.

Come on now, itll all work out.

Olivia sincerely hoped he was right.