Monica Hardly Noticed When She Started Tiptoeing Around Her Own Home, Quietly Doing Everything So She Wouldn’t Disturb Her Daughter and Son-In-Law

Oh, Mum, youre frying fish again, said Charlotte, peeking into the kitchen.
Yes, but Ive opened the windows and turned on the extractor fan, replied Susan.
Over the last four months, ever since her daughter moved back in, Susan had been hearing little comments like that several times a day.
Youve made dinner too salty, or You put the laundry in the wrong place. Sometimes it was, The telly in your room is too loud.
Without even realising it, Susan had started tiptoeing around her own house. She tried to do everything quietly, hoping not to annoy her daughter and son-in-law.
At first, it all seemed fine
After Charlotte and her husband, Tom, got married, they chose to live separately and rented their own flat. They visited Susan on weekends, which made sense given their jobs and businesses.
One day, though, Susan felt unwell and her neighbours had to call an ambulance. Just a few minutes after, Charlotte arrived too. When Susan was discharged from hospital, Charlotte said:
Weve got a surprise for you. I think youll like it. Youll see when you get home.
When Susan walked into her flat, bags were already cluttering the hallway.
Weve talked and decided well move in with you for now. Well look after you, Charlotte announced.
Susan was stunned at how the kids broke the news.
At first, Charlotte really did look after her mum. She cleaned, cooked, did the ironing. But two months in, the reason theyd moved back started slipping from memory.
Susan soon felt better. She was back to doing everything herself. When the kids were out at work, she cooked and tidied like she always had.
Charlotte often asked her mum to take it easy, but Susan always insisted it made her feel so much better keeping busy.
Charlotte and Tom quickly spotted the perks of living with Susan: no rent to pay, a spotless home, no need to cook.
Mum, some friends are coming over tonight. Why dont you pop next door for a cuppa? Youll cheer up, and well have a bit more space, Charlotte said one evening.
Susan didnt fancy going out after dark, especially as her neighbour was known to turn in early. But the evening was warm, so she decided to get some air and take a stroll around the block. The hours slipped by and the guests showed no sign of leaving. Susan longed to go to bed, but she stubbornly waited until Charlotte would call her in.
A neighbour George, who always walked his dog went out and came back half an hour later, only to find Susan still perched on the bench.
Excuse me, are you alright? asked George.
Yes, my daughter and her husband have friends round. Felt best to give them some space, Susan replied.
You probably remember me. I live on the first floor.
Yes, of course, she said.
Theyd crossed paths before, but never spoken much more than a polite hello. George had recently lost his wife, and his children lived on their own.
Come in for some tea. Its getting chilly. Let your daughter know youll be at mine, suggested George.
Susan rang Charlotte, but she didnt pick up. She must have been in no rush to see her mum.
Alright then, lets go, Susan agreed.
They sat, sipped their tea, and chatted the evening away. Suddenly, Charlotte rang:
Mum, where are you? The guests left ages ago. Were going to bed and youre not even back.
That same note of annoyance crept into her daughters voice. Susan couldnt figure out what she had done this time. She got herself ready to head back, and George walked her to the door.
Its only two flights up, Susan said.
Ill walk you up anyway. Makes me feel better, George smiled.
From then on, Susan found herself stopping by Georges for tea, or helping him cook. Sometimes he made her try one of his favourite recipes. That day, she ended up at Georges again it was her son-in-laws birthday, so the family had guests round.
Your flat is so calm and peaceful, Susan remarked one afternoon.
You can stay as long as you like, George offered, looking at her in a way that left no doubt he meant it.
Ill have a think, Susan replied with a laugh, though inside she knew her mind was already made up.