“You’re nobody here—your little brat doesn’t matter either!” declared her husband’s sister

So, Lucy got married quite youngher dad found her a husband for her 18th birthday. The family was well-off, you know, so in everyones eyes, she had it all sorted. The wedding was massive; the entire village turned up to celebrate, bunting and all. But, honestly, neither of the newlyweds seemed to really fit in.

Lucy had nothing against her new husband, even if theyd hardly exchanged more than a few polite words before. Her sister, on the other hand, drew the short strawshed ended up married off to some bloke in his forties from the next village over. Everyone thought shed end up a spinster, but their father managed to find her a match and even promised a decent dowry.

Lucy and her new husband moved in with his family. Not the biggest place, but it was theirs. The expectation from the head of the family was clear: Well build out once the grandchildren are on the way.

Her mother-in-law, Mrs. Evans, wasnt the interfering type. She actually helped Lucy settle in and learn the ropes of being a wife. The sister-in-law, Linda, was a completely different kettle of fishalways sharp-tongued and prickly. Linda was a bit older, still living at home; shed been married off once, but her husband sent her back not long after, belongings and all. She was a real piece of work, never lifting a finger around the house, not caring a bit about family, just drifting along.

Theres this old tradition in the village that youre not truly the lady of the house until youve had a son. Until then, youre expected to keep your head down. So, every new wife was in a hurry to announce a pregnancy.

Lucy went with the same strategy. Until she was expecting, Linda made her life difficultalways getting her to do the most grueling chores, even though the family could easily afford to hire help. Linda just seemed to enjoy tormenting Lucy.

When Lucys husband, James, found out he was going to be a dad, he was completely over the moon. His parents were chuffed too, absolutely made up for her. They headed out to buy supplies for an extension to the house that very afternoon. Linda, though, was lividshe realised shed be stuck in the old box room forever, looking after her parents, with no hope of a husband or a house of her own.

After about six months, Lucy was woken in the night by loud banging on the bedroom door. It was Linda.

Why are you just lying there? Finished all your work, have you? she snapped.
Ive done the housework, but James doesnt let me do anything outside, Lucy replied quietly.
Yeah, right. Youre just lazy, thats what! Linda spat back.
What do you want from me? Lucy asked.
Who do you think youre talking to? You practising giving out orders or something? Remember, you havent even had a kid yet, so dont get ideas above your station!
It never crossed my mind
Youre nothing in this house, and neither is your brat, do you hear me?

Linda absolutely lost it, started yelling and lobbing things about, completely unhinged. Jamess father rushed in and dragged Linda out before things escalated even further. Lucy just sat there, hand resting on her bump, trying to calm her nerves. She kept telling herself everything would turn out okay in the end. It had to.