Monica didn’t even realize she had started tiptoeing around her own home, quietly and discreetly doing everything so as not to disturb her daughter and son-in-law.

Oh, Mum, are you frying fish again? said Emily, peeking into the kitchen. Its like Ive opened the windows and switched on the extractor fan, replied Linda.

For the past four months, since her daughter moved in, Linda felt she was always finding reasons to apologise for something. The dinners too salty, or Ive folded clothes in the wrong spot. Or the telly in her room is a bit too loud.

Linda hadnt even noticed how shed started tiptoeing around her own house. She tried to do everything quietly and carefully, hoping not to bother Emily and her husband. At first, it all seemed fine…

After the wedding, Emily and her husband decided it was best to live apart. They started renting a flat, and would visit Linda on weekends. It made sense, they had jobs and their own lives to run.

One day, Linda was feeling poorly. The neighbours called an ambulance, and within minutes Emily had arrived too. When Emily was discharged from hospital, she told her mum, Weve got a surprise for you. I think youll like it. Youll see when you get home.

Linda walked into her house and immediately stumbled over a couple of bags in the hallway. We talked and decided to move back in with you, they explained. Well look after you.

Linda was quite taken aback by this turn of events. At first, Emily genuinely took care of her mum cleaning, cooking, ironing the clothes. But after a couple of months, she started forgetting why theyd moved in. Linda had fully recovered. She began doing everything herself again. So, while the young couple were out at work, Linda was cooking and tidying up. Her daughter repeatedly asked her to take care of herself, but Linda reassured Emily she felt much better.

Emily and her husband very quickly saw all the perks of living with Linda. There was no rent to pay. The house was neat, and meals were cooked.

Mum, weve got friends coming over tonight. Maybe you could pop round to the neighbours for a cup of tea? Well feel more relaxed and you wont have to be alone, Emily suggested once.

Linda really didnt fancy heading out for the evening. Especially since her neighbour liked to go to bed early. As it was quite pleasant outside, she decided to just have a stroll around the block and get some fresh air. Time ticked by, and the guests didnt seem to have any intention of leaving. Linda wanted to lie down and rest, but held out, hoping Emily would call and invite her back inside.

A neighbour, David, walked out with his spaniel, and half an hour later returned to find Linda still sitting on the bench. Excuse me, are you alright? David asked. Yes, its just that my daughters got friends over and I dont want to get in the way. You probably remember me, I live on the ground floor. Yes, I do.

Theyd crossed paths many times, but only exchanged brief hellos. Davids wife had passed away recently. His own kids lived elsewhere. Come over to mine for a cup of tea. Im running late for bed myself. And its getting chilly. Ring your daughter and tell her youll be with me for a bit. Linda dialled Emily, but she didnt pick up. Perhaps she wasnt so concerned about her. Alright then… Linda replied.

They enjoyed their tea and had a good chat. Just then, Emily phoned Linda. Mum, where are you? The guests left ages ago. Were off to bed youre not back yet.

Emilys tone sounded a bit annoyed again. Linda wasnt sure what shed done wrong this time. She started getting ready to head home. David walked her outside.

Its not as if you have two flights of stairs to climb, Linda joked. Let me walk you up. Ill feel better too, David replied.

From then on, Linda would often visit David. Theyd share tea, or cook dinner together.

Sometimes, David would try one of his own recipes. One day, Linda turned up at Davids flat it was her son-in-laws birthday and their home was packed with guests. Your place is so calm and peaceful, Linda once remarked. You could stay with me forever, if you like, David offered. He looked at her in a way that made it clear he was serious. Ill think about it, Linda replied with a smile. Even though, deep down, she knew she’d say yes.