З життя
You pick up the bill, because you’re the one using the most!
Charlotte gets married just after turning 20. Her husband, Edward, is older than her, but the age difference never bothers her. Shes always stood by Edward like a rock. Lately though, shes started to regret ever getting into a relationship with him. This is her story.
We live in a two-bedroom flat which belongs to my husband. Hes got a well-paying job, but he often has to travel for business. As for me, I run a small business of my own, and Im also studying through distance learning. Of course, my household duties havent gone anywhere. I try to keep the flat tidy and make sure theres always a meal on the table.
Edward pays the billsI dont get involved in that side of things. But lately, hes been complaining that I use too much water and electricity. At first, I ignored his grumbling, but eventually his constant nagging started to wear me down.
From now on, you can pay for the electricity and water, he declares one evening. Im working all the time and away on business trips a lot. If youre the one using it, you can cover it. Ill pay for everything else, but those two are on you. If you dont pay, you know theyll cut off the power and water.
What a lovely family weve got! I snap back, unable to hold my tongue. Have you honestly considered why I use so much water and light? Because Im cooking, cleaning, doing the laundry, working on my computer! And why so many complaints? Do you want me to live in the dark, skimp on water, and wash the dishes in a puddle? Have you lost your mind?
If you dont want to pay, fine. But I dont want to either. I can go stay with my parents and not worry about how many times I wash my hands or how many units of electricity I use. You can do the cooking, cleaning, and see how much you save! Oh, and youll have to wear clothes that arent freshly washed. You like clean shirts? Ask yourself how much water and electricity the washing machine eats up!
After that, Edward doesnt raise a single complaint.
Did Charlotte handle things the right way or not?
— You’re Not One of Us, — the Mother‑in‑Law Snapped, and She Shoved the Meat from Her Daughter‑in‑Law’s Plate Back into the Stew PotShe glared at her daughter‑in‑law, who stared back in stunned silence, the kitchen suddenly feeling colder than ever.
You’re not family, the motherinlaw snapped, shoving the meat back into the pot. Emma froze by the cooker, a halfempty...
Benny got the boot. Again. The third time in his short life. He just couldn’t catch a break.
Harry was shooed outagain. The third time in his brief, bewildering existence. Luck had never lingered long for him. He...
“– Anna’s off to the kitchen! – My husband shouted – and I couldn’t hold back”
Come on, get into the kitchen! I heard my husband say, and I could no longer hold back. Emily stared...
“Take it! Take it! I shouldn’t have listened to you,” the stranger shouted at my husband, handing him a baby.
Ive been looking after a little girl who wasnt born to me, but to the woman my wife was seeing...
“I warned you—go have dinner (and even breakfast) wherever you hid the money!” declared his wife, settling into her knitting armchair.
Victor! Are you home? called his wife, stepping into the flat. In the kitchen, replied Imogen. Shed gotten in early...
Awakening in the dead of night, Laura sensed a hollow beside her; disoriented, she reached out, yearning for the familiar warmth of her husband, Stephen.
June122026 I woke in the dead of night to an oppressive void beside me. Disoriented, I stretched out, hoping to...
Tom, are you out of your mind? You think I’d invite you to move in for cash? I feel sorry for you, that’s all.
Charles, are you out of your mind? Do you think Im offering you a place to stay for a few...
— No worries, Stan! Don’t be down! At least you rang in the New Year in style!
Come on, Stephen! Dont drown in sorrow. At least you rang in the New Year in style! He stepped off...