Auntie Comes to Stay, Wife in Tears: The Night Our Lives Turned Upside Down

Aunts Visit, Wife in Tears

I was startled awake by the sharp sound of the doorbell. Next to me, my wife Emily was groggily rubbing her eyes. I gently brushed her shoulder and whispered, Love, go back to sleep. Ill get it. Pulling on my dressing gown, I shuffled toward the front door, muttering to myself, Who on earth could it be at this hour?

I unlocked the door and there, standing squarely on the step with an enormous travel case, was my Aunt Judith. My Uncle Philip hovered behind her, fidgeting nervously.

My dear nephew! Aunt Judith cried out, arms flung wide. Arent you pleased to see me? Come give your aunt a proper hug! She yanked me into a squeeze so tight it nearly knocked the wind out of me.

So much for a peaceful evening, I thought, as I trundled her heavy bags down the hallway.

The night quickly descended into chaos. Aunt Judith flat-out refused to sleep on the sofa, insisting it was hopelessly uncomfortable. Then she half-joked that perhaps Id be the one to tuck her in instead.

Emily barely had time to process their arrival before our flat was turned upside down cushions everywhere, her suitcase spilling out across the corridor. At last we settled in to sleep, though Aunt Judith and Uncle Philip claimed our bed, leaving Emily and me squashed on the lumpy sofa.

How long do you reckon theyll be staying? Emily whispered as she set my breakfast in front of me.

Ive not a clue. Ill try to find out after work, I replied, stifling a yawn.

She shot a sideways glance at the closed bedroom door, from which a thunderous snore escaped. Robert, Im honestly terrified of them. Please come home early tonight if you can?

Ill do my best, I promised, pulling on my coat and heading out.

When I returned that evening, I was met with a surprisingly well-laid dinner table. Come in, nephew! We must celebrate this family reunion! Aunt Judith shouted from the kitchen.

Emilys face was a picture of relief as she whispered, Thank heavens youre home.

We sat together awkward, if Im honest and I ventured, Aunt Judith, are you planning to stay long?

Whats that supposed to mean? Are you throwing us out already? she snapped, glaring at Uncle Philip. See? Were not wanted.

Aunt Judith, dont be daft. Youre welcome here as long as you want, I replied, flummoxed.

Were staying, Robert. For good. Weve sold our flat. Youre the only family we have left. You wouldnt toss your old aunt onto the streets, would you? We may not have much time left, and youre just going to have to bear with us. She wiped away a lone, dramatic tear.

My jaw dropped; Emily burst into fresh tears and dashed out of the room. The silence was suffocating. Uncle Philip quietly finished the last of his salad, unfazed.

Well? Not going to say anything? Aunt Judith snapped at him. All you do is eat! Isnt it time you opened your mouth for more than just your fork? Put in a word, at least.

I completely agree with you, darling, muttered Uncle Philip gently.

Aunt Judith snorted. What a wet sock. I run everything in this family, and he just goes along with it. What sort of man is that? She turned back to me. Are you happy, nephew?

Of course. Youre welcome as long as you wish. Even as I forced a smile, I heard Emily quietly sobbing behind the door.

I picked at my food while Aunt Judith and Uncle Philip seemed intent on devouring absolutely everything in sight.

When Aunt Judith finally leaned back, patting her stomach, she said, Im absolutely stuffed. Robert, only kidding about the whole staying-for-good business. Were actually just in London for a hospital appointment, probably three days altogether. But you, dear boy, handled that with grace. I could tell you were about to faint, but you held it together you remembered your family. When I go, my flat will be left to you, since we never had children. Youre my only heir.

No evening has felt lighter relief washed over me. I grinned. You must outlive us all, Aunt Judith.

In those days, while my aunt and uncle visited, Emily became hopelessly frustrated. No meal pleased Aunt Judith: the soup was too bland, the chops tough, laundry done improperly, floors not mopped to her impossible standards. I watched Emily go from stressed to tearful with every comment.

When their visit finally drew to a close, Aunt Judith leant in and whispered, Whatever possessed you to marry such a cry-baby? Is she pregnant? Shes always weeping about something.

Once the door clicked shut, Emily all but danced in relief. Lets hope they never think to come back, she sang, hope returning to her voice.

I shrugged. Aunt Judith seemed to enjoy herself

I cant cope if she does! Emily moaned.

Then, suddenly, that accursed bell rang again.

Not again? I exclaimed only to realise, with a smile, it was just my alarm clock. The day ahead suddenly seemed full of promise.