Elena was happily washing dishes after breakfast when her mother-in-law, Margaret, called. Little six-month-old Arthur was peacefully sleeping in his pram on the balcony, allowing for a calm and undisturbed chat.

Ellen was just finishing the washing up after breakfast when her mother-in-law, Margaret, phoned. Little six-month-old Oliver was peacefully napping in his pram on the balcony, so she could chat without interruption.

“Ellen, love, Ive got a favour to ask,” Margaret started, her voice bright. “Id love to see my grandson. Fancy a visit?”

Ellen didnt sense any mischief. Margaret lived up north in Manchester, and they hardly saw each other. Since Oliver was born, their contact had been limited to phone calls.

“Of course, Margaret, do come. Olivers growing so fastyoull hardly recognise him.”

“How about for a week?”

“Yes, thats fine,” Ellen said generously. “The sofa in the living room pulls outyoull be comfy.”

Margaret fluttered excitedly. “Oh, lovely! Ill come in a couple of days then. Ive already bought the train tickets, just in case.”

Ellen smiled. Later, she mentioned the visit to her husband, James.

“Fine by me,” he agreed. “Havent seen Mum in ages.”

Three days later, Ellen got a text from Margaret: “Arriving today, no need to meet meIll grab a taxi.”

Ellen tidied the sofa bed, stocked the fridge, and even bought a Victoria sponge cake.

Margaret arrived that evening with two large suitcases and a beaming smile. But lurking behind her was a mans figure in the hallway.

“Ellen, meet Gerald,” Margaret chirped. “My friend. He had business in London, so we thought wed travel together. Kill two birds with one stone.”

Ellen blinked at the strangera silver-haired man in his sixties, dressed in a worn suit, clutching a battered suitcase.

“Hello,” she managed.

“Pleasure,” Gerald said, shaking her hand. “Margarets told me so much about you.”

Ellen ushered them into the living room, trying to process what was happening. Their two-bed rented flat in Croydon was snug for three. Now there were five.

She pulled Margaret aside. “Margaret, wheres Gerald staying? You never mentioned bringing anyone.”

“Whats the fuss? The sofas big enough. Geralds easygoing.”

Ellen stood frozen. Gerald, meanwhile, was admiring the flat.

“Nice place. Good area, transport links. Perfect for job hunting.”

“Job hunting?” Ellen echoed.

“Aye,” Gerald said. “No prospects back in Blackpool. Thought Id try my luck here.”

Ellens head spun. So he wasnt just visiting.

“How long are you planning to stay?”

“Oh, as long as it takes,” Margaret said breezily. “Gerald needs time to settle.”

Ellen, keeping her composure, retreated to the kitchen. Just then, James came home from work.

“Alright? Mum here?”

“She is. And she brought company.”

James stopped. “What dyou mean?”

“Meet Gerald.”

James walked into the living room, where Margaret was showing Gerald family photos on her phone.

“Mum, you didnt say anything about a guest.”

“James, darling!” Margaret beamed. “Finally, you can meet Gerald. Gerald, this is my son.”

The men shook hands. Gerald grinned. “Margarets told me all about you. Lovely family youve got.”

“Cheers,” James said flatly. “Mum, a word?”

They stepped into the kitchen. Ellen pretended to focus on dinner.

“Mum, have you lost the plot? Bringing a stranger into our home?”

“James, dont shout! Geralds a good man. Weve been friends six months.”

“Be friends all you likejust not under our roof!”

Margarets face fell. “So this is how it is. A mothers just a nuisance. And I thought youd be happy.”

James sighed. “Mum, its not about you. But you shouldve asked. Weve got a baby, routineswe need peace.”

“Well be quiet,” Margaret promised. “And its just till Gerald finds work.”

In the end, James relented. Kicking his mum and her “friend” out felt too harsh, and Ellen didnt push.

The first few days were bearable. Margaret doted on Oliver; Gerald scoured job listings. But soon, cracks appeared.

Mornings meant queues for the bathroomGerald took ages shaving. Margaret cooked breakfast unasked, serving up greasy fry-ups. Evenings were spent squeezed into the bedroom while Gerald commandeered the telly.

“Ellen, youve got a laptop, havent you?” Gerald asked over dinner. “Need to send off my CV.”

“We do, but we use it for work.”

“Just borrowing it. Wont be long.”

He camped in the living room, loudly phoning potential employers.

“Aye, decades of experience! Age? Ive more energy than lads half my age!”

Oliver, startled awake, wailed. Ellen rocked him, shushing, while Gerald boomed on.

“Sorry, thats the grandson. Bit fussy, you know how it is.”

Margarets “help” didnt helpher parenting clashed with Ellens.

“Ellen, why pick him up straight away? A good cry clears the lungs.”

“Hes hungry, Margaret.”

“Cant behe ate an hour ago. Must be teething.”

Ellen bit her tongue.

A week in, patience wore thin. Gerald had no job, but boundless optimism. Margaret acted like lady of the manor.

“Ellen, whys the fridge so bare?” she said, peering inside. “You need proper food.”

“We buy what we eat.”

“Need something hearty! Geralds job-huntinghe needs proper meals.”

Ellen gaped at the audacity. Their budget was already stretched. The guests had only been shopping once.

Then came Geralds calls to mates:

“Dave, guess where I am? London! Staying at my girlfriends sons place. Nice two-bed in Croydonsorted!”

Ellens jaw dropped. So now they were funding a strangers life while he bragged about it.

The last straw came when Oliver fell ill. Feverish and fretful, he kept Ellen up all night. By day, Gerald demanded silence for “important calls.”

“Sorry, but the babys poorly,” Ellen said.

“Cant help itIve got an interview lined up!”

James snapped.

“Mum, how longs this going on?”

“James, be patient! Geralds trying.”

“And if he doesnt find work? Lives here till retirement?”

Margaret gasped. “How can you say that? Were family!”

“Hes not,” James said firmly. “Youve got two days to leave.”

Margaret cried; Gerald sulked. But James stood firm. Two days later, they packed and left for Blackpool.

As she left, Margaret muttered, “Shame I wont see my grandson for a while.”

The rift lingered. Ellen vowed never to host againnot even for a night. Hospitality had limits, especially in a rented flat with a baby.

So, was James right to put his foot down, or did he overdo it? What would you have done?