HE WILL LIVE WITH US…

15November2025 Manchester

I still hear the stubborn ring of the doorbell announcing an unexpected visitor. Maggie tossed off her apron, wiped her hands on a teatowel and went to answer. On the doorstep stood our daughter, Emily, arminarm with a young man shed just introduced as her new partner.

Hello, Mum, Emily kissed my wife on the cheek. This is Dave; hell be moving in with us.

Nice to meet you, the lad said, offering a polite nod.

This is my mother, Aunt Maggie, Emily added, correcting herself in a rush.

Good afternoon, I muttered, trying not to stare at the halfsmile on Daves face.

Mom, whats for dinner? Emily asked, eyes bright as ever.

Weve got mushy peas and bangers, Maggie replied, already rummaging for a pot.

I dont eat mushy peas, Dave said, slipping past us into the hallway.

Dave, youre not a fan of peas? Emilys eyebrows shot up.

Dave dropped his battered backpack onto the sofa, his boots thudding on the carpet.

This is actually my bedroom, Maggie announced, a hint of surprise in her voice.

Come on, Dave, Ill show you where youll be staying, Emily called from the landing.

Im fine here, Dave muttered, pushing himself up from the sofa.

Mom, you need to think of something to feed Dave, Emily urged.

Ive only half a packet of bangers left, Maggie shrugged. A bit of mustard, some ketchup and a few slices of bread will do.

Sounds decent enough, Dave replied, halfsmiling.

Maggie headed to the kitchen, still muttering about how she used to bring home stray kittens and puppies, now just this new guest to look after. She ladled the peas onto a plate, added two fried bangers, nudged a bowl of salad over, and settled down to eat.

Mom, why are you eating alone? Emily asked as she entered the kitchen.

Ive just come back from work and Im famished, Maggie answered, chewing. Anyone who wants a portion can serve themselves. By the way, why is Dave moving in?

How so? Emily asked, eyebrows raised. Hes my husband.

Maggie choked on her biscuit.

Your husband? I heard her whisper.

Exactly. Emma, youre an adult now; you decide whether to marry or not. Im nineteen years older than Dave, after all.

You didnt even invite us to a wedding.

There was no ceremony, just a registry office paperwork. Since were now husband and wife, well be sharing this flat. Emily replied, glancing at Maggies halfeaten plate.

Congrats, then. Why skip the wedding?

If you have cash for a wedding, you could hand it over; well find a use for it.

Right, Maggie murmured, still tucking into her meal. Why here, though?

Because the twobed flat were renting is already occupied by four people. No point looking for another place when we have my spare bedroom.

Did you even consider renting a separate place? Emily asked.

Why rent when theres a spare room? Maggie replied, surprised.

Got it.

Will there be anything else to eat? Dave asked.

The pot on the stove still has peas, there are bangers in the pan. If thats not enough, theres half a packet in the fridge. Help yourselves.

Mom, youve just got a soninlaw, Emily said, emphasizing the last word.

So what? I dont need to break into a jig for it. Im tired after work; just use your own hands to clean up.

Thats why youre still single! Emily snapped, slamming her bedroom door.

After dinner Maggie washed the dishes, wiped the table and changed into her gym clothes. She headed to the local fitness centre for her usual evening workout a couple of spin classes and a quick dip in the pool.

She got back just before ten, expecting a soothing cup of tea. Instead she found the kitchen in chaos. The lid of the peas pot was missing, the mash had dried and cracked, the banger packet lay open on the counter, a loaf of stale bread sat unwrapped, the nonstick pan was scorched and someone had scraped its surface with a fork. A puddle of sugary liquid spread across the floor, and a faint smell of cigarette smoke lingered.

Bloody hell, Maggie muttered. Emily never let a mess like this happen.

She opened Emilys door to find the young couple nursing glasses of wine, cigarettes dangling from their lips.

Emily, tidy up the kitchen now. Buy a new pan tomorrow, Maggie said, then slipped back to her room without shutting the door.

Emily sprang up, a flash of anger in her eyes.

Why should we clean? Im a student, I dont earn money for a pan. Do you even care about the dishes?

Remember the house rules: eat, clean; make a mess, clean; break something, replace it. The pan wasnt cheap, and now its ruined.

You dont want us to stay here, Emily snapped.

No, Maggie replied calmly. Im not fighting with you.

My share of the flat is yours, but the whole flat belongs to me; I paid for it, bought it. Youre just on the lease. If you want to live here, follow the rules.

Ive lived my whole life by your rules. Im married now; you cant tell me what to do, Emily shouted. Youre old, you should give us the flat.

Ill give you a corridor in the building and a bench outside if you like, Maggie said dryly. Did you even ask me before you got married? Youre staying here alone or with your husband, but not in my flat.

Emily lunged for her suitcase, yelling, Dave, were leaving!

Within minutes Dave staggered back into the flat, halfdrunk, slurring, Alright, Mum, keep cool, everythingll be fine. We wont desert you in the night. If you behave, maybe well keep it quiet.

What do you think I am, your mum? Maggie snapped. Your parents are still here, so keep your new wife out of it.

Dave swung a fist, aiming for Maggies nose. She blocked it with a manicured hand, gripping his wrist tightly.

Let go of me, you lunatic! she hissed.

Emily tried to pull her mother away, but Maggie shoved her aside and kicked Dave in the groin, then elbowed his neck.

Ill press charges, Dave howled, Ill sue you.

Ill call the police, then we can sort the paperwork, Maggie replied.

The couple fled the flat, slamming the door behind them.

Youre no longer my mother, Emily shouted, and youll never see my grandchildren.

Good luck with that, Maggie said with a wry smile. Ill finally have some peace.

She looked at her hands, noticing a few broken nails. All this damage is yours, she muttered.

After they were gone, Maggie cleaned the kitchen, threw away the ruined peas and the scorched pan, and changed the locks. Three months later, while walking past her workplace, Emily appeared, gaunt and hollowcheeked.

Mum, whats for dinner? she asked.

I havent decided yet. What do you want? Maggie replied.

Chicken and rice, Emily whispered, and a Caesar salad.

Then well get the chicken, Maggie said. Youll have to make the salad yourself.

She never asked Emily any more questions, and Dave never turned up again.

Lesson learned: pride and stubbornness only invite chaos; a house runs best when everyone shares the load and respects the rules.