Nothing More Awaits You

23October2025

Emily burst through the front door, shoes still halfoff, voice shrill with excitement. Victor, Ive just been promoted! The bonus is almost twohundredthousand pounds were set! She practically leapt onto me, ready to spin around my neck in triumph.

But she froze at the threshold. There I was, lounging on the sofa, and beside me sat my motherinlaw, Margaret Smith, hands folded on the armrest of the armchair. Emilys grin faltered; the air grew thick, heavy. Her cheeks flamed as if shed just been handed an Agrade after a grueling exam, while Margaret stared at her with a stern, evaluative gaze.

I shifted slightly forward, not quite standing. Margaret remained silent, studying her daughterinlaw from head to toe. Seconds stretched into a sticky pause. Emily clenched the strap of her handbag and lowered her eyes to the floor. The joy that had surged moments before now felt out of place, childish, suddenly cramped inside her.

Emily, thats wonderful news! Margarets voice cut through the hush, and Emily snapped her head up.

A broad smile broke across Margarets face. She moved toward Emily, arms outstretched, and Emily stepped hesitantly forward. Margaret gave her a brief, firm hug and patted her shoulder.

Congratulations, love. Youve earned this!

Thank you, Emily managed, still bewildered.

I rose from the sofa, walked over, and offered a genuine, warm smile.

I always knew youd make it, I said, pulling her gently around the waist.

Margaret stepped back, crossed her arms, and shook her head.

This changes everything for us, dear!

Emily nodded, unsure how to respond. The words sounded right, but there was an undercurrent she couldnt grasp.

Alright, I wont intrude, Margaret said, grabbing her handbag from the chairs armrest and heading for the door. Celebrateyouve earned it.

I escorted her to the entrance while Emily lingered in the middle of the room. The door clicked shut and I returned, still wearing the same smile, though a flicker of unease crossed my eyes.

What was that about? Emily asked, perching on the edge of the sofa.

What exactly? I replied, heading to the kitchen and turning on the kettle.

She rose and followed me.

Your mother why did she come?

I fetched two mugs from the cupboard.

Nothing serious, just a small thing, I shrugged. Dont mind it.

She called my name.

I sighed, turned to her, and the fatigue in my gaze was evident.

Your dad and I took out a £200,000 loan to refit the flat. Were trying to borrow a bit now because we cant meet the repayments at the moment.

Emily nodded as the kettle began to whistle. I poured the hot water, dropped the tea bags, and handed her a mug. She cupped it, feeling the warmth spread through her fingers, while a vague, heavy foreboding settled in her chest.

What did you say to her? she whispered.

I told her Id help when I could. Right now we dont have any spare cash.

She took a sip, the scalding liquid tingling her lips, but she ignored it, thoughts drifting elsewhere, trying to make sense of why his words offered little comfort.

The next two weeks vanished in a blur. My new role consumed me entirelytasks piled up, the schedule tightened, yet I relished every day. It was the career Id chased, and now that Id reached the summit, satisfaction filled me. I returned home exhausted but content.

One rainy evening I left the office a bit early, hurried to the car, cranked the heater, and on the way home stopped at a corner shop for bread, milk, and something for dinner. Back home I stripped off my wet coat, draped it on the rack, and set the groceries on the kitchen counter.

Ten minutes later the doorbell rang. I wiped my hands on a towel and opened it to find Margaret, umbrella forgotten, hair damp, coat threadbare. No smile crossed her face.

Hello, Emily, she said, stepping inside. Is Victor home?

No, hes still at work. Is something wrong?

She sank onto the sofa, looking up at Emily.

Ill get straight to the point. I need a bit of moneyjust tenthousand pounds.

Emily froze in the doorway.

You know were in a tight spot. The loan is pressing, the pension isnt enough. Youre welloff nowcan you help?

Emily stared, words failing her, embarrassment mixing with irritation.

I Margaret, I dont have cash on me, she began, but Margaret cut her off.

No problem, just transfer it. You have your phone, dont you?

Emily stood there, realizing arguing was futile. Margarets gaze was fixed, unshakable, expecting compliance.

She took the money, nodded, and left.

The door shut behind her, and the silence that followed was heavy. It only then struck meshe hadnt mentioned when or how shed repay. The omission left a sour taste.

Two weeks later Emily received her first substantial paycheck. The figure flashing on her phone made her grin; it was real. She stopped at a shop on the way home, bought a cake, sushi, and pizza, planning a little celebration with me.

She entered the flat, bags in hand, hearing voices from the living room. Emily paused at the doorway; Margaret sat there, and I was on the sofa, looking tired.

She set the bags down.

Whats happening?

Margarets eyes met hers, desperation and anger flickering within. She leaned in.

Victor, were in trouble. The pension cant cover anything, and the loan£30,000 still due by the end of the month. Were at our wits end.

I stood, my face grim.

Mom, I have no money to spare. Id love to help, but Im flat broke.

Margaret turned to the bags at Emilys feet.

And look, Emilyshes bought a feast. Surely you can spare a bit?

Emily stepped back, the space between us shrinking to a foot.

Youre a good daughterinlaw, right? Dont let the family suffer. Who else will help?

The audacity of her words lodged in Emilys throat.

Why should I? she snapped finally.

Margarets eyes hardened.

Because you earn the most now. Children are supposed to look after their parents, even support them financially.

Yes, parents, Emily retorted, taking a step further back. But not yours.

Margarets face twisted, her voice rising.

Im your husbands motheryouve forgotten? Were family! Youre obligated to help us!

Im not obligated to anyone! Emily shouted, fists clenched. I have my own plans and my own family. If the loan payment is that large, it shouldnt have been taken in the first place.

Victor! Do you hear her? Teach your wife a lesson! Margaret snapped at me.

I stepped between them, my expression hard.

Enough, Mother. If you need money, ask menot her. She owes you nothing.

Margaret opened her mouth, but I cut her off.

Im taking you out. This conversation is over.

Grabbing her elbow, I led her to the door. Emily watched the door close, then I returned, picking up the bags.

Shall we celebrate? I asked, a tired but sincere smile breaking through.

Emily leaned into me, closing her eyes, the tension easing.

Congratulations on your first big salary, I whispered. Youre brilliant.

She rested her head against my chest, and I felt a calm settle over us. I now knew Margaret would not be pestering us again for money. In that moment the future seemed clearer; nothing was shining for her, but I had my wifes side, and that mattered most.

Lesson learned: family loyalty must be balanced with selfrespect, and protecting the people you love is the truest measure of success.