What Are We Doing Here? Why Are We Invading Someone Else’s House?

I remember the day I finally told Eleanor, Its over between us, Eleanor. I want a proper family, children. You cant give me that. Ive waited long enough, endured enough. I need a son. Ive filed for divorce. You have three days to pack. When you leave, give me a call. Ill stay with my mother for now. I must ready a flat for the baby and its mother. And dont be surprisedmy future wife is already expecting! Three days, Eleanor!

Eleanor fell silent. What could she possibly answer?

She had never conceived. Edward had been hoping for a child for five long years, three failed attempts in that time. The countless doctors Eleanor visited all declared her healthy. Why, then, did nothing ever work? She had always lived a proper, wholesome life.

One morning at work she felt suddenly ill. An ambulance was summoned, but everything unfolded with frightening speed.

The front door slammed behind Edward, and Eleanor, weak, collapsed onto the sofa. She had no strength, no will, to gather her belongings. She didnt even know where to take them.

She had spent her childhood and her teenage years living with her Aunt Hilda. Aunt Hilda was dead now, and her son had sold the house. Return to the village and my grandmothers cottage? Seek a rented flat? What to do about my job? There were too many questions, and they needed answers quickly.

Early the next day the front door opened and Edwards mother stepped in.

Cant sleep? Good. Im here to make sure you dont take anything unnecessary.

My mothers old underclothes are of no use to me. Will you be paying for mine?

Look at you, such a cheek! You used to be polite, quiet, kind. And now this. After the first miscarriage I told Mike youd never bear a child.

Youre here to tell me that? Better keep quiet and watch me.

Where are you putting the china?

Its mine, from my aunther memory.

And now it will sit empty without it!

That doesnt bother me. Youll have a grandson, though.

Take only whats yours!

My laptop! My coffee maker, my microwavecolleagues gave those to me. My car was bought before the wedding. Your son has his own.

You have everything but children, youre incapable of motherhood!

Thats none of your business. Im fine, perhaps its Gods will.

I see you have no remorse! Maybe you did all this on purpose?

Youre spouting nonsense. Its hard even to think about it.

Eleanor looked around the flat; most of her things were gonebrush, cosmetics, slippers. She felt shed forgotten something important, but the mother-inlaws presence nagged at her concentration.

She recalled the missing little cat figurine. Inside it hid a tiny secret: a pair of earrings and a modest ring. They werent valuable, but they were a keepsake from her grandmother. Mike had always called them junk. Had he thrown them away? He kept all rubbish on the balcony. Eleanor opened the balcony door

What are you doing up there? Pack your things and leave! the motherinlaw shouted again. Saying goodbye to the flat? Good luck, youll never see the light of day again.

At last the cat figurine was found, everything in place, and Eleanor could finally leave.

The keys, goodbye. I hope I never see you again, the old woman snarled.

Eleanor drove to the office, still on sick leave, and asked for a short break.

We all feel for you, but how will we manage without you? Three weeks enough? Please stay in touch; half our projects will stall without your input.

Alright. Ill manage to step away. Thank you.

Do you need any help?

No.

Ill sort your holiday pay and bonus.

Thank you, thats timely.

She never bothered looking for a new flat; she headed straight home to the countryside. No one waited for her thereher grandmother had died three years earlier, and she had never known her mother, who passed away during childbirth.

Now, for some reason, Eleanor could no longer bear a child herself.

After an hours drive she arrived at the old family homesteadan apple orchard, tulips lining the hedge. The last autumn she and Edward had been there, grilling kebabs, relaxing.

She parked, the garage key tucked inside the house, and pushed open the door. Silence greeted her. On the table lay dirty mugs and plates. Why hadnt she managed to clean everything the previous time? No, she had cleanedsomeone else had been there.

Two mugs, plates, soda bottles, and a bottle of Mikes favourite sparkling wine lay scattered, clearly not from the recent autumn.

Someone must have been in the house. It didnt matter now. The house key was only with Eleanor; surely Edward had made a copy. It was time to change the locks.

A new life lay aheadcleaning, then a hot bath. Eleanor decided to wash away the grime, the past.

Just as she was about to leave, there was a knock at the door, then at the window.

Whos there?

Is everything alright?

Yes the woman answered, startled.

Sorry.

Eleanor stepped out; a stranger stood by the cottage.

Sorry, I must have frightened you. Im your neighbour, Ive been watching you all day.

I saw you disappear, and smoke was coming from the stove. I didnt want anything to happen to you

Thank you, Im fine.

Are you related to Edward? He was here recently with his wife Are you his sister?

No, Im his former wifealmost former, the divorce is still pending.

Is this your house?

Its mine.

Im a temporary neighbour, staying here due to family circumstances. A friend let me stay. My divorce is also in progress; Ill be free tomorrow. If youre alright, Ill leave. If you need help, just ask. Im George.

Im Eleanor. Wait, could you change the lock for me?

Yes. Tell me when and Ill do it.

As soon as possible. Ill buy a new one tomorrow.

Let me look and buy it; perhaps youll take the wrong one and Ill have to go into town.

Fine.

Two weeks later, a final week of leave passed and it was time to return to the city. Eleanor had grown accustomed to the countryside and didnt want to hunt for housing. Edward never called or texted; only a notification arrived confirming the divorce date. It was for the best; she didnt want to see him.

One Saturday, Eleanor rose early as usual, and George invited her for a walk by the lake. Starting a new romance wasnt on her agenda, but a walk required no commitment. They enjoyed the afternoon and returned for tea. By the cottage, Edwards car pulled up, the door opened, and Mike stepped out, helping a visibly pregnant woman into the vehicle.

Eleanor and George approached the gate. Mike tried to open the front door, but it wouldnt budge.

Whats happening?

What are we doing here? Why are we in someone elses house?

Edward froze in surprise.

This is our house! announced the pregnant woman.

Is that so? Who told you that, Mike? This is my house; you must leave.

Mike, whats she saying? Who is she? Your exwife? Show her out! the pregnant woman shrieked.

Eleanor and George laughed. Edward quietly ushered his companion into the car, and they drove away.

His life will be a comedy, George whispered.

But shell bear his child. I never could. Three failures. Im sorry.

They later met at a motor dealership.

We split because she didnt want a baby Edward had once said.

Four years after the divorce, Eleanor ran into her former motherinlaw in a supermarket.

Eleanor, I hardly recognised you. Ive been watching you. Is that are you pregnant?

Yes, Eleanor said, resting a hand on her rounded belly.

Mikes grandson is weak, something went wrong in the male line. His wife ran off, leaving the child behind. And youare you planning to have a baby on your own?

No, not alone. I have a family now. I have time, people waiting for me.

How is that?

Patience, dear.

The former motherinlaw watched Eleanor walk away, arm in arm with George, who supported her with one hand while a small girlstrikingly similar to the mother clung to his other.

The memory lingered, a quiet reminder of how tangled lives can become, and how, even after years of heartbreak, new paths may yet be forged.