James stared at the woman standing in the doorway of their flat, his mouth hanging open. You cant be serious! I dont believe my eyes! he blurted. EleanorPeterson, is that you?
Who did you expect, dear soninlaw? Martians? the lady retorted, tucking a stray silver strand back under her hat.
But you you left for good! You moved to Brighton, bought a seaside flat
I sold that flat, Eleanor said, shoving two massive suitcases into the hallway. And youre going to just stand there like a statue? Help your motherinlaw with her luggage!
James instinctively grabbed the suitcase handles. One thought raced through his mind: *How do I tell Emily?* For three years Emily had believed her mother was happily settled on the south coast, enjoying a wellearned break far from Londons chill and hustle.
Wheres Emily? Still at work? Eleanor asked, glancing around the cramped flat. I havent seen my little girl in ages! Ive missed her so much!
Shes delayed a project at the office, so shell be late, James muttered, setting the suitcases against the wall. Eleanor, maybe you could have warned us? We could have prepared
Surprise, dear! Eleanor laughed. I love surprises. By the way, why is it so dusty in here? Do you never tidy? And those curtainswhat were you thinking? I told Emily theyre hopeless. Well have to replace them tomorrow.
James felt a knot tighten. Three years earlier theyd celebrated Eleanors decision to move south, her selling a London flat and buying a place in Brightona fresh start after years of dropping in unannounced, critiquing everything, and telling them how to live.
So, youre back in London now? James asked cautiously.
Forever! Eleanor nodded proudly. Brighton was lovely, but old bones need familiar weather. And how could I live far from my only daughter and grandchildren?
We dont have children, James corrected automatically.
Exactly! Its absurd. I want to look after my grandchildren while I still can walk, she replied.
Jamess phone buzzed. A message from Emily read: *Ill be home in half an hour; could you pick up milk and bread?* He stared at Eleanor, who had already plumped down on the sofa and flicked on the TV as if shed never left.
Eleanor, where will you stay? he finally asked.
What do you mean where? With you, of coursetemporarily, until I figure out my next move. A month, maybe two whatever works. She gave him a look that could have frozen fire.
Jamess mind raced. Their onebedroom flat was tiny; the idea of sharing every square foot with Eleanor sent him into a panic.
But its cramped he began.
Im not particular, Eleanor waved a hand. Ill sleep on the livingroom sofa. By the way, that sofa is dreadful. Why havent you replaced it yet?
Just then the front door slammed openEmily returned, unaware of the surprise awaiting her.
James, Im exhausted; I feel like I could collapse, Emily sighed, stopping dead when she saw her mother. Mum?
Emily! Eleanor sprang up, hugging her daughter tightly. My darling, Ive missed you so much!
Mum, but why didnt you tell us? Emily asked, bewildered.
I wanted to surprise you! Eleanor declared triumphantly. And it worked, didnt it?
What happened to the Brighton flat? Emily finally asked.
I sold it, Eleanor said briskly. The south just isnt for me. Everything feels foreign there. Here I have trusted doctors, old friends you.
Emily sank into a chair, trying to process the news. James stood nearby, at a loss for words. Their eyes met, both full of anxiety.
So where will you live now? Emily asked gently.
For now Ill stay with you, then maybe Ill rent a small place nearby. I have the money from the sale, but I dont want to spend it all at oncejust in case.
What about your belongings? James queried.
I’ve sold some, given away the rest. The essentials are in these suitcases, Eleanor said, gesturing to the luggage.
Emily could see her husbands tension. Over three years they had built a life of independence, arranged the flat to their taste, and settled into a routine. Now everything seemed to wobble.
Maybe you could stay with Victoria? Emily suggested cautiously. She has a threebedroom flat and lives alone.
Victoria? My friend, not my daughter? Eleanor snapped. Emily, youre killing me with these ideas!
But its really crowded here, Mum. Our flat is tiny Emily pleaded.
I said Im not picky. Ill make do on the sofa, wont bother anyone, Eleanor replied, her tone softened.
James and Emily exchanged a resigned glance; persuading Eleanor was futile.
Alright, make yourself at home. Ill start dinner, Emily said.
Ill help! Eleanor chirped. Lets see what youve learned in the kitchen. I remember your borschtwatch out, it was a disaster!
Emily rolled her eyes but said nothing. James gave her a sympathetic squeeze as she passed by.
That night they went to bed very late. Eleanor chattered nonstop about her life in Brightonneighbors, weather, prices, doctorstrying to make up for the three missing years. Then the conversation turned to James and Emilys plans, subtly nudging them toward thoughts of children.
When finally everyone retired to their own sleeping spotsEmily and James in the bedroom, Eleanor on the sofathey lay awake, whispering.
What do we do? James asked.
I dont know, Emily whispered back. Maybe we really should find her a place of her own? She does have the money.
Will she agree?
Hard to say. You know Mumonce she decides, its set in stone.
The next morning they were roused by a clatter in the kitchen and the smell of burnt eggs.
Good morning, sunshine! Eleanor called cheerfully. Ive made breakfast. Though your pan is terribleeverything sticks. And your salt is odd; its not salty at all.
James looked at the salt and realized it was sugar. The eggs were a mess.
Mum, thanks, but we usually just have coffee in the morning, Emily tried to smooth things over.
Just coffee? No wonder youre so skinny! You need proper food. Ill make sure you eat right.
The day turned into a series of battles. Eleanor rearranged the cupboards, critiqued Jamess wardrobe, and lectured Emily on her sleep schedule and diet.
Please, Mum, Emily pleaded by evening. Were adults with our own lives.
Thats exactly why Im worried, Eleanor replied. Who else will tell you the truth? All those diets and sleepless nights wont end well.
When Eleanor left for a tea with Victoria that night, James and Emily held a brief council.
This cant go on, James said firmly. Another week and Ill lose my mind.
I get it, Emily sighed. But shes my mother. I cant just kick her out.
Maybe a serious talk? Explain we simply dont have the space
Their phone rang. Emily answered.
Mum, whats wrong? Wait, what? You fell? Youre at Victorias, were coming right now.
They rushed to Victorias flat, where Eleanor was perched on a sofa, clutching her ankle.
I tripped on these dreadful London pavements, she winced. It never happened in Brighton.
Its a sprain and a bruised ligament, James said, helping her up. We need to get you to the urgent care.
At the clinic it turned out shed suffered a serious bruise but nothing lifethreatening. Shed be on crutches for at least two weeks.
Now you cant send me packing, Eleanor joked weakly
