**Diary Entry**
My mother-in-law suggested we move in with her and rent out our flat. With little choice, we agreed. While my husband was home, everyone was pleasantbut the moment he left, things changed. I was immediately put in my place, not even allowed near the fridge.
I often broke down in front of my husband, trying to explain, but he wouldnt believe me. He insisted his mother and sister would never behave that way. He especially doubted me when I told them theyd smeared something sticky on my hairbrush. I dont know how much longer Id have lasted if not for what happened next.
Normally, we left together in the morningshim for work, me to drop the kids at nursery. But that day, William felt poorly and stayed home. I popped out for groceries and returned to find Mark, my sister-in-law Emilys boyfriend, loitering in the hallway.
Oi, you! Fetch me some beer!
Are you mad? I asked, stunned.
What, deaf? I said now! Need me to repeat it?
My mother-in-law stepped out of the kitchen. Good! Might as well make herself useful, that layabout. And take the bins out while shes at it!
Just then, our bedroom door swung open. William stood there. The room fell silent. His mother scurried back to the kitchen while William grabbed Mark by the collar, hurled him down the stairs, and roared that hed better never show his face again.
Emily opened her mouth but only shrugged. My mother-in-law tried to argue, but William cut her off mid-sentence. He rang our tenants straight away, telling them the next month would be their last. Then he turned to his mother and sister, voice steel. **If I hear one more insult aimed at my wife before months end, consider yourselves without a son.**
A month later, we returned to our flat. But the nightmare lingered. His parents disowned William, but he couldnt care less. He swore hed never see or speak to them again.
