Well just stay with you for a couple of months, said my husband, James, together with his mother, Margaret. Well then Ill call the local constable, I replied.
Nobodys going to evict you? Really? And when your exhusband turns up at your door with his mother and suitcases, insisting he has every right to live herewhat will you do? Smile and step aside, clearing the way? Or summon the strength to slam the door in their insolent faces?
Ethel still remembered the last day Simon left. It was an ordinary Tuesday; she was simmering a stew in her modest kitchen. He simply shoved his belongings into a duffel bag and said, Im tired. Thats enough for me. Ive had enough.
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He didnt slam the door, didnt shout. He slipped away quietly, as if vanishing from her life. And his mother followed.
James and Margaret were two halves of the same apple. Margaret had always mattered more to James than anyone else on earth. And a daughterinlaw to her was just a temporary nuisance. Your housekeeping isnt great, my son, she would say when she visited. A family without children isnt really a family, she repeatedthough she never wanted grandchildren at all. She only needed James by her side. Constantly. Maternal love.
Thirteen years together dissolved without a trace.
In the first months after he left, Ethel waited for a call, a message, anything. Then she stopped. Oddly, it became easier for her.
After a year of solitude she grew accustomed to the silence, to her own pace, to the fact that no one winced at the scent of her favourite perfume, no one switched off her music midsong, no one commented on her every move.
In those early months she woke feeling a void. Then she realised it wasnt emptinessit was freedom. Gradually she began applying makeup each morning, not for anyone else, but for herself. She bought bright accent cushions, hung a painting of a tigerwoman that James had once called tasteless.
And she learned to love her new life, to love herself.
After their wedding James had said everything was fine, that it was just the two of them. But whenever they visited friends with children, he would change. First hed play with the little ones, laugh, then fall silent.
At night they would lie backtoback. No hugs. No kisses. Ethel once suggested, Maybe we should adopt? He just shook his head: I dont want someone elses child. Slowly a wall rose between themnot from fights or scandals, but from silence. Every evening in the same flat, at the same table, in the same bedand infinitely distant from each other.
Back at university she had refused to carry a pregnancy to termshe feared she couldnt juggle studies and a baby. She regretted it every day, especially after learning she would never be able to become a mother.
A knock sounded at the door one Sunday evening. Ethel had just stepped out of the shower, wrapped in a large towel. Sundayher day. The day she allowed herself not to be a teacher, just herself, a woman with foam in the bath, a face mask on, and treats in hand.
Throwing on her robe, she opened the door and froze, unable to believe her eyes.
There stood James. He looked thinner somehow, even with a fresh haircut. Behind himMargaret, face triumphant, both carrying bagshe with his familiar duffel, she with two huge trunks.
Hello, James said, scanning Ethel from head to toe. You look good.
She instinctively tightened her robe. His gaze was invasiveappraising, as if he owned the right.
Moms flat had a burst pipewere flooded, he continued, as if nothing had happened. The repairs will take two weeks, maybe a month. Everything needs to dry out and the floors redone. Well stay with you. Besides, youre alone, and the flat is practically shared. After all, were husband and wife, in fact.
A whole year he hadnt called, hadnt written. And now he stood on her doorstep as if hed left only yesterday.
We wont be long, added Margaret. A couple of months at most. Then well leave. You dont mind, Ethel?
Dear, it was the first time in thirteen years her motherinlaw used a pet name. That frightened Ethel more than anything.
She felt the old self stirthe self who had always been compliant, quietready to say yes, of course, come in. But another self had awakened beside herthe self who had learned to live alone, who had discovered the value of solitude.
No, said Ethel.
What? James asked, as if he hadnt heard.
I said no. You will not live here.
Margaret stepped forward, practically wedging herself between Ethel and the doorway.
Whats with that look, love? You think we like begging at your door? We have a force majeure. We have nowhere else to go. Besides, you owe James so much. He took you in after your problems others wouldnt have accepted you.
James, move your foot, Ethel said through gritted teeth, pressing her weight against the door. Im not joking.
Come on now, he pressed harder, the door swinging wider. Well stay a month or two and then well be off. Its no big deal. Step aside, love.
He reached out to push her shoulder. Ethel recoiled.
Just try to touch me.
Margaret seized the moment, forcing her way into the flat, dragging her trunks behind her.
What a performance, girl? she hissed, scanning the hallway. Husbands back home and you act like a witch. And that smell need to air this place out.
Ethel felt her cheeks flamewith anger, with shamethey barged into her home and had the audacity to complain!
Get out! Right now! This is my flat! MINE! And you are not living here!
Calm down, James rolled his eyes. Youll wake the neighbours. Well just stay for a couple of months, no ones taking your dump.
Yes, dear, Margaret chimed, shrugging off her coat. No need for hysteria. Better make us some tea.
Margaret let out a caw like a crow: What?! Have you lost your mind? Thats your husband! Your family!
Exhusband, Ethel corrected. And certainly not family.
Ethel snatched her phone from the bedside table and dialled 999. Her hands shook, but her fingers hit the keys precisely.
Are you insane?! James lunged, trying to snatch the phone. What the hell are you doing?
Dont you dare! Ethel shoved him back with her free hand. Im calling the police! You broke into my flat unlawfully!
Hello, she said into the handset, retreating into the living room. People have broken into my flat. Theyre trying to stay by force. Im frightened! Theyre aggressive! Please send someone!
She quickly gave her address.
Youve lost it?! James looked at his mother. Mom, did you hear that? Shes calling the local constable!
Get out! Ethel repeated, brandishing the phone like a weapon. The officer is on his way!
Are you nuts? Margaret clutched her trunks, as if fearing theyd be taken.
This isnt my problem, James spat. Step out of the way, love.
Mom, do something! he wailed, trying to force the door.
