aphne’s life turns into a mess when her mother-in-law, Helen, moves in and begins taking over the house, criticizing every detail. Helen’s constant meddling and harsh comments drive Daphne to her breaking point. Determined to teach the older woman a lesson, Daphne makes a surprising phone call that changes everything.
A woman talking on her phone | Source: Pexels
“Daphne, I can’t believe you left the dishes in the sink again. Poor John has to live in this mess.”
I looked up from my book, biting back a sigh.
A woman’s hand over a book | Source: Pexels
Helen stood in the doorway, her hands on her hips, looking around the living room with obvious disapproval.
“I’m doing my best, Helen,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’ll do the dishes in a while. I was really tired this morning.”
Helen sighed dramatically. “We all have our struggles, but back in my day, we didn’t let the house fall apart. We managed just fine, no matter what.”
An elderly woman | Source: Pexels
I clenched my teeth and forced a smile.
Helen had been living with us for two weeks due to renovations at her place. She acted like she owned the house, often rearranging the furniture and criticizing my housekeeping. It was driving me up the wall.
As Helen walked over to the window, she muttered about the smudges on the glass.
An elderly woman by the window | Source: Freepik
I watched her wipe an imaginary speck of dust from the windowsill.
She had a knack for finding flaws in everything I did.
It seemed like every time she entered a room, she found something to complain about.
John was at work, which meant I was left to deal with his mother alone.
I glanced at the clock, hoping it was close to lunchtime. Maybe then Helen would settle down for a bit. But no, it was still only mid-morning.
“Helen, would you like some tea?” I offered, hoping to distract her.
Tea and snacks | Source: Unsplash
She shook her head, her eyes still scanning the room for imperfections. “No, thank you. But I do think these cushions could use a bit of straightening.”
She walked over and began rearranging the cushions on the couch right next to me.
Cushions on a couch | Source: Pexels
I gripped my book tighter, feeling my frustration build.
Helen moved to the mantel next, picking up a family photo and examining it closely.
“And this picture is slightly crooked,” she added, adjusting it by a fraction of an inch.
An elderly woman holding a photo frame | Source: Midjourney
I closed my book, knowing I wouldn’t be able to concentrate with her hovering around.
“Helen, why don’t you take a break? You’ve been on your feet all morning,” I suggested, trying to sound kind.
She shook her head. “Oh, I’m fine, dear. Just trying to keep the house in order.”
And she didn’t stop there.
A worried woman sitting with wine | Source: Unsplash
That afternoon, I was in the kitchen serving lunch to my children when she stormed in, waving Jack’s math test.
“Look at this! Your son got a B on his math test. A B! How could you let this happen, Daphne? You’re a terrible mother.”
A sad boy | Source: Unsplash
