Daphne’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.
A serious-looking woman | Source: Pexels
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
Jack, who was happily eating lunch, stopped.
My heart sank at the distress on my little boy’s face.
“Helen, that’s enough. Jack’s here,” I hissed. “Besides that, he is doing good in school, and a B is not the end of the world!”
Helen huffed, crossing her arms. “In my house, a B would be unacceptable. You’re failing them, Daphne.”
A confident elderly woman posing | Source: Pexels
“And you,” she added, turning to Jack. “You need to study harder, young man. In my day, we didn’t settle for anything less than an A.”
My hands shook as I put the ladle down. Helen had been relentless since she moved in, constantly criticizing everything I did.
But this… this was too much to bear.
A sad woman | Source: Unsplash
“Helen, give that poor girl a break,” my father-in-law said, entering the kitchen. “She’s doing a fine job with the kids.”
Helen turned to him, her eyes blazing. “Stay out of this, Richard. You don’t understand. These children need discipline, and Daphne isn’t providing it.”
An elderly couple arguing | Source: Freepik
Richard sighed but didn’t press further, retreating to the living room. I appreciated his attempt to defend me, but Helen’s stubbornness was unyielding.
“Kids, why don’t you go play in the living room for a bit?” I suggested.
Lily and Jack hesitated but then nodded, leaving the kitchen quietly. Once they were gone, I faced Helen.
Kids sitting on the floor and playing | Source: Pexels
“I’m doing my best to keep this family together, Helen. And your constant criticism isn’t helping,” I said.
Helen sniffed and waved a hand dismissively. “You just need to try harder. Maybe then John wouldn’t get sick from your cooking,” she said and walked away.
My mouth opened, but no reply came out. I couldn’t believe she was being this harsh with me. Enough was enough, I decided. It was high time Helen got a taste of her own medicine.
A confident woman | Source: Unsplash
That evening, I sat on my bed, tears streaming down my face after the kitchen ordeal.
The address book lay open in my lap, and I stared at the name, Mrs. Anderson.
I remembered John and my wedding day and how nervous Helen was around her own mother-in-law.
A pretty elderly lady | Source: Midjourney
I dialed John’s number, my hands shaking. As soon as he answered, I told him about my plan.
“But are you sure about this, Daphne? It could backfire.”
“It’s worth a shot,” I said. “She needs to understand what she’s putting me through.”
