Oksana and Her Mother Sat on an Old Bed, Bundled Up Against the Winter Chill as the Stove Finally Began to Warm the House.

23.10.2025, 17:23 blysk.space

**Diary Entry**

Emily and her mother sat on the old bed, both bundled up against the cold. Though winter had settled in, the fireplace had only just been lit, and the house was still chilly.

Dont worry, Mum. Well be alright. We wont starve. Here, let me give you your medicine.

Emily did her best to comfort her, though the woman wasnt really her mothershe was her mother-in-law, and barely that anymore.

It had all started when the three of them lived togetherher husband, James, his mother, Margaret, and Emily herself.

Shed married late, at thirty, becoming Jamess second wife. She hadnt broken up his first marriagehed already been divorced when they met.

Margaret had taken to Emily immediately, and the feeling was mutual. She was kind, warmthe sort to embrace you, listen, and understand. Emily had lost her parents young and was left alone in the world. In Margaret, shed found family.

You two are thick as thieves, James would say.

Five years of marriage passed in a flash. Then James turned harsh, quick-tempered. He shouted at Emily, at his mother. The reason? Another woman. He stayed out late, coming home drunk.

One day, he announced he was leaving her. Gave her two days to pack. Before Emily could even leave, his mistress showed up with a suitcase.

Maybe shed come deliberately, wanting to gloat. But it didnt go as planned. The woman was a leggy blonde with plump lips and ridiculous false lashes, fluttering like a cows.

Emily couldnt help but laugh.

You left me for *this*? A doll with lashes like a farm animal? Good luck with herI dont regret a thing.

At least shes fun. You and Mum are just a pair of old hens.

Fine, insult me, but why drag your mother into it?

Sweetie, is *his* mum staying with us? the woman trilled, batting those absurd lashes. She should take her. We dont need her here.

Thats right, Mum. Time for you to go. Youve overstayed your welcome.

Where am I supposed to go? I gave you all the money from selling my flat so you could build this house! Margaret clutched her chest.

Enough dramatics. Fine, staybut dont leave your room. Albinas in charge now.

Darling, lets just kick them both out.

Shes my *mother*!

Your mother? You expect me to have *that* as a mother-in-law? Ugh, *baby*

Emily had heard enough.

Mum, will you come with me? To the countryside?

Better there than with a son like this and *her*

Sit tight. Ill pack your things.

Dont forget my medicine. And my little box. And my handbag.

Emily grabbed another suitcase, shoving in clothes, documents, the box, the medicineanything theyd need.

Take it all. We dont want your rubbish, Albina sneered. Right, sugar?

James just watched, silent. He knew his mother would never forgive him. Or maybe she wouldshe was still his mother.

Half an hour later, Emily stood by the car. Margaret sat in the backseat, quietly wiping tears. She didnt even glance at her son, just sighed heavily.

Hard to acceptyou give someone everything, and suddenly, youre nothing.

How will we manage, love?

Well be fine. Ive got savings. Enough until I find work. Youve got your pension. Well get by. Bread and butter, at least.

They drove to the village where Emily had grown up. Thank God it was still daylight. The cottage was freezing, but Emily quickly lit the fire, fetched water, put the kettle on.

Youve got the knack of it. Like youve lived here forever.

Granddad taught me. Good thing we bought groceriesno need to face village gossip yet.

Gradually, the cottage warmed.

Tomorrow, Ill give the place a proper clean.

A knock at the door.

Back for a visit? Saw your car. What brings you here in winter? Trouble?

Everythings fine, Uncle George. Ill explain later. Fancy a cuppa?

I was about to invite *you*. Not alone, I see? Hed just noticed Margaret.

This is Margaret. Margaret, this is our neighbor, George.

Let me know if you need anything.

Were alright for now. Thanks.

A week passed. The cottage was clean, cozy.

You know, Emily, Im village-born too. Married a city man. He died when James was twenty-three. I sold my flathe promised Id always have a home with him. And look how that turned out.

Dont cry. I know it hurts. Im hurting too. Maybe youll have grandchildren yet.

From *her*? God forbid. Does George have family?

Lives alone. His wife drowned saving a neighbors child years ago. Never remarried. No kids. He and my granddad were close, despite the age gap.

A month later, no word from James. Then, an unknown number called Emily.

Emily?

Yes?

Your husband hes dead.

Youve got the wrong person.

No. James He was drunk. Crashed his car. The girl with him survivednot a scratch. Come identify him.

Oh God. Poor Margaret. How to tell her? Uncle Georgehed help.

Emily, love, youre white as a sheet!

Mum, sit down. James is gone.

Margaret wailed. This is my fault! I left him!

*He* threw *you* out!

Im still his mother! Oh This is my punishment.

Ill go identify him. Uncle George will stay with you.

Im coming.

So am I, George said. Well take my car. No arguments.

The funeral passed. Emily and Margaret went to Jamess housenow rightfully theirs. Hed never filed for divorce. Too busy with his new love, his parties.

George insisted on accompanying them.

You shouldnt go alone. Never know what youll find.

The house What a mess. Dirty clothes everywhere, plates on the floor. The stink of alcohol and rot.

My son didnt live like this! That *girl* did this!

What are *you* doing here? This is *my* houseget out! The blonde lurched from the bedroom, followed by a half-dressed, scruffy man.

Show me the deed! George snapped.

What deed? My husbands dead! We were practically married!

He was still married to *her*!

We celebrated in advance! Its *mine* now!

Enough nonsense. Out! And take your man with you.

The man slunk off. George made sure the blonde left empty-handed.

Well check the paperwork. Could be a will, or someone elses name on it. And change the locksshe might have keys.