Marina woke up earlier than usual: the sounds of passersby could be heard outside the window — the night had been warm, and people had been out walking almost until morning. She sat up in bed and looked at her sleeping husband, Andrey. His steady breathing revealed he was in a deep sleep, but he had no idea that his wife had been filled with anxiety for hours due to the upcoming conversation with her mother-in-law. The night before, her father-in-law had called to inform her that Andrey’s mother urgently wanted to see Marina for a “serious discussion of household matters.” From his tone, she immediately understood that the conversation wouldn’t be easy.
Over the past six months, Marina had grown used to the fact that living in the house with her mother-in-law had become a trial. When she first married and moved in, everything had seemed simple. She respected Andrey’s parents and was ready to share household duties and help with chores. However, it didn’t take long before she felt that Nina Petrovna, Andrey’s mother, didn’t see her as an equal member of the family. The biting remarks like, “We usually clean better” or “Why didn’t you cook lunch?” were things she could still brush off. But these comments kept piling up, and Marina started to realize that behind her mother-in-law’s friendly smile lay dissatisfaction and attempts to humiliate her.
It was especially painful to realize that Andrey preferred not to get involved in their conflicts. “Mom is Mom, just be patient, she’ll get used to it,” he would say. But Marina’s patience was wearing thin. And now, today, there was a new meeting, initiated by her mother-in-law.
Marina quietly got out of bed, dressed, and left the bedroom to make coffee. She planned to go to her mother-in-law’s right after breakfast while Andrey was still asleep, to handle everything herself and avoid involving her husband in possible arguments. However, her hands were shaking as she poured water into the cezve. What would Nina Petrovna say this time? Was Marina ready for more insults?
When the coffee was ready, she took a few sips, trying to calm herself. Her thoughts were muddled. “I’m not just living here. Andrey said we plan to buy an apartment, and the documents were made in my name. But now they are locked in the safe…” She remembered that her father-in-law had helped buy the house where they all lived together. Some of the property was registered in Andrey’s name, and some in Marina’s. This was something Leonid Sergeevich had insisted on, believing that his daughter-in-law should be protected. But it seemed that Nina Petrovna was completely against this decision.
Marina tried to push away these extra thoughts. Perhaps her mother-in-law just wanted to talk about housework or cleaning. But her gut feeling told her that the conversation would be serious, maybe even about “who’s in charge of the house.” After finishing her coffee, she wrote a note to Andrey saying she was going to his mother’s at his father’s request and set off.
On the way to Andrey’s parents’ house, Marina repeatedly replayed possible conversation scenarios in her head. The city streets blurred outside the bus window, but she hardly noticed. Her heart skipped a beat at every scenario: Nina Petrovna would probably accuse her of being lazy again, even though she worked and took care of the house. How would she respond without losing her temper?
When she entered the yard of the neat one-story house that Andrey and his father had built many years ago, her father-in-law, Leonid Sergeevich, greeted her. He looked tense and gave a brief nod:
— Hello, Marina. Nina Petrovna is in the kitchen. I’ll step outside so you can talk in peace. Sorry if anything — my wife can sometimes be harsh.
Marina gave a weak smile:
— Thank you for the warning. I’ll try to stay calm.
The house smelled of freshly baked pastries, but the atmosphere was heavy. Nina Petrovna was sitting at the table, her arms crossed over her chest. When she saw Marina, she pursed her lips:
— Well, hello. Since you’re here, sit down.
Marina sat down opposite her. Inside, she was trembling, but she tried to speak evenly:
— You wanted to talk?
Her mother-in-law was silent for a moment, then cleared her throat:
— Yes, I did. I’ve been watching how things are going here. You’re living with my son, but apparently, you don’t contribute much financially. You’re always complaining that you don’t have enough money. Meanwhile, you use everything: the food, the house — and no gratitude. I don’t want to offend you, but it seems that you’re simply… living off us.
Marina felt her heart drop. “Living off them?” But she paid her share of the utilities, bought groceries, even though her father-in-law also helped. And now these accusations. She clenched her fingers:
— I don’t understand what you’re talking about. I work, although not for a huge salary, but Andrey and I cover our share of expenses. I’ve never asked you to support me.
Nina Petrovna waved her hand dismissively, as if swatting away a pesky fly:
— What do you mean, your share? Leonid and I pay for everything with our pension. You only pretend to buy milk or bread sometimes. And as for housework, I don’t see any benefit from you. You probably spend the whole day resting, and in the evening you cook something simple. In short, you’re a freeloader, sorry.
The word “freeloader” hit Marina like a slap. Everything inside her boiled. She wanted to scream that it was a lie, but her tongue felt numb. Nina Petrovna leaned back in her chair:
— Why are you silent? Did you not expect me to call things by their proper names? I’ve been patient long enough. But I can’t watch Andrey carry most of the expenses while you just take advantage.
— That’s not true! — Marina exclaimed. Her breathing grew heavy. — I do a lot: I wash, cook, contribute. Calling me a freeloader is insulting!
— Maybe it’s insulting, — her mother-in-law said coldly, — but is it not the truth?
Marina took a deep breath:
— Absolutely not. I don’t know why you’re so set against me. Maybe because I became your son’s wife? Or because you don’t like that we have our own life?
Nina Petrovna raised an eyebrow:
— Your own life? In a house bought with my family’s money? No, young lady, this is not yours. You’re an outsider. If you leave, you’ll get nothing.
Marina felt a wave of anger rise in her chest. “Does she not know that part of the property is registered in my name? Or is she pretending not to know?” She remembered how her father-in-law had insisted on registering part of the rights in the daughter-in-law’s name to avoid future disputes. It seemed like Nina Petrovna either didn’t know or was simply ignoring this fact. Marina decided she wouldn’t take it anymore:
— You’re wrong about the house. There are documents. Leonid Sergeevich and Andrey registered part of the property in my name as a family member over a year ago. I’m not boasting, but I am not a freeloader.
Her mother-in-law’s eyes narrowed:
— What nonsense is this? I didn’t sign any papers.
— You didn’t have to, — Marina replied calmly. — This was Andrey’s father’s decision. He wanted his son and wife to have shares in the property. So yes, I have legal rights, and I’m not going to listen to your insults.
Nina Petrovna turned red:
— So Leonid has been scheming behind my back? Well, great. And you’re happy, right? Think you can get away with anything now?
— I don’t need your charity, — Marina said, her voice shaking. — But I won’t tolerate humiliation. I have rights to this house, so don’t you dare try to kick me out as if I’m nothing.
Her father-in-law appeared in the kitchen doorway. It seemed he couldn’t take it anymore and decided to intervene. He gave his wife a reproachful look and said:
— Nina, what are you saying? How can you call Marina a freeloader? We agreed long ago that they’d live here. I myself made sure part of the house was registered in Marina’s name so she’d be protected. Why all these scandals?
— Leonid, you decided to betray me? I had no idea about your “gift” to your daughter-in-law! Why the hell did you do this? This is our family home!
— I did what I thought was right, — Leonid Sergeevich muttered through clenched teeth, standing taller. — So there wouldn’t be any disputes later. Andrey and Marina are family, and they need their own foundation.
Marina felt like she was about to burst into tears. She didn’t want to breathe this toxic air anymore. Nina Petrovna jumped up, shouting that she “didn’t intend to support some stranger” and that “the documents were a mistake.” Her father-in-law tried to calm her, but Nina Petrovna wouldn’t listen. She called Marina a “freeloader, a lazy person.” Holding back the hurt was impossible. And then Marina, leaning on the back of her chair, quietly said:
— Fine. If I’m unnecessary here, I’ll leave. I’ll take only the documents. Let’s see what happens next.
Nina Petrovna snorted:
— And where are you going, I wonder, with your salary?
Marina, trembling, stood up:
— I’ll find somewhere. But I don’t want to stay here. I refuse to live among insults.
Leonid Sergeevich tried to intervene:
— Wait, what are you saying? Marina, don’t leave, it’s just emotions. Let’s talk calmly.
But her mother-in-law didn’t stop. More insults came: “Good riddance, let’s see how she manages.” Marina understood — further conversations were pointless. Suddenly, she felt a surge of determination. She no longer wanted to be a victim. Her eyes burned with tears, but her voice was firm:
— Thank you for your hospitality, Nina Petrovna. I won’t trouble you anymore. I have all the documents with me — both copies and originals. I’m leaving.
She stormed out of the kitchen. Her father-in-law hurried after her:
— Marina, wait, don’t act out of anger. Andrey doesn’t even know about your quarrel.
But Marina didn’t stop. She ran into the room, grabbed her bag and the folder with the documents for her share of the house — she always kept them handy in case she needed to leave. Now that moment had come. She put on her coat and shoes. In the doorway stood her mother-in-law, lips tightly pressed together, as if she hadn’t expected her to actually leave. Fear flashed in her eyes, but pride took over. Instead of apologizing, she sarcastically remarked:
— And where are you going to sleep, I wonder, in the hallway?
Marina didn’t answer. She ran outside, almost tripping on the threshold. The frosty air stung her face. Leonid Sergeevich caught up with her and grabbed her hand:
— Please forgive me. Come back, don’t do this. My wife is quick-tempered, but she doesn’t mean it.
— She called me a freeloader, — Marina whispered. — I’m not going to live like this. Let your son figure it out. Or does he also think I deserve these insults?
Her father-in-law was at a loss:
— I understand. Let me take you home.
Marina bitterly smiled:
— And where is my home? Where’s my husband? He’s asleep now, not even realizing what’s going on. And you, it seems, never considered me family. I’ll manage on my own. And thank you, Leonid Sergeevich, you’re a good man, but…
She didn’t finish. She turned and left through the gates. Behind her, there was a heavy sigh, then silence. Marina walked through the snow, feeling anger mix with pain. “I’ll manage,” she repeated to herself, though her legs were weak, and her heart was pounding. “But it’s better this way than enduring when I’m called a freeloader.”
She called a taxi. On the way, she thought about where to go. Returning to Andrey was pointless since it was the same house where her mother-in-law reigned. She remembered her friend Vika. She decided to spend the night there until she figured out what to do about her share of the house and her marriage. In her mind, the thoughts battled: “Andrey has nothing to do with this… But why doesn’t he defend me? Maybe he doesn’t care?”
The taxi stopped at Vika’s house. Her friend, seeing her pale face and tear-streaked eyes, immediately hugged her:
— Marin, what happened?
— I had a fight with my mother-in-law, — Marina exhaled. — She called me a freeloader. I left. I only took the documents for my share of the house. I don’t know what to do next.
Vika poured her some tea and sat her down on the couch:
— Tell me everything from the beginning.
Marina, through her tears, described the morning’s fight. Her friend shook her head:
— It’s awful that she allows herself to do this. But you did the right thing by not tolerating it. It’s good that you have the documents — you’ll be able to defend your rights.
— Yes, — Marina nodded. — But I don’t want a court battle. How can I live with a mother-in-law who hates me? Andrey is the only reason I’ve held on, but I can’t do it anymore.
Vika squeezed her hand:
— Maybe Andrey will show up soon. He’ll find out what happened and take your side.
Indeed, a few hours later, the phone rang. Andrey, worried, asked where she was:
— Where are you? Mom said you left. I woke up — you’re not here.
— Yes, I left, — Marina replied coldly. — I’m tired of your mother calling me a freeloader. I don’t want to live under the same roof with her.
He paused for a second:
— Mom went too far. But we can talk about it, instead of you running away.
— Talk? — Marina laughed bitterly. — You knew she was picking on me, but you never stood up for me. And now you want me not to “run away”? No, Andrey, it won’t work that way. I’m tired of the insults.
— Wait, — he hurried. — We can move out, rent an apartment. Do you want that? I won’t prove anything to mom, she’s stubborn. But I choose you.
Marina’s heart trembled. If he had said this earlier… But perhaps it’s better late than never.
— If you’re serious about renting a place and living separately — I’ll think about it. But not just with words, with actions. And your mom can’t interfere in our life.
Andrey sighed:
— Alright. I’ve already found an apartment — a one-bedroom on the outskirts. We’ll look at it tomorrow. Should I pick you up today?
Marina looked at Vika, who silently signaled: “It’s your choice.”
— No, I’ll stay with my friend tonight. If everything is confirmed tomorrow — call me, show me the apartment. Then we’ll decide what to do with the house and the documents.
Andrey agreed, apologized. The conversation ended. Marina felt a sense of relief: maybe her husband wouldn’t let her down after all. But her trust had been shaken.
The next day, he rented the apartment. Empty, uncomfortable, but their own. When Marina arrived, Andrey stood in the hallway with an apologetic smile:
— I’m sorry I didn’t do this earlier. Mom always insisted I live with her. I didn’t want to upset her, I thought you’d put up with it. But now I realize — she crossed the line.
Marina looked around at the bare walls:
— The important thing is that now you’re ready to protect us. But I’m still angry. Yesterday she called me a freeloader. I won’t forget that.
— I understand, — he admitted. — What about your share of the house? Should we keep it?
— For now, yes. I don’t want to live there. Maybe we’ll sell it later. But living under the same roof with your mother — never.
— Alright. I understand. What matters now is that we’re here — together. I’ll try to talk to my dad and explain that mom is too sensitive. Though, knowing her, she probably won’t accept it anytime soon.
Marina shrugged indifferently:
— Let her not accept it, I don’t care. As long as she keeps her mouth shut. And I’m no longer going to depend on her.
Andrey hugged her shoulders:
— I won’t let this happen again. Sorry I didn’t intervene earlier.
She skeptically pressed her lips together, but softened:
— Alright, since we’re starting everything over — let’s give it a try. But remember: if you ever repeat her words about being a “freeloader”… — she smiled bitterly, — I’ll pack my things and disappear forever.
He smiled gently:
— That won’t happen. I promise.
And so they stayed in the modest apartment. After the spacious house, it felt unfamiliar, but Marina felt a heavy burden lift from her shoulders — no more sharp comments, judgmental looks from her mother-in-law. In the beginning, Nina Petrovna called Andrey, angry: “How could you leave us, son? This is your family home!” But he responded firmly that this was better for everyone.
One weekend, Leonid Sergeevich called Marina to apologize for what had happened. He admitted he couldn’t convince his wife, but hoped that Andrey and Marina would visit him occasionally. Marina said she was okay with it, but only if her mother-in-law stopped the insults. Her father-in-law sighed: “I can’t promise, but I’ll try.” Marina doubted anything would change with Nina Petrovna, but for Leonid Sergeevich’s sake, she agreed to the rare visits.
Months passed. Marina slowly settled in, filling the apartment with warmth, and Andrey helped her with everything. They grew closer — now they fell asleep in each other’s arms every night, making plans for the future. The issue of the house share was rarely brought up. Only once did Andrey cautiously ask if she wanted to sell her part, since they weren’t living there anyway. But Marina shook her head:
— Not yet. Let it be as a safety net. You never know…
He didn’t insist. Since then, the issue was left unresolved, but it no longer bothered Marina. She slept peacefully at night, no longer fearing humiliating words. Work, household chores, quiet evenings with her husband — their life found harmony, which was so lacking in her mother-in-law’s house.
Occasionally, Leonid Sergeevich would drop by with jars of pickles: “Mom says hi, even though she won’t admit it.” Marina understood — despite all her arrogance, Nina Petrovna missed her son. But her pride wouldn’t allow her to make the first move.
Marina didn’t seek reconciliation. At least not until her mother-in-law apologized for calling her a “freeloader.” She realized: Nina Petrovna would probably never accept her for who she was. But that didn’t matter anymore. She had her own home, her own husband, her own life. And the documents for her share of the old house lay in a drawer — a reminder of how her mother-in-law had tried to strip her of her dignity and throw her out. But in the end, Marina had left on her own, taking with her the proof of her rights.
One evening, as they watched a movie with pizza, Andrey took her hand:
— Thank you for staying. You could have left forever that day, but you gave us a chance. Sorry I didn’t protect you right away.
She smiled:
— I love you. But back then… I was one step away from leaving. If you hadn’t decided to move out, things might have turned out differently.
He lowered his gaze:
— I’m glad I fixed it in time. Mom, of course, still grumbles, but I’ve learned to stop her. Be honest — don’t you regret marrying me?
Marina shook her head:
— I don’t regret it. It’s just that now we both know the price of independence. And even if your mother forever sees me as a “freeloader” — I don’t care. What matters is that between us, everything is clear.
He kissed her gently on the forehead:
— It will all be okay.
Marina picked up the pizza box and realized that inside her, there was peace and quiet. Finally, she had stopped being an “attachment” to her husband’s family and had become an equal part of their shared union. Yes, her mother-in-law had once called her a “freeloader,” and Marina hadn’t taken it — she had left, but not empty-handed. This act became a lesson for everyone: she wasn’t a helpless shadow, but a person capable of standing up for herself.
The air was filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee — Andrey, as always, had made it for the evening. Marina closed her eyes and thought: “Sometimes happiness is born through pain, if you find mutual understanding in the end.” And so, she finally let go of that day when her mother-in-law had tried to break her with insults. Instead, she had gained something greater — a strong marriage, where both learned to respect each other.