— Semyon, you didn’t even ask! — Margo slammed the bags down on the table, and apples rolled everywhere. — You just told Mom, “Of course, live here,” but did you think about me?
Semyon scrambled to catch the rolling fruit.
— Margosh, what could I do? Her pipe burst, the apartment is flooded. She can’t live on the street! It’s only for a couple of weeks, just until the repairs…
Margo sighed, trying to compose herself. She started putting the groceries away in the fridge.
— Semyon, we agreed — important decisions are made together. Remember?
— What important decision is this? — Semyon came up behind her, hugging her shoulders. — It’s Mom. Two weeks — you won’t even notice.
Margo pulled away and looked at him doubtfully.
— We have a two-room apartment, Semyon. Where will she sleep? On the sofa in the living room? And what about… our private life?
— We’ll figure something out, — Semyon said confidently. — Mom’s not picky, she said the sofa will do.
Margo smirked.
— Yeah, not picky. Remember New Year? She didn’t eat my salad — because I, apparently, cut the carrots wrong.
— You’re exaggerating, — Semyon waved it off. — Everyone has their quirks. We’ll manage.
Then the phone rang. “Mom” showed on the screen.
— Yes, Mom… Yes, we’ll meet, of course… Tomorrow at two? Okay, I’ll pick you up… How many suitcases? Three?! — he looked guiltily at Margo. — Yeah, yeah, we’ll make room…
Margo stood silently, arms crossed.
— Three suitcases for two weeks? — she asked when he hung up.
— Well, you’re a woman, you should understand, — Semyon tried to joke. — Cosmetics, dresses…
— It’s May, Semyon. What dresses need three suitcases?
— Come on, — he sighed. — Let’s try to make it work for everyone.
Margo took a deep breath.
— Okay, Semyon. I’ll try.
Tatiana Evgenyevna arrived right on time. Semyon brought not only three suitcases but also a bunch of bags.
— Margooshka, sunshine! — the mother-in-law hugged her daughter-in-law, flooding her with a wave of cloying perfume.
— Hello, Tatiana Evgenyevna, — Margo tried hard not to grimace.
— Oh, you look so pale! — the mother-in-law stepped back and looked Margo up and down. — Semyonushka, what, you don’t feed your wife? Skinny as a twig!
— Mom… — Semyon started warningly.
— I’m joking, I’m joking! — Tatiana Evgenyevna laughed and began inspecting the apartment. — So, where will I rest?
— We prepared the sofa, — Margo showed the unfolded sofa with clean sheets. — Hope it’s comfortable.
The mother-in-law looked at the sleeping place and pursed her lips.
— Of course, comfortable. I’m not staying long. Although my back isn’t what it used to be… Well, I’ll manage.
Margo and Semyon exchanged glances.
— Mom, do you need anything else? — Semyon asked.
— No, no, I’m independent. You won’t even notice me!
An hour later, Margo realized those were empty words.
The first week turned into a nightmare. The mother-in-law took over the entire living room: her things everywhere, the TV blaring from morning till night, and the scent of perfume seemed to have soaked into the wallpaper.
But the worst was in the kitchen. Tatiana Evgenyevna, a former math teacher, cooked like solving equations: every piece had to be a precise size, every pinch of salt measured with apothecary accuracy.
— Margooshka, you’re overheating the pan, — she peeked over Margo’s shoulder. — The onions will burn!
— I always cook this way, — Margo replied calmly.
— Well, if you like burnt food… — the mother-in-law shrugged. — Semyonushka doesn’t complain, he’s not picky.
After ten days, Margo caught herself counting the minutes until the mother-in-law’s departure. “Four more days,” she thought, watching Tatiana Evgenyevna rearranging dishes “properly.”
But on the fourteenth day, when Margo cautiously asked about plans, the mother-in-law looked at her in surprise:
— Oh, didn’t Semyon tell you? The repairs are delayed. They need to replace the wiring, says the foreman. At least two more weeks.
Margo felt like something inside her broke. Two more weeks?!
That evening she tried to talk to her husband.
— Semyon, why didn’t you tell me Mom is staying another two weeks?
Semyon shrugged guiltily:
— Forgot. Work’s been crazy, you see — I come home late.
— I thought things would settle soon, — Margo lowered her voice. — Semyon, it’s hard for me. She controls every step I take, moves my things…
— Mom just wants to help, — Semyon rubbed his face. — Listen, not now. I’m exhausted.
Margo wanted to argue but saw that her husband really could barely stand. She postponed the conversation.
Another week passed, and “two weeks” turned into “a little more, they changed the wiring, but there are floor problems.” Then — “the workers left for another project, they’ll be back in a couple of days.”
Margo noticed the mother-in-law getting more and more settled. She brought her own pillow, slippers, even her favorite mug. And Semyon stayed at work later and later — to avoid trouble.
One evening, Margo couldn’t find her planner. She searched everywhere — found it in a stack of her mother-in-law’s magazines. Open, with dog-eared pages.
— Tatiana Evgenyevna, — trying to stay calm, — did you look at my planner?
The mother-in-law tore herself away from the TV:
— Oh, that notebook? Just curious what young people do. In our days, we didn’t write down every sneeze.
— It’s personal, — Margo said firmly. — There are work notes, meetings… Please don’t touch my things.
— Oh, how important we are! — Tatiana Evgenyevna threw up her hands. — What secret is there? I’m not a stranger, I’m your husband’s mother!
Margo felt her patience run out. She grabbed her phone and went out to the balcony to call her mother.
— Mom, I can’t take it anymore, — she whispered, closing the door behind her. — She’s been here a month already. Rummaging through things, criticizing everything. And Semyon acts like he doesn’t see!
Nina Yuryevna, calm and wise as always, listened to her daughter.
— Darling, maybe I should come for the weekend? Support you. And talk to Tatiana — we’re both future grandmothers, we need to find common ground.
— Mom, that would be wonderful, — Margo sighed. — Come on Saturday, I’ve missed you so much.
That evening she told her husband about her mother’s visit.
— My mom is coming Saturday. Just for the weekend.
Semyon froze, holding his shirt.
— Saturday? Why so sudden?
— Sudden? — Margo was surprised. — I haven’t seen her for ages. And your mom has been living here for a month, but mine can’t come for two days?
Semyon sighed:
— Margosh, now’s not the time for guests. You said yourself — it’s cramped.
— Wait a minute, — Margo couldn’t believe her ears. — Your mom has occupied the living room for months, but mine can’t come for the weekend?
— That’s different, — Semyon tried to explain. — Mom had an emergency…
— An emergency from a month ago? — Margo raised her voice. — Semyon, I spoke with Valentina yesterday, your mom’s neighbor. The repairs finished two weeks ago!
Semyon looked embarrassed:
— Maybe some unfinished stuff…
— No unfinished stuff! — Margo lost control. — Everything is ready. Your mom just decided to live here, and you indulge her. And yet you refuse my mom? How come, Semyon?
A knock interrupted their argument. Tatiana Evgenyevna stood in the doorway in a robe.
— What’s all this noise? What are you arguing about?
— My mom wants to come for the weekend, — Margo said dryly.
— Ninochka? — the mother-in-law smiled. — Lovely. But where will she sleep? The sofa is taken.
— Exactly, — Semyon supported. — We need to postpone.
Margo looked from her husband to her mother-in-law — couldn’t believe her ears.
— Your mom can stay for months, but mine — no? — she exclaimed. — Mom will sleep in our bedroom, and you and I will be in the living room. Or you take the folding bed, and I’ll stay with Mom.
— That’s inconvenient… — Semyon started.
— And me sleeping until midnight with the TV on — is that convenient? — Margo couldn’t stop. — No, Semyon. My mom is coming. Period!
She turned and left, leaving them stunned.
The next day, the tension only grew. Tatiana Evgenyevna began “accidentally” mentioning in front of her son how Margo “is rude” and “doesn’t respect elders.” Margo pretended not to hear.
On Thursday, neighbors Anton and Lena came by. The mother-in-law instantly charmed them with stories and pies. Margo stepped out for a moment and overheard the mother-in-law whispering:
— Poor Semyon has a hard time with her. So stubborn, never gives in. I’m trying to help, and she just snaps…
Margo froze at the door. Anger surged. She wanted to enter and say everything — but realized it would only confirm the mother-in-law’s words. She sighed deeply and returned to the kitchen. Pretended she didn’t hear.
Work became her only salvation. The travel agency’s season started, and Margo happily stayed late — just to avoid going home.
She especially grew close to her colleague Andrey — recently divorced, he understood family problems well.
— I had a similar story, — he said over lunch. — My ex-mother-in-law constantly meddled in our lives. I put up with it for my wife’s sake. Then I realized no one will respect your boundaries unless you set them.
— But how do you set them if your husband doesn’t support you? — Margo asked bitterly.
— Your husband must choose — Mom or wife, — Andrey said seriously. — And if he chooses Mom… then you have to think about the future.
Margo nodded thoughtfully. Andrey was right, but it didn’t make things easier.
Friday was especially hard. Margo came home to find Tatiana Evgenyevna had “tidied up” the bedroom.
— I was just preparing the room for Ninochka, — she said innocently when Margo caught her going through the closet. — You have so much junk! When did you last wear this blouse?
— Tatiana Evgenyevna, — Margo tried to stay calm. — I appreciate your… care. But next time please ask before touching my things.
— Ungrateful! — the mother-in-law shook her head. — I just want to help. At your age, I already raised two children and kept the house in order.
Margo bit her lip to keep from snapping. Then Semyon called — running late, celebrating a project.
All evening, the mother-in-law talked about how exemplary Semyon was as a child and how important it is for a wife to create comfort. Margo nodded, wishing the day would end soon.
On Saturday, Nina Yuryevna arrived for lunch, as promised. She brought a homemade pie, gifts for everyone — even a beautiful scarf for the mother-in-law.
— Tanya, how glad I am! — she smiled sincerely, hugging Tatiana Evgenyevna. — It’s been ages!
— Yes, yes, Ninochka, — the mother-in-law answered reservedly, accepting the gift. — Very kind of you.
Lunch passed tensely. The mother-in-law criticized every dish, Semyon awkwardly smoothed things over, Nina Yuryevna stayed friendly but observant.
After lunch, Semyon offered to wash dishes, the mother-in-law went to “rest.” Mother and daughter stayed alone.
— It’s hard for you, — Nina Yuryevna said, looking into Margo’s eyes. — I see everything.
— Oh, Mom, — Margo hugged her. — So tired. She controls every step, criticizes everything. And Semyon…
— Semyon’s afraid to upset his mother, — Nina Yuryevna finished. — Men are often like that. But, Margosha, talk to him seriously. Otherwise, it’ll never end.
That evening, Semyon suggested watching a movie together. But when they turned on Margo’s choice, the mother-in-law yawned dramatically and commented on every scene. Eventually, they switched to her show.
— That’s how we live, — Margo quietly told her mother in the kitchen. — Always by her rules.
— Hang in there, girl, — Nina Yuryevna squeezed her hand. — You and Semyon must solve this together. You love him, right?
— I do, — Margo sighed. — That’s why I put up with it.
— Patience is good, but in moderation, — her mother wisely remarked. — Sometimes you have to show character.
Sunday started with a surprise. At breakfast, the mother-in-law announced she got a message from neighbor Valentina:
— Can you imagine, the repairs have been done for ages! Two weeks ago! And these workers didn’t even tell anyone. Outrageous!
Margo almost choked on her tea. She looked at Semyon — he buried his face in the plate.
— Is that so? — Nina Yuryevna said calmly. — Then you can go home, Tatiana?
— Well, not so fast, — the mother-in-law protested. — I need to check if everything is okay. Maybe they messed up. And I have to get used to the new place… Semyon said I can stay as long as I want, right, son?
Semyon shrugged vaguely:
— Of course, Mom, but maybe you should check the apartment today…
— That’s what I’m saying, — Margo interrupted. — Tatiana Evgenyevna, Semyon can take you today, see that everything is fine.
— Today? — the mother-in-law’s eyes widened. — But we have guests! Nina came…
— Don’t worry about me, — Nina Yuryevna smiled. — I’m leaving tomorrow, and you should take care of your own things.
After breakfast, the mother-in-law went shopping, Nina Yuryevna packed. Margo finally managed to talk with her husband.
— Semyon, did you know the repairs were finished?
Semyon lowered his eyes guiltily:
— I suspected. Valentina called a week ago, but Mom said she wanted to stay longer…
— And you didn’t discuss it with me? — Margo felt her anger rising. — Semyon, this is my home too! I have the right to know who lives here and for how long!
— I didn’t want to upset Mom, — Semyon mumbled. — She said she was lonely…
— Aren’t you afraid to upset me? — Margo crossed her arms. — Do you know how many times I cried in the bathroom? I can’t take the nagging and control anymore!
Semyon looked stunned:
— I didn’t know… You didn’t say…
— I said! Many times! But you only hear Mom, — tears welled up. — Semyon, I’m your wife. We’re family. If you can’t put us first…
She didn’t finish, but Semyon understood.
— Margosh, let’s not be so harsh, — he tried to hug her, but she pulled away. — I’ll talk to Mom. I promise.
— Today, — she said firmly. — Either she goes home, or I’ll stay at Olga’s. I need to think about our future.
Nina Yuryevna entered the room:
— Sorry to interrupt. But you need to resolve this between yourselves.
— Mom’s right, — Margo nodded. — This is our decision, Semyon. And I need to know — am I first for you or not?
When the mother-in-law returned from the store, Semyon offered to help unpack. Margo heard their conversation in the kitchen — louder and louder.
— Mom, you can’t stay here forever, — Semyon said firmly.
— Oh, so you care about your mother! — Tatiana Evgenyevna protested. — It’s all her fault, right? Turning your own son against his mother!
— No one’s turning anyone against anyone, — Semyon’s voice sounded unusually resolute. — But Margo and I have our own life. You must respect that.
Half an hour later, Semyon came out looking determined:
— I’ll take Mom home today. Help her check the apartment.
Margo sighed in relief and gratefully squeezed her husband’s hand. Maybe not all is lost.
That evening Semyon came back late — exhausted but with new resolve in his eyes.
— Mom’s very upset, — he sat on the bed beside her. — She thinks you turned me against her. That I betrayed her.
— What did you say? — Margo asked cautiously.
— That I love you. That our home is our space, — he took her hand. — I told her she can visit, but give advance notice. And two weeks max.
Margo felt the tension ease.
— How is she?
— Not good, — Semyon rubbed his neck. — At first, she cried, then accused me. Said I’m throwing her out. Had to remind her — she has her own apartment with repairs done.
— And?
— She reluctantly agreed to live there. But said she’ll visit every weekend to check how I manage without her.
Margo smiled involuntarily:
— Well, I can handle a couple-hour visit.
In the morning, Nina Yuryevna was leaving. Saying goodbye, she quietly said:
— Remember, Margosha — in relationships it’s important to set boundaries from the start. Even with your mother-in-law.
— I realized that too late, — Margo sighed.
— Better late than never, — her mother said wisely. — The main thing is Semyon supports you. That’s a good sign.
When her mother left, the apartment felt unusually quiet. Margo walked through the rooms with pleasure, putting things back in place.
— Strange to see the living room empty, — Semyon said, helping with the books.
— But it’s ours again, — she rested her head on his shoulder. — Thank you for talking to Mom.
— Sorry I didn’t do it sooner, — Semyon hugged her. — I didn’t understand how hard it was for you.
Their idyll was interrupted by the phone. “Mom” on the screen.
— Semyonushka, — a loud voice. — Could you come? I think the workers connected the washing machine wrong…
Semyon looked at Margo:
— Mom, I’m busy right now. Ask Nikolay Petrovich, the neighbor. He knows about this stuff.
— But, Semyonushka…
— Mom, I’ll come after work tomorrow, — he said firmly. — Today Margo and I are spending time together.
He ended the call, smiling apologetically:
— This won’t be easy, right?
— Not easy, — Margo agreed. — But we’ll manage.
Two weeks passed. Life gradually improved, though the mother-in-law regularly called with “emergency” requests. Semyon learned to politely but firmly refuse when the requests were clearly exaggerated.
On Saturday, Tatiana Evgenyevna came “for tea,” as promised. She brought a pie, acted as if nothing had happened.
— How are you without me? — she asked, looking around critically. — Semyonushka, your shirt is wrinkled. Doesn’t Margo iron for you?
— I forgot to iron it myself, Mom, — Semyon answered before Margo could protest. — Everything’s fine.
— How’s your repair? — Margo changed the subject. — Did everything turn out as you wanted?
— Oh, the workers are so clumsy, — the mother-in-law waved her hand. — If not for Valentina, I’d still be suffering. By the way, Semyonushka, you need to change the chandelier in the living room…
— Let me find you an electrician, — Margo offered. — We have reliable contacts at work.
The mother-in-law pursed her lips:
— No need. Semyonushka always did it himself.
— Mom, a professional should install the chandelier, — Semyon said firmly. — I’ll pay, don’t worry.
Tatiana Evgenyevna snorted unhappily but didn’t argue.
When she left, Margo and Semyon exchanged looks and sighed simultaneously.
— That was… bearable, — Margo smiled.
— Progress, — Semyon agreed.
The next week, Margo learned that the mother-in-law was again complaining about her to acquaintances. She overheard in a store, hiding behind a shelf.
— Can you imagine, they kicked me out! — Tatiana Evgenyevna told neighbors. — I just wanted to help. That Margo is so ungrateful. Poor Semyonushka…
Margo wanted to step out and speak up but remembered her mother’s advice: “Don’t stoop to her level.”
She waited until the mother-in-law left, then approached the neighbors.
— Hi! Long time no see. How are you?
— Fine, — Lena answered shyly. — Has Tatiana Evgenyevna returned home?
— Yes, to her renovated apartment, — Margo said calmly. — You know, it’s hard when three adults with different habits live in a two-room flat. Especially when one doesn’t respect others’ boundaries.
Anton and Lena exchanged looks.
— Yeah, probably, — Anton said hesitantly. — Listen, sorry if we…
— It’s okay, — Margo smiled. — Just remember — every story has two sides.
At home, she told Semyon:
— Your mom keeps telling everyone what a bad daughter-in-law I am.
Semyon frowned:
— I’ll talk to her.
— Don’t, — Margo shook her head. — It’s useless. She won’t change. The important thing is that we know the truth.
— So what do we do?
— Live our own life. Set boundaries. Don’t let them manipulate us.
A month later was their anniversary. The third. Margo booked a restaurant in advance and took the day off.
The day before the celebration, the mother-in-law called:
— Semyonushka, I feel bad, — weak voice. — My blood pressure is up. Come, please. I’m scared alone…
Margo saw her husband hesitate.
— Mom, maybe call a doctor? — he suggested.
— No, no, they’ll hospitalize me. I just need someone nearby… What if I get worse at night?
Semyon covered the phone and looked at Margo:
— What to do? She has high blood pressure…
— Semyon, tomorrow is our anniversary, — Margo reminded him. — The restaurant’s booked. And your mom always “gets sick” when we have plans.
— But what if she really is sick?
Margo sighed:
— Okay. Go now, call a doctor, make sure everything’s okay, and come back. If needed — we’ll ask Valentina to watch her tonight.
Semyon nodded with relief:
— Thanks. I’ll be quick.
But “quick” wasn’t to be. He came back only at night — the doctor said everything was fine, but Mom got so upset he had to calm her down.
Margo stayed silent but was boiling inside.
The next morning, on the anniversary day, the mother-in-law again:
— Semyonushka, I feel worse. Didn’t sleep all night. Stay with me today?
Semyon looked guiltily at his wife:
— Margosh, maybe we should postpone the restaurant? I can’t leave her like this…
That was the last straw.
— No, Semyon, — Margo said firmly. — We won’t postpone. Three years ago we promised to be together. And today I will celebrate — with you or without you.
She grabbed her purse and headed to the door.
— Wait, — Semyon caught her hand. — Let’s decide together.
— There’s nothing to decide, — she freed herself. — Either you come with me, or not. Choose.
She left without looking back. Her heart was pounding, tears welled up, but she knew she was doing the right thing.
At the restaurant, she sat alone at a table for two. Andrey, a colleague, approached.
— Margo? Why are you here alone? — he was surprised.
— Celebrating our anniversary, — she smiled bitterly. — Only my husband chose his mom.
Andrey sat down without asking:
— Tell me.
And Margo told everything she’d been holding inside. How she felt like an outsider in her own home, about her mother-in-law’s manipulations, about her husband’s weakness.
— You know, — Andrey said after listening, — sometimes you have to make a person realize what they might lose. Maybe then he’ll think.
The phone rang. Mother-in-law.
— Margo, come home immediately! — no greeting. — Your behavior is unacceptable! Leaving your husband when his mother is ill!
— Tatiana Evgenyevna, — Margo answered calmly, — today is my and Semyon’s anniversary. I’m at the restaurant where we planned to celebrate. If Semyon wants — I’ll be glad. If not — it’s his choice.
— Selfish! — the mother-in-law exclaimed. — I’ll tell your mother what kind of daughter she raised!
— Please do. Mom is always open to dialogue. Say hi.
She hung up the phone.
— I have to go, — she said to Andrey. — Thanks for listening.
— Want me to walk you out? — he offered.
— No, thanks. I need to be alone.
Margo didn’t go home. She went to Olga’s and told her everything.
— Stay as long as you need, — her friend said. — Maybe Semyon will finally realize.
An hour later, Semyon started calling. Margo didn’t answer. She wrote only: “I need to think. I’m at Olga’s.”
She stayed with her friend for three days. Went to work, thought about her marriage. She loved Semyon but could no longer live in the shadow of his mother.
On the third day, a knock on the door. Semyon stood with a huge bouquet, looking guilty.
— May I come in? — he asked.
Margo silently stepped aside.
— I was wrong, — he started immediately. — In everything. I let Mom manipulate us, put her above you, didn’t notice how hard it was for you.
— And what changed? — she crossed her arms.
— I talked to my father, — he ran his hand through his hair. — Do you know why they divorced? Mom controlled every step, threw tantrums if he didn’t comply. And I almost did the same — almost lost the most precious thing.
He handed her the bouquet:
— I’m not asking for forgiveness — I know words aren’t enough. I want to prove with actions — you’re the most important to me. I found a caregiver for Mom — she’ll come if she needs help. And I told Mom — I won’t allow manipulation anymore.
— How is she? — Margo asked, taking the flowers.
— Bad, — he admitted honestly. — She said I’m a traitor, that I chose my wife over my mother. But I said — I’m not choosing between you. I just set priorities. And my priority is our family, you and me.
Tears filled Margo’s eyes:
— Semyon, I want to believe. Truly. But…
— No “buts,” — he took her hands. — I understand everything. I’ll change. Give me a chance to prove it.
That evening they talked a long time — about how to build their relationship moving forward. Margo set conditions: no sudden visits from the mother-in-law, no manipulations, and most importantly — Semyon must always support his wife.
— We’re a team, — she said. — We have to be united.
Three months passed. Their relationship gradually healed. Semyon kept his word — hired a helper for his mother, set clear boundaries.
The mother-in-law, of course, didn’t surrender. She continued manipulating, complaining to acquaintances about the “cruel daughter-in-law,” but Semyon remained firm.
One Sunday, they invited Nina Yuryevna. Margo was nervous, but the meeting went calmly.
In the evening, as her mother was about to leave, the phone rang. “Mom.”
— Semyon, you promised to stop by, — no greeting. — The bathroom light bulb needs changing, I can’t reach it.
— Mom, we have guests, — he answered calmly. — I’ll come after work tomorrow.
— But I need it today! I can’t take a shower in the dark!
— Put a table lamp temporarily. Or call the building manager — they’ll help.
— So your mother-in-law is more important than your mother? — tears in her voice.
— Mom, it’s not about that. We planned the meeting in advance. I can’t drop everything and come at the first call.
— I see, — coldly. — Now I know my place in your life.
She hung up. Semyon sighed, looked apologetically at Margo and her mother:
— Sorry.
— It’s okay, — Nina Yuryevna said softly. — Tatiana needs time to get used to the new rules. Don’t give up.
When her mother left, Margo hugged her husband:
— Thank you for not giving in. I know it’s hard for you.
— But it’s right, — Semyon smiled. — Mom won’t change, but we can change how we respond to her behavior.
That night, Margo thought about how her life had changed. No, her mother-in-law hadn’t become different. Still tried to control, manipulate, intrude. But now Semyon and she had protection — clear boundaries and unity.
Margo had no illusions — the confrontation would never end. The mother-in-law wouldn’t admit she was wrong, wouldn’t change her attitude. But the main thing — she could no longer come between them.
And that was their victory.