Anya opened the door and saw her mother-in-law, Lyudmila Petrovna, standing in the doorway with two huge suitcases and an expression that promised nothing good.
«Hello, Anya. I’ve decided to stay with you for a couple of weeks. You know, the countryside is boring, and I have some matters to attend to in the city. I hope you and Dima won’t mind,» declared her mother-in-law without a hint of doubt and stepped inside as if everything had already been decided.
Anya tried to remain calm. She was used to Lyudmila Petrovna showing up unannounced, but this time her patience was beginning to wear thin.
«Lyudmila Petrovna, could you at least call ahead? Dima and I are a bit busy right now—we have plans,» Anya cautiously remarked, trying not to show her irritation.
«Oh, plans! You always have some plans, but a mother, you know, is more important,» the mother-in-law theatrically sighed. «Where should I put the suitcases?»
Anya struggled to hold back from saying exactly where they would be best placed.
A couple of hours later, Dima returned to the apartment. He froze upon seeing his mother in the kitchen, already frying something.
«Mom? What are you doing here?»
«Hello, son! I’ve decided to stay with you for a couple of weeks. Anya already knows. Do you have any objection?»
«Well… we just didn’t know…» Dima stammered, casting a guilty look at his wife.
The following days turned into a real nightmare for Anya. Lyudmila Petrovna criticized literally everything—from the way Anya cooked to the choice of curtains in the living room.
«What kind of soup is this? Water with cabbage? And Dima loves borscht with meat! Are you not feeding him at all?» fumed the mother-in-law.
«Anya, your apartment is so cramped. Your son could buy a bigger place. Is it because of you that he’s saving money?» she added a couple of hours later.
«Anya, why do you come home so late from work? Dima is sitting alone, bored. Where’s the attention for your husband?»
Anya tried not to react, but when her mother-in-law opened her closet and began criticizing her wardrobe, her patience finally ran out.
«Lyudmila Petrovna, you’ve gone too far,» Anya stated firmly.
«What? I’m just trying to help! Anya, you should be grateful that you have such an experienced and wise mother-in-law!» Lyudmila Petrovna retorted with feigned hurt.
That evening, when Dima returned from work, Anya laid everything out on the table.
«Either you tell your mother that it’s time for her to go home, or I’m leaving this apartment. I can’t take it anymore.»
Dima tried to object, but Anya’s serious expression made him realize that arguing was futile.
The next day, Lyudmila Petrovna heard her son gently but firmly asking her to return to the countryside.
«Mom, you know, Anya and I also want to have our own space. We love you, but everyone should have their own life.»
The mother-in-law was shocked.
«So, am I in your way? Fine! I won’t come to you again!» she declared proudly and began packing her things.
Anya and Dima escorted her to a taxi. When the car drove away, Anya exhaled in relief.
«Thank you, Dima. I hope she doesn’t come back for a long time,» she said.
Dima sighed and smiled:
«I think it won’t be for long. After all, she is my mother.»
But Anya already knew that next time she would be prepared for her unexpected visits—and wouldn’t let them ruin her life.
