Jake dropped the bombshell at suppertime. “Mum’s
coming tomorrow for tea.”
“Tomorrow?” Alice squeaked, “I’ll never be ready in
time!”
“Calm down,” Jake laughed, “It’s only a flying visit.”
Alice spent all evening cleaning, and in the morning
she put out fresh towels, baked a cake, and weeded the garden. She was
exhausted by the time Daphne arrived.
The cake was a success, and all went well until Daphne
was leaving.
“I’ll just pop to the little girls’ room first,” she
trilled, and Alice watched helplessly as her mother-in-law ran a finger along
the top of the door.
...............................................................................................
I know nothing about seaplanes, apart from the fact that my husband has always wanted to fly in one, so Ted Strutz's photo took me in an entirely different direction. Thanks as always to Rochelle for hosting Friday Fictioneers on her blog. https://rochellewisoff.com/2019/07/31/2-august-2019/ted-strutz-plane/
Ah, mother-in-laws! There's no pleasing them! :-)
ReplyDeleteI am a mother in law, and I hope I'm a nice one!
DeleteDear Liz,
ReplyDeleteVisits from inlaws can cause such undue stress. You've captured the feeling well.
Shalom,
Rochelle
Thanks Rochelle, my first MIL was just as judgemental,
DeleteThere is a reason that mothers-in-law often get a bad rap. Because they can be nasty b*tches!
ReplyDeleteThere speaks a voice of experience!
DeleteMy paternal grandmother did that to my mother, a few weeks after the birth of my sister. She's never forgotten or forgiven her.
ReplyDeleteI should think not. I have a stash of MIL memories I can use in my writing, nnobe of them good.
DeleteOh no! Poor Alice. Loved this take on the photo prompt.
ReplyDeleteSusan A Eames at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Poor Alice indeed, and there's nothing she could do!
DeleteSo well-captured.
ReplyDeleteThanks Lisarey.
DeleteSneak attack! Some people can't be pleased. Alice needs to just do as she will and not let the old bat get to her.
ReplyDeleteWe were selling a house once and I just hated to see a prospective buyer run their hand over something. Some people just go to see houses without even planning to buy. It seems to be a hobby for some. A good story and well written, Liz. ---- Suzanne
ReplyDeleteYes, I have heard that some people treat viewing as a day out. Totally inconsiderate of the owners feelings.
Delete