I don’t give a damn where your mother lives, but if you want to spare her the indignity of being hauled out feet-first, she’s never stepping foot in this house

I don’t care where your mother ends up living, but if you don’t want her dragged out of this house feet first, she’ll never step inside.

“Mom’s coming to stay with us for a month,” Grigory said, drying his hands with a kitchen towel. “Olga’s seeing someone now, and they need space to live together. Mom just gets in their way.”

Nadezhda froze, clutching a half-washed plate. Soap bubbles dripped slowly down her fingers into the sink.

“Say that again,” she said, her voice eerily calm.

Grigory leaned against the doorframe, avoiding her gaze.

“Mom needs a place to stay while Olga…”

“No,” Nadezhda cut him off, slamming the plate down. “No, no, and a thousand times no. Your mother will never set foot in this house.”

— Nadya, where else can she go? — Grigory shrugged. — She can’t live on the street.

Nadezhda sharply turned to her husband, splashing drops of soapy water.

— I don’t care where your mother will live, but she will never live here, not if you don’t want her carried out feet first!

— Why are you so stubborn?!

— Did you forget what happened last time?

Grigory grimaced. Of course, he remembered. A month ago, his mother, Lyudmila Sergeevna, stayed with them for just two days, but that was enough to cause a scandal their two-room apartment had never seen before. From the first minute, Lyudmila Sergeevna started nitpicking at Nadezhda — the lunch was bad, there was some smell she didn’t like, Nadezhda dressed indecently. The daughter-in-law’s patience snapped when the mother-in-law directly accused her of having affairs at work. Words escalated into a physical fight — literally. Grigory still recalled with horror how he had to separate them, bloodied and disheveled, like two enraged cats.

— This is a different situation, — he said uncertainly. — Mom promised she would behave.

Dinosaurs Spine at Hang Dong, Ta Xua, Son La seen from above
— She better have, — Nadezhda snorted, wiping her hands on her apron. — Listen, Grisha, let’s be honest. Your mother hates me. I hate her too, if you want to know. We can’t be in the same room for more than an hour without a fight. And you’re suggesting we live together for a whole month?

Grigory rubbed the bridge of his nose.

— I understand you don’t get along…

— Don’t get along? — Nadezhda laughed nervously. — Grisha, last time I almost scratched her eyes out. And she almost broke my nose. We both were bleeding. And you call that “not getting along”?

— But where can she go? — Grigory repeated stubbornly. — Olga has a one-room apartment; three people won’t fit there.

— So we’re supposed to fit here? — Nadezhda crossed her arms. — We don’t live in a palace, if you didn’t notice. Where is your mother supposed to sleep? In the kitchen? Or maybe in our bedroom? I can only imagine what comments she’ll make about our intimate life.

Grigory sighed. He knew the conversation would be difficult, but still wasn’t prepared.

— There’s a folding bed… — he started.

— No, — cut her off Nadezhda. — I won’t sleep in the same apartment with a woman who thinks I’m promiscuous and slovenly. And I won’t allow her to poison our life with her constant complaints and insinuations.

— She is my mother, — Grigory said quietly.

— And I am your wife, — Nadezhda retorted. — And this is our apartment. I have the right to decide who lives here.

— I have that right too, — Grigory’s voice grew firmer. — And I say my mother will live with us until Olga sorts out her personal life.

Nadezhda slowly took off her apron and hung it on a hook.

— So be it, — she said with an icy tone. — If your mother crosses this apartment’s threshold, consider that you no longer have a wife. Choose — either me or her.

They looked at each other across the small kitchen, and Grigory suddenly realized his wife was completely serious. This was not an ordinary family quarrel that would end in reconciliation and compromise. This was a real threat.

Grigory stepped out to the stair landing and took out his phone. The conversation with his wife had reached a dead end, and he decided to call his sister. Maybe Olga could figure something out.

— Olya, — he said when his sister answered. — We have a problem with Mom.

— Don’t tell me Nadya’s against it, — irritation crept into Olga’s voice. — Grish, I asked you. Just one month.

— You don’t understand, — Grigory lowered his voice, glancing at the apartment door. — Last time they almost killed each other. Nadya is categorically refusing.

— What do you want me to do? — hysterical notes appeared in Olga’s voice. — I lived with Mom for five years, tolerated her endless nagging and lectures. Sergey is the first man who took me seriously. If Mom stays with us, he’ll run away in a week!

Grigory leaned against the wall, feeling a headache coming on.

— Maybe we rent her an apartment? — he suggested without much hope.

— With what money, Grish? — Olga bitterly chuckled. — You know how much I earn. And you yourself always complain there’s not enough money.

— Then what to do? Nadya won’t let her in, that’s for sure.

— Talk to her like a human! — Olga exclaimed. — Explain it’s temporary. Mom is a person too, not a stranger to you.

Grigory barely stifled a laugh. His sister had no idea what their mother was capable of when it came to Nadya.

— I’ll try talking to Nadya again, — he said without enthusiasm. — But I don’t promise anything.

After finishing the call, Grigory thought maybe he should call his mother? Maybe she’d find a way out herself?

Lyudmila Sergeevna answered on the first ring, as if waiting for the call.

— Grisha, did you agree with Nadya? — she asked instead of a greeting. — When will you pick me up?

— Mom, here’s the thing… — Grigory hesitated. — Nadya is a little against it.

— A little against? — his mother’s voice gained familiar steel notes. — What does “a little against” mean?

— Well, she remembered last time…

— What last time? — Lyudmila Sergeevna interrupted. — I just told her the truth, and she attacked me like a wild cat. And I’m to blame?

Grigory took a deep breath. Here we go again.

— Mom, you both were bad. But now it’s not about that. Nadya is absolutely against you living with us.

— So your wife won’t let her mother onto the street? — Lyudmila Sergeevna’s voice trembled. — What, am I supposed to live under a bridge now?

— Nobody is throwing you out, — Grigory answered wearily. — It’s just a small apartment, and…

— And there’s no room for your mother in it, — Lyudmila Sergeevna finished for him. — Understood. I get it, son. Don’t worry. I’ll manage somehow. At my age, with my blood pressure… But I’ll survive.

Grigory grimaced. His mother knew exactly which buttons to push.

— Mom, please, — he begged. — I’ll try talking to Nadya again. Maybe she’ll agree for a couple of weeks.

— Don’t bother, — Lyudmila Sergeevna said bitterly. — I understand everything. A stranger woman is more important to you than your own mother. Olga also left me for the first guy she met. Well, I guess I’m a bad mother if my children treat me like this.

— Mom…

— Don’t explain anything, — his mother cut him off. — Just know this: when that Nadya of yours leaves you — and she will, I’m sure — don’t come to me crying.

Lyudmila Sergeevna hung up, and Grigory stood for several seconds, holding the phone to his ear listening to the dial tone.

When he returned to the apartment, Nadezhda was sitting in the kitchen flipping through a magazine. She looked up at her husband, saw his face, and immediately guessed who he had been talking to.

— Already complained? — she asked, closing the magazine. — Told her how bad I am?

— Nadya, let’s not do this, — Grigory said wearily, sitting across from her. — Let’s just calmly discuss the situation.

— Nothing to discuss, — Nadezhda cut him off. — I’ve made my position clear. Your mother will not live here. Never.

— Two weeks, — Grigory proposed. — Just two weeks, until Olga sorts her stuff out. Mom will behave, I’ll talk to her.

— Didn’t you talk to her last time? — Nadezhda raised an eyebrow skeptically. — Grisha, you know your mother. She thinks she has the right to tell everyone how to live. Especially me. I won’t tolerate her presence, much less her remarks.

The next three days in Nadezhda and Grigory’s apartment were tense silence. They barely spoke, and when they did, only about necessary household matters. Grigory slept on the couch in the living room; Nadezhda locked herself in the bedroom. The deadlock seemed unsolvable.

On the fourth day, Grigory came home early from work. Nadezhda hadn’t returned yet, so he took the chance to call his mother.

— Mom, I agreed with Nadya, — he lied, deciding to present his wife with a fait accompli. — You can stay with us for two weeks. Then we’ll see.

— Really? — Lyudmila Sergeevna sounded doubtful. — She agreed?

— Yes, — Grigory kept lying, feeling an unpleasant chill in his stomach. — But on one condition: no conflicts. Promise to behave calmly?

— Grishenka, I always behave calmly, — Lyudmila Sergeevna took offense. — Your wife is the one who starts scandals for no reason.

Grigory closed his eyes. Here it comes.

— Mom, please. I’m begging you. Don’t criticize Nadya, don’t make remarks, don’t interfere in our affairs. Just quietly stay with us until Olga solves her problems.

— Of course, son, — Lyudmila Sergeevna sang sweetly. — I’ll sit in a corner so your princess doesn’t notice me. Don’t worry.

— I’ll pick you up tomorrow after work, — Grigory said, ignoring the sarcasm. — Just pack the essentials.

After the call, he sat on the couch and wrapped his hands around his head. What he planned was risky, but he saw no other way. Nadya would never agree nicely, and mother… Mother wouldn’t understand why her son couldn’t shelter her for a couple of weeks.

Grigory didn’t hear the front door open. He snapped back only when Nadezhda entered the living room and froze, seeing him home so early.

— Something happened? — she asked anxiously.

— Nadya, we need to talk seriously, — Grigory straightened and looked her in the eyes. — I decided that Mom will live with us. Just two weeks.

Nadezhda’s face changed — as if a door slammed, cutting off all emotions.

— Didn’t you get me last time? — she asked quietly. — I said no. That means no.

— Nadya, she’s my mother, — Grigory stood up. — I can’t throw her out. She’s an elderly woman with nowhere to go.

— And Olga? — Nadezhda crossed her arms. — Why can your sister make your mother leave, but you can’t?

— Because Olga’s apartment is very small, — Grigory answered, though he knew it was an excuse. — Besides, I already called Mom. Told her I’ll pick her up tomorrow.

Nadezhda froze as if struck.

— What did you do? — her voice sounded unnaturally calm. — You invited her here without even asking me?

— I tried to ask you for three days, — Grigory objected. — You didn’t want to talk.

— Because the conversation was over! — Nadezhda exclaimed. — I said no! Do you not respect me so much that you make decisions behind my back?

— This is not a matter of respect, — Grigory felt irritation rising. — It’s a matter of basic humanity. My mother needs help.

— And what about me? — Nadezhda stepped closer, her eyes shining with fury. — I need a husband who respects my decisions. A home where I feel safe. A life without constant humiliation from your mother!

— Nadya, no one intends to humiliate you…

— No? — she interrupted. — What do you call what happened last time? Or did you forget how your mother insulted and humiliated me in front of guests? How she said I shouldn’t wear tight clothes because of my figure? How she constantly insinuated that I’m cheating on you with colleagues?

Grigory was silent. He had no argument — it really happened.

— I’ll talk to her, — he finally said. — She will behave properly.

— No, Grisha, — Nadezhda shook her head. — You don’t understand. It’s not about whether she behaves or not. It’s that you made a decision that concerns both of us without consulting me. You chose your mother’s side, not mine.

— I didn’t choose anyone! — Grigory exclaimed. — Why do you reduce everything to a choice? I just want to help my mother!

— At my expense? — Nadezhda bitterly smiled. — You know what? If you want to live with Mom so much — live with her yourself. I won’t tolerate her in my house.

— Our house, — Grigory corrected.

— Another reason why I should have a say in who lives here, — Nadezhda retorted.

They stood opposite each other, separated by an invisible wall of misunderstanding.

— So you’re giving me an ultimatum? — Grigory asked quietly. — Either your mother or me?

— You gave it when you invited her without my consent, — Nadezhda replied. — And you made your choice. Now it’s my turn — and I’m not going to tolerate it.

The next morning, Grigory woke on the couch feeling something in his life had irreparably broken. Nadezhda had already left for work — he hadn’t even heard her getting ready. On the kitchen table was a cup of cold coffee — for him. This simple gesture somehow made Grigory feel even worse.

The day dragged on endlessly. He couldn’t concentrate at work, constantly checking his phone hoping for a message from his wife. But Nadya was silent.

After work, as promised, he went to pick up his mother. Lyudmila Sergeevna waited for him at the entrance with a small suitcase and a bag.

— Grishenka, finally, — she hugged her son. — I thought you’d changed your mind.

— Mom, we need to talk seriously, — Grigory said helping her into the car. — Nadya is very against your coming.

— Really? — Lyudmila Sergeevna snorted. — What a surprise.

— Mom, I’m serious, — Grigory turned to her without starting the engine. — If you hurt her even once, make a single remark — you’ll have to leave. I’m not joking.

— So your wife can criticize me, but I can’t criticize her? — Lyudmila Sergeevna raised an eyebrow. — Fair enough, I can’t argue.

Grigory took a deep breath, fighting irritation.

— Mom, you’re coming to our home. Please respect the hostess.

— As you say, son, — Lyudmila Sergeevna pursed her lips demonstratively. — I’ll keep as quiet as a mouse.

When they arrived at Grigory’s building, it was already dark. Riding the elevator, Grigory was nervous as if going to the gallows. He hoped Nadya hadn’t returned yet — that would give him time to prepare his mother for the meeting.

But when he opened the apartment door, the hallway light was on. Nadya was home.

— Nadya, it’s me, — Grigory called, helping his mother take off her coat. — We’re home.

Nadya appeared in the kitchen doorway. Her face was pale but calm.

— Hello, Lyudmila Sergeevna, — she said formally. — Please come in.

Lyudmila Sergeevna nodded and entered the living room, where Grigory had already set up the sofa bed. Nadya turned to go to the bedroom, but Grigory caught her hand.

— Nadya, thank you, — he whispered. — I promise, it won’t be long.

— I’m not doing it for you, — Nadya replied quietly, pulling her hand away. — I’m doing it for myself. I don’t want to be a monster who throws an elderly woman out on the street.

Lyudmila Sergeevna, pretending to settle on the sofa, watched them carefully.

— Nadya, — she called, — could you give me a towel?

— Of course, — Nadya replied and went to the bathroom.

When she returned with a towel, Lyudmila Sergeevna met her with an understanding smile.

— Don’t worry, dear, — she said taking the towel. — I’m not going to interfere in your life. After all, this is your home, and I’m just a guest.

Nadya nodded but didn’t answer. Something in her mother-in-law’s tone made her wary.

— Dinner is in the kitchen, — she told Grigory. — I’ve eaten, so entertain each other.

With that, she left for the bedroom and closed the door.

The first three days went relatively quietly. Lyudmila Sergeevna seemed to really try not to interfere. She barely left the living room, watched TV with headphones, and politely thanked Nadya for the food. Nadya, in turn, tried to stay out of the house as much as possible, staying late at work.

On the fourth day, Grigory was urgently called on a business trip.

— I’ll be back in two days, — he told Nadya before leaving. — Can you hold out?

— Of course, — she replied coldly. — Nothing to worry about.

As soon as the door closed behind Grigory, the atmosphere in the apartment changed. Lyudmila Sergeevna left her voluntary confinement in the living room and headed to the kitchen, where Nadya was preparing dinner.

— Finally, we’re alone, — she said sitting at the table. — We can talk like women.

— We have nothing to talk about, Lyudmila Sergeevna, — Nadya continued chopping vegetables without looking at her mother-in-law.

— On the contrary, — she replied. — We have a lot to talk about. For example, how you manipulate my son.

The knife in Nadya’s hand froze.

— I don’t manipulate anyone, — she said, still not turning around. — Unlike some.

— Oh? And what do you call what you do? — Lyudmila Sergeevna leaned forward. — Forcing him to choose between me and you. Isn’t that manipulation?

Nadya slowly put down the knife on the cutting board and turned around.

— You’ve been here for four days, — she said quietly. — Four days, and you already can’t hold back. What will it be in a week? Or two?

— The truth hurts, doesn’t it? — Lyudmila Sergeevna smirked.

— No, you just can’t live without scandal, — Nadya crossed her arms. — You were waiting for Grisha to leave.

— I hoped for that.

— That’s what I’m talking about. You should sit quietly and peacefully until he comes back, otherwise… I’ll speak differently. — Nadya said threateningly.

— How’s that? What will you do to me? If you kick me out, my Grishenka will destroy you! Or do you want to go jump around with your “colleagues” again? I know what you do at your work and how you get bonuses! I know all of it! But Grisha is a blind fool; he believes you…

When Grigory returned from the business trip, he found his mother in the hospital, his wife’s things gone, and learned she had already filed for divorce. It was a big shock to him since he didn’t know what had happened here. His wife didn’t answer calls or messages, neither did his mother.

After an hour at home trying to reach someone, his sister called and told him their mother was hospitalized with a knife wound, that his wife stabbed her in the shoulder, then called ambulance and police herself. But Nadya was not charged with bodily harm because she filmed everything that happened at home right after he left, and his mother was the first to attack her in their home.

Grisha realized calling his wife was pointless. She would never forgive him for not listening and bringing his mother home.

Now his mother was in the hospital, his wife whereabouts unknown, and the apartment he was in would soon be divided, because his wife wouldn’t leave him anything just like that.

He began to be tormented by guilt, that it was all his fault, and… in fact, it was…