I never imagined my husband would make me feel like an unwanted guest in my own home. When he invited his entire family to stay without asking me, I tried to stand my ground. But after he humiliated me in front of everyone, I made a decision he never saw coming.
“We’re all here waiting for you to make breakfast. Hurry up!”
I stared at the message from my mother-in-law while standing in the grocery store.
Six people were apparently sitting in my apartment, waiting for me to feed them.
I called my husband.
“Patrick, why is your mother in our apartment?”
“Hurry up!”
“Because they’re visiting. I told you.”
“I told you we didn’t have room!”
“Clarissa, I’m carrying luggage. Can we talk later?”
He hung up.
I abandoned half my shopping and drove home.
“I told you we didn’t have room!”
By the following evening, Patrick would be the one demanding answers.
And he’d have no idea how much his own words had cost him.
***
I’m Clarissa, 34, and I’ve been married to Patrick for six years.
We rented a one-bedroom apartment with barely enough room for two people.
I’ve been married to Patrick for six years.
We’d been saving for somewhere bigger, although lately, Patrick seemed more interested in impressing his family than moving.
I worked at a dental office and was used to solving problems quickly.
At home, I often let things slide because Patrick hated disappointing his mother.
I worked at a dental office.
***
Two days earlier, he’d announced that his parents, his brother Kevin, Kevin’s wife Kylie, and their two children were visiting.
“All six of them?” I asked.
“Mom says they need a break from their place.”
“Patrick, where’s everyone supposed to sleep?”
“All six of them?”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“Did you ask me before inviting them?”
“I already told them yes.”
I put down my coffee.
“Then call them back.”
“We’ll figure it out.”
“Don’t start. They’re my family.”
“And I’m your wife. I live here too.”
He turned back to the television.
***
On Saturday morning, I returned from grocery shopping to find suitcases blocking our hallway.
Kevin was watching television while Kylie searched through a bag. Their children had spread toys across the living room floor.
“They’re my family.”
Robert, my father-in-law, stood near the kitchen holding a pillow.
Linda had claimed our couch.
“Finally!” she announced. “When are you making breakfast, Clarissa?”
I put my groceries down.
“Good morning, Linda.”
“When are you making breakfast, Clarissa?”
“Patrick said you’d make pancakes with all the trimmings.”
“Did he?”
“The children are hungry.”
I looked toward our bedroom.
Patrick emerged carrying a blanket.
“Did he?”
“Where’s that going?” I asked.
“Kevin and Kylie can use it.”
“And your parents?”
“They’re taking our bed. Mom’s back bothers her.”
“Patrick, we barely fit in this apartment ourselves!”
“And your parents?”
Linda rolled her eyes.
“Honestly, can’t you be a little more welcoming?”
“Linda, nobody asked whether I wanted guests.”
Patrick stepped closer.
“Can you stop embarrassing me?”
Linda rolled her eyes.
“You’re giving away our bedroom!”
“They’re only here for the weekend.”
“Where am I supposed to sleep?”
He threw the blanket onto the couch.
“If you don’t like it, you can find somewhere else to stay!”
“You’re giving away our bedroom!”
Nobody spoke.
Kylie looked down. Robert shifted his pillow between his hands.
Linda simply waited for me to respond.
I wanted to shout, but I wasn’t going to give them another reason to blame me.
I picked up the groceries.
Nobody spoke.
