Vera was deep in her work when her fifteen-year-old daughter Ksenia burst into the room, her voice cutting through the music that Vera had playing in her headphones.
“Mom, come on, someone is here for you!” Ksenia yelled.
At first, Vera didn’t respond, lost in the papers on her desk and the noise of renovation from next door. It had been going on for two months, but today, she just couldn’t focus with the constant distraction.
“MOM!” Ksenia shouted louder, her voice now close and urgent. She shook Vera’s shoulder, snapping her out of her concentration.
Vera pulled off her headphones, turned around, and frowned. “What is it, Ksenya? Why are you yelling?”
Ksenia whispered, leaning in closer. “Grandma’s here again. She’s asking for you.”
Vera’s mood immediately shifted. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and mentally prepared herself for another round of irritation. “Where is she?”
“In the kitchen. As usual, upset,” Ksenia grumbled.
Reluctantly, Vera rose from her desk and walked to the kitchen. She could already feel the familiar tension building.
There, sitting at the table as though it were her throne, was Zinaida Pavlovna—her mother-in-law, the woman who had made her life more challenging than it should have been. Vasily, her husband, was at work, and wouldn’t be home until late.
Zinaida Pavlovna didn’t bother with pleasantries. “How much longer will I have to wait for you?” she demanded.
Vera’s patience was already thin. “As long as it takes,” she snapped. “What is it this time?”
“Tone down your fire, Vera. I’m older than you, and you should treat me with respect.”
“Age doesn’t command respect,” Vera replied coolly, “I asked you: why are you here? Vasily’s not home, and you know that. And I know he wouldn’t be happy to see you after last time.”
Zinaida’s voice softened, “I didn’t come to argue. I just want to talk.”
Vera raised an eyebrow. “We have nothing to talk about. Please leave, and don’t come back.”
“No!” Zinaida’s voice rose. “Sit down, I’m not done yet.”
“Fine. But only if you leave right after.”
Zinaida’s smirk only made Vera’s anger grow. “Are you trying to set conditions? You’re not there yet!”
Vera struggled to maintain her composure, but Zinaida Pavlovna’s presence was like a match to kindling.
“Sit down and pour us some tea,” Zinaida demanded.
“Maybe spread some butter on bread too?” Vera shot back sarcastically.
Zinaida ignored her. “If necessary, you will! Enough with the backtalk.”
Vera’s patience was about to snap, but Zinaida finally got to the point.
“Oleg’s birthday is next week,” Zinaida began, “and I want to give him and his family a trip to Thailand. I’m asking you to contribute.”
Vera’s eyes narrowed, and she cut her mother-in-law off before she could continue. “I can’t help with that.”
“You haven’t even listened to me yet!” Zinaida protested, raising her hand to slam it on the table.
“I don’t need to listen! I understand why you came. You want Vasily and me to help you collect money for your favorite. But not a chance. You won’t get a penny from me, and even less from Vasily. After what you said last time, how dare you even ask for something? Are you out of your mind, Zinaida Pavlovna?”
“Everyone else has already contributed, except for you!” Zinaida pushed.
“And? That’s your problem, not mine.”
“If you don’t contribute, you won’t be invited to the celebration.”
“I could care less about your party!” Vera snapped. “Now, please leave.”
“You do realize I can make sure no one in the family talks to you again, right?”
“Oh, how scary!” Vera retorted sarcastically. “I don’t care at all! You’ve done everything to make me not want to interact with anyone in your family. So, goodbye, Zinaida Pavlovna!”
“Fine! I’ll forgive your rudeness this time!” Zinaida stood, her fury palpable. “But I’m not finished!”
And that was the breaking point for Vera.
“Get out of here! Forgiving me, you say? Who invited you here? Why do you keep showing up? Last time you insulted my husband, called my granddaughter a street slut, and made it clear you don’t care about me! The only people you care about are your precious Oleg and his children!” Vera’s voice shook with fury. “What are you staring at? Get out, or I’ll help you!”
Zinaida Pavlovna’s face turned red with rage. Vera took a step back, anticipating an outburst.
“SO BE IT!” Zinaida shouted, slamming her fist on the table. “NEVER DARE TO SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT AGAIN!”
Spit flew from her mouth, but Vera didn’t flinch. She almost felt a sense of relief, finally saying everything she had been holding in for so long.
And as Zinaida stormed out of the house, Vera stood tall. The battle had been fought, and she had won.