At the faint clinking of keys twisting in the door lock, Elena’s heart dropped. That commanding sound of footsteps clicking on the hallway floor was more familiar to her than the rhythm of her own heartbeat. Eight months into her pregnancy, even simple motions caused discomfort. Yet, the looming presence she dreaded far more than childbirth was about to cross the threshold. Suddenly, the door slammed open, and with it came an onslaught of criticism and frustration from none other than Galina Petrovna, her mother-in-law.
“What exactly is this supposed to mean?” Galina Petrovna burst out instead of exchanging a greeting. “Why does my daughter-in-law wear such a sad expression?”
Elena’s last wish at that moment was an unexpected visit from Igor’s mother. Her plan had been to rest following lunch, as the weight beneath her heart demanded frequent pauses. Even everyday chores had transformed into a trial of endurance. Although maternity leave granted some relief, her hopes quickly crumbled.
“Welcome, Galina Petrovna,” Elena murmured submissively, stepping aside to allow the older woman to enter.
Immediately, the mother-in-law’s gaze searched for her son. “Where’s my little Igor?” she inquired sharply.
“He’s working,” Elena responded calmly. “Providing for our family and the baby.”
Slamming down unexpectedly heavy suitcases, Galina Petrovna swept further inside, nearly forcing Elena to stumble. “Can’t you take care of yourself?” she demanded. “You are grown, soon to be a mother — it’s high time you took responsibility!”
Once inside, the mother-in-law scrutinized every corner of the apartment as though conducting an inspection, causing a wave of unease to wash over Elena.
“Is there a special purpose for your visit?” Elena asked cautiously. “Are you here to pick something up?”
“Hm?” Galina Petrovna turned with surprise. “I am moving in here.”
Elena’s knees faltered. “But how…?” she stammered.
With evident irritation, the mother-in-law explained dismissively, “I couldn’t tolerate that rude man I was renting with any longer. I left immediately. The apartment is registered under my husband’s name, and since finding a new place is difficult, I’ll stay here for the time being.”
This revelation compounded Elena’s distress. Although the apartment was spacious, did this grant the mother-in-law the right to impose herself and demand accommodation? Wanting to protest, Elena instead sought refuge in the bedroom, drained by pregnancy, anxiously awaiting her husband’s arrival.
Igor’s return brought little relief; pity for his mother clouded his judgment. Despite her combative nature, she had been his caregiver; abandoning her was not an option he considered. Elena resigned herself, hoping perhaps some household help would come her way.
However, her expectations dissolved soon after. Within forty-eight hours, Galina Petrovna asserted total dominance over domestic affairs. With Igor occupied at work, Elena, heavily pregnant, was forced to adjust to his domineering mother — a task almost impossible. Every minor action she undertook attracted criticism. The floors were never clean enough, crumbs on the table were unforgivable, and a single neglected cup was intolerable.
One day, worn down, Elena pleaded, “Galina Petrovna, please try to understand — my belly is heavy, I feel ill, my back aches, and my legs are painful…”
Her mother-in-law folded her arms, as usual, and retorted, “Oh, the back hurts? Women have managed household burdens for generations! And so you’re carrying a child — that’s your responsibility! It doesn’t excuse you from chores! I raised a son, I know best. You have much to learn!”
Elena could not find a response; she avoided conflict to protect her wellbeing.
“Women have managed household burdens for generations!” Galina Petrovna insisted.
During a regular weekday when Igor was away, the food supplies ran out, compelling Elena to shop alone.
“Fine, I’ll accompany you,” her mother-in-law arrogantly agreed after being asked for support. “Otherwise, you might mess it all up. I’ll supervise.”
“Thank you…” Although Elena would have preferred solitude, she was aware she couldn’t manage alone.
Despite the mother’s continuous grumbling, their market trip went without incident until they prepared to leave.
“Why the delay?” Galina Petrovna snapped. “Grab the bags and let’s move. Enough dawdling.”
Elena halted, bewildered by the command to carry the bags herself. “Galina Petrovna,” she murmured nervously, “won’t you help? You know I shouldn’t overexert myself…”
“Don’t exaggerate!” the older woman mocked. “It’s nothing; you can handle it without fuss!”
Without protest, Elena took the bags. Yet after only a few steps, dizziness overwhelmed her as the burden proved too great.
“Oh… I don’t feel well…” she groaned.
Still unsympathetic, Galina Petrovna quipped, “What now? Can’t you even carry groceries without making a scene?”
Elena’s senses dimmed until a stranger intervened, catching her before she collapsed and asking, “Are you all right? Should I call a doctor?”
“No, no, it will pass…” she weakly dismissed.
Galina Petrovna sighed gloomily, “Women nowadays are so fragile… utterly useless…”
Thankfully, Elena recovered quickly, negating the need for emergency services. Reluctantly, the mother-in-law helped with the bags, and they returned home.
Upon hearing the incident, Igor hurried home.
“My dear Lena,” he said softly, holding her hand, “forgive me! Why didn’t you wait? I would have gone myself!”
“I thought I could manage,” she whispered. “You work all day—I wanted to protect you…”
“Why not ask my mother for help?”
Closing her eyes, Elena sighed, “I didn’t tell you before, but it was Galina Petrovna who insisted I carry the bags.”
Igor froze, his hand still.
“Mother?” he whispered.
Elena’s shoulders trembled with silent tears. “When I felt faint… she just ignored me…”
Silence enveloped the room. Elena’s quiet sobs filled the air.
“I’ll handle this,” Igor vowed firmly. “Rest now, my love.” Rising, he went to confront his mother.
The raised voices that followed were a distant echo to Elena, who clung to hope that Galina Petrovna would soften or at least lessen her harshness.
Months passed, and joy blossomed as Elena cradled their newborn daughter. Igor was deeply moved, shedding tears that touched Elena’s heart. It felt as if a brighter chapter was unfolding.
Yet, the reality of motherhood proved demanding. The infant cried through most nights, robbing Elena of sleep. Despite her efforts to soothe, the baby often remained unsettled.
Even after the granddaughter’s arrival, Galina Petrovna continued to find fault.
“And you call yourself a mother!” she often snapped.
Elena sensed matters had worsened since Igor’s confrontation. Criticism intensified while actual assistance was absent. The mother-in-law often nagged until Elena was in tears, then abandoned her with the baby.
One evening, after finally settling the baby and taking a moment in the kitchen, Igor returned home. Unusually quiet, he retreated to the bedroom and closed the door. Elena sensed trouble immediately. When he reemerged, his demeanor was heavy.
“I was fired,” he confessed flatly, avoiding her gaze.
She sagged slightly, and silence fell between them—life’s burdens growing heavier. The baby’s cry pierced the stillness, and Elena rose determined not to succumb.
“I’ll find a way,” Igor assured.
“I know,” she softly smiled, kissing him before tending to their child.
The following day, plans were discussed seriously. Yet Galina Petrovna intruded once more.
“I overheard your little scheme,” she scoffed. “Why make my son the provider? Why don’t you work instead?”
Elena stared in disbelief; Igor was taken aback.
“What do you mean?” Elena asked faintly.
“What’s unclear?” the mother-in-law snapped, arms akimbo. “Let Igor take leave; you go to work!”
- Elena was exhausted, caring for a newborn with little rest.
- Igor’s mother’s demand felt cruel and unreasonable.
- This caused a spark of confrontation between husband and mother.
Elena’s heart sank deeply. Though utterly fatigued and caring for their baby, her mother-in-law suggested such callous demands. Tears welled, but Igor finally confronted the situation.
“Mother, how can you say that?” Igor’s voice thundered. “How do you treat Elena like this?”
“Are you defending her?” Galina Petrovna retorted. “She’s living off you, earning nothing, doing barely anything!”
Igor fired back, “She is raising our daughter! She works harder than I do — cooking, cleaning, and caring for the baby! Meanwhile, you only torment her!”
Taking a deep breath, he declared, “Start looking for your own place. You won’t stay here indefinitely.”
His mother gaped, then scowled. “So that’s how you treat your mother? Fine! I planned to leave anyway. Living here is unbearable!”
“Then that’s settled,” Igor replied firmly.
In the following days, Galina Petrovna searched for alternative housing, although her verbal assaults continued. Igor now shielded Elena, ensuring his mother’s venom never reached her.
Finally, her patience snapped. “I won’t stay! Better to return to that scoundrel than live like this!” she yelled.
“No one is keeping you,” Igor responded calmly. “Leave soon. We want peace.”
“Ungrateful!” she spat one last time.
Without another word, she packed and left the next day.
Relief washed over the young family. Igor secured new employment, Elena grew confident caring for their daughter, and her husband supported whenever possible. From that moment, Galina Petrovna vanished from their lives, nursing her resentment silently as if they were invisible. Elena and Igor, however, found solace in their choice, believing their daughter’s wellbeing was paramount. They preferred their child to grow without the shadow of her grandmother’s cruelty.
In conclusion, Elena’s journey highlights the tremendous strength required to withstand family hardships during pregnancy and early parenthood. The story exemplifies the importance of mutual respect and support within familial bonds. Ultimately, choosing peace and protecting the family’s wellbeing can lead to a healthier environment for all involved, especially the most vulnerable members.