Daphne’s life spiraled into chaos when her meddling mother-in-law, Helen, moved in and took control of their home, criticizing everything Daphne did. Overwhelmed by Helen’s incessant interference and harsh comments, Daphne reached her limit and decided to set things straight with a decisive phone call that shifted their dynamic.

“Daphne, I can’t believe you left the dishes in the sink again. Poor John has to live in this mess,” Helen remarked as she stood in the doorway, scrutinizing the living room with evident dissatisfaction.

I looked up from my book, suppressing a sigh.

“I’m doing my best, Helen,” I responded, striving to maintain a calm voice. “I’ll handle the dishes soon. I was just really exhausted this morning.”

Helen let out an exaggerated sigh. “We all face challenges, but in my time, we managed to keep the house together regardless.”

I clenched my teeth and forced a smile.

Helen had been with us for two weeks due to renovations at her own home. She behaved as if she owned the place, often rearranging furniture and critiquing my homemaking skills, which was starting to drive me to the edge.

As Helen moved towards the window, she muttered about the smudges on the glass.

I watched her wipe at an imaginary speck of dust on the windowsill.

She had an uncanny ability to spot flaws in everything I did.

It seemed like every time she walked into a room, she had something to criticize.

With John at work, I had to handle his mother on my own.

I glanced at the clock, hoping it was almost lunchtime so Helen might relax a bit. Unfortunately, it was still only mid-morning.

“Helen, would you like some tea?” I offered, hoping to distract her.

She declined with a shake of her head, her gaze still roving for imperfections. “No, thank you. But I do think these cushions could use a bit of straightening.”

She began adjusting the cushions on the couch next to where I sat.

I gripped my book tighter, my frustration mounting.