The sweltering summer day was gradually giving way to evening. Though the sun still blazed fiercely outside, a refreshing coolness filled the spacious living room of the country house. Galina Petrovna, a silver-haired woman with a warm, motherly face, eased into a plush armchair with a sigh of relief.
“Oh, it’s finally comfortable in here!” she exclaimed, fanning herself with her hand.
Her daughter-in-law, Lena, a determined young woman with chestnut hair, stood by the window, observing how the asphalt outside shimmered under the oppressive heat.
“Yes, without air conditioning, it would be unbearable,” Lena replied. “Good thing we got it installed before this heatwave hit.”
Vasily Alekseevich, Lena’s father-in-law, a man with a serious demeanor, spoke up from his usual corner of the room.
“A wise investment,” he admitted.
Kostya, Lena’s husband, beamed at his father’s rare praise.
“Dad, it was all Lena’s doing! She’s been taking care of this place since last summer.”
Lena nodded, feeling a mix of pride and irritation.
“Yes, it took a lot of effort,” she admitted. “This house came from my uncle, but last year, I was too tied up with work to do much. Over several seasons, I replaced the floors, straightened the walls, redid the wiring, and bought all the necessary appliances to make it livable.”
She let her gaze drift across the room, taking in the pastel-colored wallpaper, the modern furniture, and the large windows that flooded the space with light. Every detail was a reflection of her hard work and financial investment.
“At least now we can finally enjoy a peaceful summer here,” she added pointedly, casting a glance at her mother-in-law.
Galina Petrovna, either oblivious or pretending to be, leaned back with satisfaction.
“Yes, dear, you’ve truly transformed this place! Vasya and I are so grateful to spend the summer here, away from the city’s chaos.”
Lena clenched her jaw. Since winter’s end, her in-laws had taken up residence in the country house. They had retired early and, unwilling to endure city life, had convinced Kostya to let them stay—temporarily, or so she had believed. The temporary arrangement stretched endlessly, worsened by Galina Petrovna frequently inviting Oleg, Kostya’s younger brother, and his family. These unplanned visits meant additional groceries, additional expenses, and no acknowledgment of whose pocket the money was coming from. Every attempt to talk to Kostya about it was met with deflections. And now, as summer approached, it was clear her mother-in-law had no intention of leaving.
“We could even set up a backyard pool,” Galina Petrovna mused. “You’ll buy one, right, Kostik?”
That was the last straw. Lena swallowed her frustration, excused herself, and dragged her husband into the next room.
The moment the door shut behind them, she turned on him.
“Kostya, our vacation starts in a few days. Can you finally tell your parents it’s time to leave?” Her voice was low but firm. “I’ve had enough of this. Every time I bring it up, your mother changes the subject.”
Kostya sighed. “Lena, there’s still time—”
“No! We need to clean, move our things, stock the fridge. And your mother keeps inviting Oleg and Valya! I refuse to keep feeding them at my expense. It’s time to set some boundaries.”
Before Kostya could respond, the door burst open. Galina Petrovna stood there, arms crossed, her expression filled with indignation.
“Oh, what a grand lady you’ve become! Trying to throw us out like unwanted guests!”
Lena’s stomach churned. “Were you eavesdropping?”
“Of course! I have to know what’s happening in my own house! There’s no peace with you around!”
“Well, since you’ve heard everything,” Lena snapped, “start packing. We’ll be staying here for the summer—alone.”
Kostya’s silence did not go unnoticed by his wife.
“No! Young people should tough it out! Leave the house to the elders,” Galina Petrovna huffed. “We’ve made this place livable, and we’re not going anywhere. When else will we get to enjoy a home with air conditioning?”
Lena scoffed. “Oh, of course, because you’re not the ones paying for it. Galina Petrovna, let me remind you—this is my house. I allowed you to stay temporarily. But that generosity ends now.”
Galina Petrovna waved her hand dismissively, but Lena took a step back, anticipating the movement.
“We’re staying. It’s better for the family to live outside the city. You and Kostya can find another arrangement.”
Lena turned to her husband, expecting him to intervene.
“Kostya? Say something.”
He hesitated, then sighed. “Lena, can’t you just compromise? Mom is old. She just wants a peaceful summer. We have our whole lives ahead of us.”
Lena’s eyes widened. “Are you serious? After everything I’ve done for this house, you want me to just ‘give in’?”
“I’ve made my decision,” Kostya said firmly. “Tomorrow morning, we’re heading back to the city. Enough of the drama. Mom needs peace, and we’ll just spend our vacation somewhere else.”
Lena’s patience snapped. She had tried reasoning, tried making compromises, but it was clear where her husband’s loyalty lay.
“You have fifteen minutes to pack,” she said coolly. “If you don’t leave willingly, I’ll call the police.”
Kostya gaped at her. “Lena! You can’t be serious—”
Lena pulled out her phone and began dialing.
“Hello, police?”
Vasily Alekseevich went pale, immediately starting to pack their things. Galina Petrovna, still stunned, turned to her son.
“Kostya, tell her to stop this nonsense! We’re your parents!”
Kostya remained frozen, his eyes darting between his mother and his wife.
Lena didn’t wait for a response. “By the way, Kostya,” she said without emotion, “I’m filing for divorce.”
Her husband finally snapped out of his stupor. “Lena, what? Why?”
“Because I refuse to be second to your mother. I deserve a husband who supports me, not one who prioritizes his parents over his wife. I’m done.”
Galina Petrovna gasped. “Lena, don’t be rash! We’re family!”
“Time’s up,” Lena stated, glancing at the clock. “Please leave.”
Vasily Alekseevich exited first, lugging suitcases. Behind him, a teary-eyed, fuming Galina Petrovna followed, casting Lena furious glances. Kostya lingered at the threshold.
“Lena… is this really it?”
“Yes, Kostya,” she said without hesitation. “Find yourself another wife who’s willing to play second fiddle to your mother. Goodbye.”
She shut the door, locking it behind her.
Leaning against the frame, she took a deep breath. For the first time in a long time, she felt truly free. Finally, her new life could begin.