Independence

The room was softly illuminated by candles and the table set for two with her best silver; but only one place was occupied. Holding up her fine, crystal glass, she admired the rich red of the wine and sipped before addressing the empty chair.

"So, you need your independence, do you?"

"Who was it who couldn't wait until he finished at University before moving into my flat and my bed?"

"Who was it who couldn't wait to get married after he graduated from Uni and got his first job?"

"Then you said, 'Don't you think it's time we bought our own house. With both of us working we should be able to pay it off quickly.' Then wasn't it you who said, 'Now that the mortgage is down to reasonable proportions, why don't you stop taking the pill so that we can start a family?'"

Quaffing deeply from her glass, she rose unsteadily to her feet and refilled it from the bottle on the buffet before addressing the empty chair again.

"And when Julie was old enough to go to day care so that I could go back to work, who was it said, 'I think we should have another child quite soon so that they can grow up together. With your tribe of a family, you probably don't appreciate what it's like being an only child. But I do!'

"So we had Peter. But when he was old enough for them both to go to day care so that I could take that part-time job, who scribbled figures on the back of an envelope and then said, 'Looked at from the economic point of view and taking into account the day care fees and the extra tax we would pay, it would probably cost us -- meaning you -- more than the wage you would earn. I think you should continue to stay home and be a full time mother. Perhaps you can go back to work when they're both going to school"

"And you're right, you know. Being a mother is a full time job, particularly when your husband drives the car to work every day, leaving you at the mercy of public transport. Yes, I admit it. I recognise that being a full time mother to those two toddlers meant I became a part time wife. I didn't have time to wash and iron your shirts the way your mother used to and because you wouldn't wear the drip dry sort, you had to take them to the dry cleaners."

"And I accept that spending so much time with the kids meant that I couldn't always have your dinner ready in time for you to watch the TV news after the meal; but it was you who insisted that the kids should have a bath every night before going to bed. Yes, I acknowledge it was my job to change their nappies, as you said when I tried to show you how. And, of course, spending all day Saturday at the Golf Club was important for the contacts you made to help advance your career. So why were you never promoted? Or were you and you just forgot to tell me?"

"So, after all that, no wonder I was confused when you said you wanted your independence. Feeling too tied down you said."

"Of course, the first thing I thought of was another woman. Some fancy piece from the Golf Club or the office. But no, you swore there wasn't. But there was, of course. Your bloody mother! You went home to live with Mum. 'Just until I find a little flat somewhere.' you said. Can't see that happening now that she's got her hooks back into you. You won't get away from her until you bury her or put her in a nursing home. Call that independence!"

"But I made you pay, didn't I! The house transferred into my name free of debt. A regular monthly allowance for me and the kids all drawn up by a solicitor and signed and sealed. And not forgetting the car."

"And, of course, you got something too. As well as your independence, you have the children every second weekend. I'll bet that was her idea. Can't see you giving up your Saturdays at the Golf Club to play with your kids. Nanna will be in her element. I'll bet she spoils them rotten. Time will tell."

"You know, I was quite pleased to see you when you called for them yesterday afternoon. I realised that this would be the first weekend I would have on my own since before Julie was born and I was looking forward to it."

With a clatter of crockery she gathered up the remains of her dinner and carried it to the kitchen. Returning, she poured the last of the wine.

"What time did you say you were bringing them back tomorrow? About four? I think I'll spend the morning in bed."

Drawing herself up to her full height she raised her glass in the direction of his empty chair. "To independence."