Mom said that we need the huge space! Svetlana shouted from the doorway without greeting. Her face burned with righteous wrath, and she held the apartment keys like a weapon.

Tea cup in hand, I froze. Friday night, which I had intended to spend alone after a long week, was coming apart. Andrey sat on the sofa, scrutinizing his phone screen to ignore his sister’s remarks.

I said calmly, despite my boiling emotions: Svetlana, we’ve already discussed this. We pay for the flat, so Andrey and I reside here. You and Victor have lived here for six months for free.

For free?! My sister-in-law squealed. However, we are related! Family! Or do you believe you can boss us around since you purchased the apartment?

I eventually bought a three-room apartment eight months ago. Years of saving, avoiding holidays and leisure, and unending overtime led to residential square meters. Andrey was thrilled with me then and promised a good life. We settled down and enjoyed the first two months.

A “temporary situation” then occurred. Svetlana and Viktor lost their rental flat when the owners sold. Naturally, they took their time looking for a new home. Why, if a “beloved brother” has a three-room apartment?

Andrey attempted to convince me, “Well, they will live for a couple of weeks until they find something suitable. We can’t throw our own sister out on the street.”

A few weeks became a month, then two. It seemed that Svetlana and Viktor would stay in their tiny room. Additionally, appetites increased.

“Mom is right,” Svetlana said, sitting on the armchair like a hostess. Two of us, two of you. Our belongings are crowded in a little space. It makes sense to switch with us. Victor snores and requires soundproofing, and the huge room has stronger walls.

I regarded Andrey. He kept pretending to love his phone. A similar picture: my spouse disappeared when I needed him to decide or defend me.

“Svetlana, I’ll buy earplugs for Victor,” I said, trying to hold back. But we won’t switch rooms. We can reside in any room in our apartment.”

“Your flat! My sister-in-law yelled. You constantly emphasize that! Do you believe you become queen by buying an apartment? Do we not count as Andrey’s family?

“I’m not poking anyone,” I said, my temple throbbing. But the condo was acquired with my money, registered in my name, and I pay the mortgage. After six months of free housing, I haven’t asked for a cent, not even for utilities.

“Ha! Svetlana dramatically raised her hands. “Andryusha, hear that? Your tiny wife blames us for utilities! Mom is right—she doesn’t appreciate you, just her money and flat! ”
Andrey eventually put down the phone. I stared at him hoping he’d defend us immediately. But no.

“Let’s not quarrel,” he mumbled. “Maybe we should reconsider…it’s cramped for two in a small room.

Not believing my hearing. My spouse, who vowed to support me, sided with my sister over my apartment!

Are you serious, Andrey? My voice shook dangerously.

– Why are you rushing? I’m only suggesting we explore our alternatives. After all, family.

Family. This term has cursed me for six months. Family wanted concessions. Family required patience. Family wanted my money, space, and time. What did it give back? Complaints and requests for additional victims.

Exactly! Then Svetlana picked up. – Family! Marina, you look confused. Mom always claimed Andryusha should have married a simpler lady without your goals and flats. Someone who respects family!

Ambitions. That was her description of my years of hard work, saving money, and giving up small pleasures for my dream house. A simpler woman might meekly serve her husband’s family without objecting.

You know what, Svetlana, I got up and threw the mug on the table, spilling tea. I don’t get this “family”. A family that demands and takes. A family that disrespects others’ efforts and property. You know what? I’m done understanding it.

I’m outraged! Svetlana also leapt. Andryusha, see? Your wife will expel us! Her sister and spouse! Mom will be surprised! Vacations for families

Mother-in-law. Another thorny issue. Tatyana Petrovna told me I was unworthy of her son from the start. Too much independence, ambition, and everything else. She was much more unhappy when I acquired the flat. She remarked, “A normal wife waits for her husband to provide the family with housing.” Her thirty-two-year-old son had no funds and lived with me in a leased flat, but she didn’t care.

I told Svetlana, “Let him be shocked,” looking her in the eyes. I beg you to go. You have two weeks to locate housing.”

“What?! My sister-in-law squealed. Did you hear, Andrei? She expelled us! ”

I faced my spouse. The pale, perplexed man was unprepared for such a change of events.

Ask Marina to calm down and explain things calmly.

“Andrey, we’ve discussed this for six months. I’ve endured your sister’s rudeness, complaints, and demands for six months. I’ve been waiting six months for them to seek for housing. I’ve waited six months for your support. Instead, you pretend nothing is occurring.

— I like to avoid family issues.

Don’t tell me which room to live in in my home! She screamed. No one should criticize me for buying my flat with effort and blood! I don’t want to support healthy folks who haven’t thanked anybody in six months!

We should also thank you! Svetlana raged. — For dwelling in this hole in the wilderness? To huddle in a small room? We’re helping you by living here! Every day, Victor traverses the city for work!

In the midst of nothingness. She named the place I lived in for five years that. I worked hard for every square meter of my condo.

Then what’s wrong? I smile. Find an apartment near Victor’s workplace. I’m sure you can rent anything central. Or purchase one if my flat is that bad. Vacations for families

Indignant, Svetlana gagged on her words. Will you tolerate this, Andrei? ”

Everyone looked at my spouse. Hunched over, he looked like he wanted to drown. Simple choice: wife or sister. Or my mother’s perpetual dissatisfaction. Our family or clan, which had cared for him throughout his life, was choosing and demanding payment.

– Sveta, perhaps it is… he said uncertainly. You have lived together for a long time.

Andryusha! Svetlana considered her brother a traitor. Do you support her? Mom said she would destroy you! Make you a henpecked spouse! And she did!

“I didn’t turn anyone into anything,” I answered tiredly. A typical family was all I wanted. Where husband and wife help each other, not where woman serves all husband’s family. I guess I chose poorly.

Andrey shook like he was struck. He recognized I was going beyond the present. He stayed silent, claimed not to notice his sister’s nastiness, and attempted to encourage me to be patient for months, which snowballed.

Do not do this, Marina.

Andrey, how should I do it? To suffer silently? Smile when humiliated at home? Imagine everything is perfect until your sister requests our bedroom since her spouse snores?

Svetlana said, “By the way, we have the right to live here! This is my brother’s apartment! ”

I snapped, “No.” This is my flat. Only my. I determine who lives here. As my spouse, Andrey is here. For now. My benevolence, which was a mistake, brought you here.

“For now.” These two words hung like guillotine. Andrey paled more. When Svetlana opened her lips, nothing came out.

– Are you threatening my brother with divorce? squeezed out.

– A fact. What’s the sense of a marriage if Andrey prioritizes his sister and mother before his wife?

We should discuss alone, Marina, Andrey got up from the sofa. – Sveta, may I suggest you go to your room?

— Yes! For her to work on you? No way! Mum is right—people like her give in to weakness and sit on your neck!

A chuckle. I laughed hard for the first time in days. The irony was deadly—I was accused of sitting on the necks of free renters who had lived in my flat for six months!

You know what? I answered the phone. I’ll take a cab to my friend’s. Here, you resolve family concerns. Andrey, call when you choose our marriage or your sister’s comfort. You have till dawn.

Marina, wait! As Andrey ran at me, I fled.

– No. Tired of waiting. Tired of wishing you’ll marry instead of becoming a mama’s boy. Tired of battling for my house. So choose. Either Svetlana and her snoring Victor hunt for a home tomorrow or I will. Not for a home, but for a decent divorce lawyer.

When Svetlana shouted after me, Andrey attempted to stop me, but I wasn’t listening. Put on my jacket and left the flat, leaving them to resolve issues.

A mild autumn rain was falling. I looked up and mixed the drips with unwelcome tears. It stung. Realizing your partner can’t protect you stings like hell. That his mother’s opinion and sister’s comfort matter more than his wife’s pleasure.

Phone vibrated. Andrey says, “Marina, come back, let’s talk normally.”

I laughed. We could have had a normal chat six months ago when his family came in. The first complaints started three months ago. Svetlana originally suggested a larger room a month ago. He remained silent, hoping everything would work out.

The cab arrived shortly. While sitting in the backseat, I called my pal.

Can I spend the night with Olya? This is family again. I’ll explain when we meet.

The phone kept ringing as I drove. Andrey, Svetlana, and my mother-in-law joined. I listened to the final one to see what Tatyana Petrovna said.

Marina, what sort of circus are you putting on? — my mother-in-law raged righteously. Svetochka cries, screams you’re tossing them away! Have you lost all conscience? This family! Vacations for families

“Tatyana Petrovna, this is my apartment,” I said tiredly. I have the right to decide…

Your flat! You constantly speak about it! Doesn’t my son’s residence count? That his sister needs temporary housing? You should have known that you were taking your spouse and his family when you married!

Temporary implies two weeks, not six months. I didn’t pledge to assist all my husband’s family.

You ungrateful lady! My son married you, and…

I hung up. I couldn’t take these charges anymore. My son married you as if it were a favor, not a voluntary choice between two people.

I arrived to Olga’s to tea, cognac, and chocolates, which always calm family turmoil.

— Tell me, — my buddy ordered, seating me on the couch.

Told her. About the flat, family, Andrey’s employment, and the need for a huge space. Olga shook her head and poured more cognac while listening.

Do you understand what I’ll say? When I finished, she said. Leaving was correct. Allow your devoted to choose between his wife and mother.

What if he choose mommy?

— Be thankful you found out now, not after 10 years and three children. Imagine what happened next? Would your mother-in-law have moved in to “help with the grandchildren”? More distant relatives would have joined?

I shiver. The image was horrifying but genuine. What if Andrey can’t protect our interests now? Vacations for families

The phone rang again. Unknown number this time.

— Marina? Uncertain masculine voice burst forth. My name is Victor. Sveta’s spouse.

He also persuades.

I’m listening, Victor.

— I apologize. For Sveta, me. We’ve become cheeky. You know, we’ve adapted to it. Not paying rent is handy. It’s incorrect. I suggested moving out and finding our own apartment, but Sveta disagreed due to her nature.

Unable to speak. I didn’t anticipate my sister-in-law’s husband to apologize.

– Victor, I

No need to speak. We’ll leave. I began considering choices a month ago. We could keep living like this, Sveta thought. Comfortable, free. But I know this is your apartment and life. I regret this outcome.

“Thank you,” I sighed. I appreciate your understanding.

Welcome. Thanks to us for enduring it. Try to locate anything in a week. Talk to Andrey. His parents and sister overwhelm him, yet he’s fine. They’re hard to argue with. He loves you, however.

I was confused when Victor hung up. I didn’t anticipate assistance.

What’s happening? Olga peered from the kitchen.

The spouse of my sister-in-law apologized and vowed to leave in a week.

– Wow! I assumed they were unified there.

Also thought so. As usual, life was more complex.

Andrey wrote at midnight, “I choose you. I always did, but confrontation scared me. I’m sorry. The couple will search for housing. Mom is outraged, but that’s her issue. Come home. Please.”

Reread the message numerous times. Though my heart sunk, my head needed guarantees.

“This must not happen again,” I wrote. Without my permission, no relatives in our home. Learn to tell Mom “no”.”

I promise. Yes, I understand. Cowardice almost cost me you. This will not happen again.”

You made up? Over her shoulder, Olga read the letter.

“We’ll try. However, if we repeat it…

“Then without snot, to a lawyer. Right? ”

“Exactly.”

I came home morning. At the door, Andrey was rumpled and red-eyed but resolute.

“They’re already looking at apartments,” he added. Vic identified various alternatives. Sveta’s sulking is her issue. And I spoke to Mom. He promised to speak once a year on important holidays if she doesn’t accept you and quit interfering.

How is she?

She said I was an unappreciative son and hung up. But I won’t reconsider. You’re right—I’m a mama’s boy or a spouse. I choose husbandhood.

We embraced, and I felt freer after months of strain. Of course, one chat won’t fix anything. We must work on our relationship, set boundaries, and avoid instances like these. But starting is what matters.

Svetlana and Viktor left a week later. My sister-in-law feigned to be outraged till the end, but I saw comprehension in her eyes—the vacation of free living was over.

My mother-in-law called Andrey warily after a month without talking to us. His mother is his mother, so I let him establish the bond. The important thing is that this connection no longer influences our family. Vacations for families

We set up two tables in the huge room as an office so we could work from home as needed. No snoring, no complaints—just us at home.

The flat became a cozy, tranquil family nest again. You wish to return.

You know what? Well worth it. Years of saving and sacrifice paid dividends in square meters and self-esteem. I protected my earnings. I protected my family, home, and values.

Andrey is learning to be a spouse. A spouse, not his mother’s son or sister’s brother. My hubby. The man is doing it. It’s occurring slowly, creakily.

The night I visited my buddy is never mentioned. But we remember. We both know it won’t happen again. Because some lessons are one-time lessons.

Victor recently wrote to me. They rented an apartment near his employment, and he thanked us for encouraging independence. “We needed it,” he wrote.

Perhaps we all needed it. Learning to protect my boundaries required it. Andrey needs to mature and marry. Victor and Svetlana needed to live independently.

Conflicts may purify, not destroy. A thunderstorm refreshes and takes away stuffiness. Our family storm has subsided, revealing new connections.

Nobody snores in our spacious room anymore. Only the clock ticks away our peaceful, joyful home life. One I spent five years on. Which is now ours—not in paperwork, but in essence.