“What Shameless Relatives You Have. Pack Up, We’re Going Home. I’ll Never Visit Them Again” – Declared Nora
It was supposed to be a delightful weekend. Nora and James, along with their two daughters, Victoria and Delilah, had planned a visit to James’s brother William’s house in the countryside. The idea was to enjoy the serene environment, let the kids play with their cousins, and have a relaxing time away from the bustling city life.
As they drove up the gravel path leading to William’s large, somewhat disheveled farmhouse, the children’s excitement was palpable. They chattered about horses, open fields, and adventures. Nora tried to share their enthusiasm, but she couldn’t shake off a feeling of apprehension about spending the weekend with William and his notoriously brash wife, Bruce.
Upon arrival, the reception was warm. William greeted them with hearty handshakes and backslaps, while Bruce offered stiff hugs. The kids, oblivious to the adults’ strained smiles, immediately ran off to play with their cousins.
The first sign of trouble came at dinner. The table was set in the rustic dining room, and conversations flowed as plates of food passed around. However, Bruce, who had been sipping wine a little too liberally, started making uncomfortable comments about Nora’s job as a marketing executive.
“So, Nora, still pretending to be a man in that corporate world? I don’t know how James handles such an ambitious wife,” Bruce sneered, her words slurred but sharp.
James shot Nora a look of apology. He tried to change the subject, but the damage was done. Nora forced a smile, focusing on cutting Delilah’s meat into smaller pieces, her appetite gone.
The next day didn’t promise improvement. While the children played outside, Bruce cornered Nora in the kitchen. “You know, it wouldn’t kill you to be a little more present for your kids. It’s not natural, mothers working like they don’t have families.”
Nora, feeling her patience fraying, replied curtly, “Bruce, how I manage my career and family is none of your concern.”
Bruce scoffed, turning away to tend to something on the stove, muttering just loud enough, “Some people just can’t handle the truth.”
The breaking point came on the last evening of their visit. The adults were in the living room, and the children were supposedly watching a movie in the den. Suddenly, loud crying disrupted the tense atmosphere. Rushing to the den, they found Delilah sobbing, her dress torn.
It emerged that one of William and Bruce’s sons had decided it was funny to play rough, despite Delilah’s cries for him to stop. When Nora confronted Bruce, expecting support, Bruce merely shrugged. “Kids will be kids. Delilah needs to toughen up.”
That was it for Nora. She stormed back into the living room, her face set. “James, pack our things. We’re going home,” she declared, her voice trembling with anger. “What shameless relatives you have. I’ll never visit them again.”
The ride home was silent, the air thick with unspoken words. James reached over to squeeze Nora’s hand, an inadequate balm for the weekend’s wounds. They knew one thing for certain: it would be a long time before they considered crossing the threshold of William and Bruce’s home again.