However, as Polina started reclaiming her space, strange occurrences began to take place in the apartment—minor but unsettling.
Objects she had meticulously stored away would suddenly reappear in disarray, messages on her phone would inexplicably disappear, and during the late hours of the night, she would hear faint sounds of someone walking near her bedroom door.
She couldn’t shake the feeling that Larisa Arkadyeva hadn’t just been a difficult guest, but someone who might have been observing, patiently waiting for the ideal opportunity to retaliate. Was this just a clash of personalities, or was there a hidden motive behind her mother-in-law’s icy demeanor?
Polina’s position: restoring her dwelling and her tranquility.
Polina was captivated by the new curtains she had just hung in the living room—a soft blue color with delicate flowers, precisely what she had imagined. She straightened the pleats, stepped back, and beamed with contentment.
‘what do you think, sergey?’ she asked her husband, who was lounging in a chair, eyes glued to his phone
‘They’re fine,’ he replied, not lifting his gaze
‘Do you think we should have chosen larger flowers?’ she inquired, suddenly uncertain
Sergey glanced briefly at the window and shrugged.
‘it’s just curtains, polina ‘It doesn’t matter.’.
Polina exhaled. Lately, Sergey had appeared distant, as if he was preoccupied with something troubling him. She sat next to him on the couch’s edge and tenderly held his hand.
‘Is everything okay? “You have been acting strangely lately.”
Sergey placed his phone aside, rubbed his nose, and responded in a serious tone, “I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with that.”
‘polina, we need to talk ‘My mom is retiring next week.’
‘What’s the point?’ she asked, confused.
‘she’s not the type to enjoy being alone She enjoys being around people. ‘Her lifestyle of remaining indoors throughout the day will not be suitable for her.’
Polina had a hunch she knew where this was going and felt a sense of apprehension.
‘I thought maybe she could stay with us for a while—just until she adjusts
Polina tightened her jaw. Larisa Arkadyevna, his mother, had never shown any warmth towards him. Each time she returned, she faced criticism—about her appearance, her fashion choices, or how she managed the apartment.
‘how long are we talking?’ she inquired cautiously
‘a month or two—until fall,’ Sergey assured her
Polina hesitated, then nodded.
‘alright But it has to be ephemeral.
‘You’re the best!’ he exclaimed, embracing her tightly
A week after, Larisa Arkadyeva arrived with two big suitcases.
‘I hope the room is ready,’ she said, casting a disapproving glance at the hallway
‘of course, mom Sergey announced, “The guest room is all set,” as he carried her bags.
Polina maintained a courteous expression.
‘Would you like some tea?’
‘yes She retorted sharply, “No sweeteners, please.” Then added, ‘and please remove those terrible curtains—they strain my eyes.’.
Polina restrained herself from speaking. It’s just a few months, she reminded herself.
But those months stretched into six.
Larisa swiftly took charge—filling the kitchen with her homemade preserves, reorganizing the artwork, and even getting rid of polina’s cherished pillows, deeming them ‘dust magnets.’.
One evening, Polina revealed to Sergey.
‘I can’t keep doing this,’ she whispered in bed
‘it’s just a white blouse—how is that too revealing?’ she had asked earlier after another remark from her mother-in-law
Sergey had simply raised his hands.
‘let’s not argue Polina, just wear something else. And mom, please don’t utilize things without permission.
The pressure had a detrimental effect. Polina was drained from her job and dreaded returning home. She no longer felt at home in her own apartment.
Later, at a café with her friend Natasha, she expressed her frustrations.
‘I’m at my limit She has caused me immense suffering.
‘what about Sergey?’ Natasha inquired
‘he always takes her side,’ polina said bitterly
‘maybe you should stay with me for a while,’ natasha offered
Polina thumped her head.
‘this is my apartment Why should I depart?
‘then have a serious conversation with him Stay composed and resolute. Inform him of the impact this is having on you.
Polina nodded. Possibly she was correct.
However, when she returned home, she discovered larisa in her bedroom.
‘what are you doing?’ she asked, shocked
‘just making room in your closet,’ Larisa replied, rummaging through her clothes. ‘Sergey said I could use some space.’.
That was the decisive moment.
Polina towered.
‘stop Please exit this room.
Larisa sneered.
‘you’re selfish I’m your father’s mother, not a visitor.’.
‘this is my room Polina said, “You must go.”
Larisa glared with anger.
‘you may be married to my son, but you don’t deserve respect
Sergey entered the room, hearing the heated arguments.
‘she’s going through my things!’ Polina exclaimed
‘I just needed space,’ Lisa explained
‘polina, is this really necessary?’ sergey asked
‘a little?’ polina snapped
‘don’t exaggerate,’ Sergey muttered
‘i’m not! And let me remind you—I purchased this apartment before we were married. It’s mine!
‘again with that?’ sergey said, annoyed
‘I am stating a fact!’ I won’t be treated like a visitor in my own house!’.
‘I’m not sure if I should tell her about it,’ he said, his voice filled with uncertainty. A suitable wife would not raise her voice at her spouse.
Polina took a deep breath.
‘sergey, can we talk in private?’
‘so you can manipulate him?’ larisa cut in
‘no, you don’t,’ Polina said You were not meant to be a guest, but rather the owner of the property.
‘how dare you?’ Sergey shouted ‘Now’:
‘apologize?’ Polina stared at him She was expected to stay for a couple of months. It’s been six months!
‘she’s my mother I’m not expelling her!
‘she has her own apartment!’
‘She doesn’t want to be alone,’ he insisted
‘I’ve tried!’ But I Will Not Take Her Constant Abusive Remarks Anymore!
‘You’re being dramatic
‘no,’ she said, standing straight Either she departs, or—’.
‘or what?’ Sergey questioned
Polina paused—then his mother scowled.
‘see? She’s feeble. “I’m sorry, but I can’t complete this sentence.”
That was the end of it.
‘no, larisa arkadyevna,’ polina said with quiet resolve Gather your belongings. You’re departing. Today’:
‘What did you say?’ she asked, shocked
‘you heard me Begin organizing.
‘You can’t just throw my mother out!’ Sergey protested
‘i can And I will. ‘This is my residence.’
‘I’m your husband!’
‘and you never supported me,’ Polina said quietly
‘You’re heartless,’ Larisa hissed
‘yes, he does,’ Polina said ‘You both have two hours.’
‘what? “You’re ejecting me as well?” Sergey exclaimed, stunned.
‘do you really want to stay—after all of this?’
He remained quiet.
‘come on, son,’ larisa said You’ll find someone who values your family.
Polina exited, experiencing a sense of lightness that she hadn’t felt in months. No sorrow—just satisfaction.
Two days after that, there was a knock on the door. Sergey lingered there.
‘Can we talk?’ he inquired
‘about what?’ she inquired How did you remain quiet?
‘I attempted to maintain peace,’ he said
‘no, you didn’t attempt,’ polina replied. ‘you evaded confrontation. ‘I’m not in love.’
‘I still love you
‘love isn’t just words It’s how you behave. And you selected her instead of me. I have chosen. ‘Respect it.’.
She shut the door. Tears streamed down her face, but her heart remained resilient.
A week after that, she gave the bedroom a fresh coat of lavender paint, changed the curtains to blue floral ones, and purchased new pillows. Her residence felt cozy and familiar again.
A month later, Natasha introduced her to Andrei. He was composed, focused, courteous—and had his own spot. No intimidating mother figure present.
Occasionally, losing what you believed you required can lead to discovering something even more valuable.
Polina had gained a valuable insight: always prioritize your inner peace. Not even for affection.
Result:
Polina’s journey was challenging, but it taught her the importance of self-worth, setting boundaries, and having the courage to face her fears. She discovered that love without respect is not genuine love—and that maintaining peace within her own home is an absolute necessity.
By asserting herself, she not only reclaimed her personal space—she reclaimed her ability to speak up. By taking action, she was able to create the life she had always dreamed of. Occasionally, the most challenging choices result in the most empowering outcomes. And for Polina, leaving wasn’t the end—it was the start of something even more beautiful.