Contrarily, I tend to be stricter and more serious. We’ve always found that this balance works well for us. Together, we weather every storm life throws at us since he is my calm partner in crime.I’ve always been close to Asher; we talk about everything, including our future goals and everyday highs and lows. Curled up on the couch with a cup of tea, we would plan our lives together and talk for hours on end. We had always discussed the possibility of having children, but we were waiting for the ideal moment. Then, Mason, Asher’s elder brother, contacted roughly half a year ago. Asher’s complete opposite, Mason has always been boisterous, arrogant, and a little bit of a loose cannon.Mason required lodging for a week in order to “sort some things out.” It seems that he was unemployed and had recently ended an unpleasant relationship. That eager expression in Asher’s eyes, the one that always made it difficult for me to say no, is what I remember about him approaching me.Asher had added, “Poppy, Mason’s going through a rough patch,” and rubbed the back of his neck in the manner he used to express nervousness. “All he needs is somewhere to hide out for a week. He’ll quickly get back up on his feet.” A knot of anxiety tightened in my chest as I groaned. Are you sure, Asher? A week is okay, but Mason can be a handful, you know. <Asher acknowledged, “I know, I know,” and raised his hands in submission. But only a week has passed. I swear.” That assurance proved to be false—not on purpose, but due to external circumstances. One week turned into two, and Mason still didn’t seem to be planning to go. I tried to be patient at first. He was family, after all, and we were meant to support one another? However, things soon began to fall apart. Mason behaved as like it were a frat house. He used to leave the living room covered in clothes, the sink overflowing with dirty dishes, and the floor covered in beer cans. He did not even offer to help with groceries or household chores. It was as though I was managing a bed and breakfast for an extremely resentful visitor. One evening, I decided I could take no more of it after spending an hour cleaning up after Mason.“Asher, we need to talk about Mason,” I murmured, attempting to maintain my composure. Asher lifted his gaze from his book. “What’s wrong?” With a disappointed sigh, I muttered, “I can’t keep doing this.” “He has made us work as his personal attendants. He doesn’t contribute to the household or work, and I’m sick of having to clean up after him every day. It’s been more than a month when this was only meant to last a week!” Asher scowled and put down his book. “I know it’s difficult, Poppa, but he’s my brother. I can’t simply eject him.” I tried not to sound angry as I added, “I’m not asking you to kick him out.” “But he needs to pull his weight around here or find somewhere else to go.”Unfortunately, nothing altered. Weeks grew into months as days continued to pass. Asher would look at me with those beseeching eyes and say, “Poppy, how can I expel Mason?” every time I tried to bring it up. It will sound impolite.” Then, a few weeks ago, I received the pregnancy news. Asher and I had been waiting for this opportunity to become parents. I was hoping that Mason would at last get his act together after hearing this news. Mason simply smiled and said, “I’m so happy for you guys!” when I told him about the baby, thinking it would instill in him a feeling of responsibility. I’ll move into the living room and completely give up my room. Please take care of the infant so that I don’t wake up in the middle of the night crying.” I was taken aback. I could feel my face’s blood flow diminish. Now this man who had broken into our house and taken control of our lives was behaving as though he had any influence over how we brought up our child.I knew then that something had to happen, and it had to change quickly. My mind was racing and I found myself pacing in the kitchen later that night after Asher had gone to bed. This could not continue. I had to keep our home, our family, and our sanity safe. However, how? I wanted Mason to go, but how could I do that without making Asher angry with me? I was staring at my phone when an idea struck me—a desperate but essential idea. I combed through my contacts until I came across Maggie’s, Asher and Mason’s mother, and my mother-in-law’s number. I kept my thumb above the call button. Maggie and I had never had a particularly good relationship, so I knew this would be a difficult talk. I inhaled deeply, hit the button, and waited for the phone to ring.“Hello, Poppy!” I heard Maggie’s happy voice welcoming me from the other end of the call. My heart was racing, but I tried to keep my tone light as I said, “Hello, Maggie.” “I hope I’m not calling too late?” “Oh, not at all! I was just doing some reading catch-up. What are your thoughts?” I inhaled deeply. “Maggie, I’m in need of your assistance. Mason is at issue.” There was a pause, and I could just feel Maggie’s interest beginning to grow. “What’s not right? Is he okay?” It’s just that he’s been staying with us for a while now, and things have gotten… difficult,” I said after hesitating and carefully considering my words.“Tough? In what way?” Maggie seemed more concerned in her tone. I gave my explanation, describing how Mason had only asked to stay for a week at first but had become far too comfortable, had made a mess of our house, and was not showing any indications of leaving. I informed her that we were expecting a baby soon, which would make things even more difficult, and that Asher felt conflicted about helping his brother and keeping the peace in our home. With a little tremble in my voice, I added, “I don’t want to put Asher in a situation where he feels like he has to choose between us.” “Maggie, I can’t do this anymore. Mason needs to move out, so I was hoping you might be able to assist.” There was a long silence during which I held my breath to hear Maggie’s answer. At last, she uttered a soft yet forceful word.How tough must this be for you? Mason has always struggled a little to find his way in life, but I think that you and Asher shouldn’t have to take the brunt of it, particularly since you are expecting a child. I will speak with him. He is welcome to spend some time with me. It’s time for him to start making his own decisions.” I let out a breath, relief coursing through me. “I’m grateful, Maggie. Thank you so much for that. This is the best thing for all of us, even though I know it’s not easy for anyone.” “My dear, don’t worry about it,” she comforted me. I’ll see to it that Mason realizes it’s time to let go. You concentrate on looking after that child and yourself.” As promised, Maggie visited Mason the following day to have a conversation. I stayed in the kitchen and listened in on their chat while feigning to be busy. Mason appeared surprised and perhaps a bit wounded at first, so things got tight. Eventually, though, he consented to pack his stuff.Mason turned to smile shyly at me as he carried his duffle bag to the front door. “Guess I’ve overstayed my welcome, huh Sis?” I kept the conversation lively by forcing a smile in reply. Mason, it’s simply time for you to move on. You’ll be alright. He gave a nod, and walked away. A tremendous weight was lifted off my shoulders. I felt as like I could breathe easily for the first time in months. Now that our house was ours again, and the baby was on the way, I was ready to look to the future. However, that triumphant feeling was fleeting. The door was knocked on two weeks later. When I opened it, Maggie was there with Mason at her side, both of them grinning as if nothing were wrong. My heart fell. “Poppy, darling!” Maggie grinned and strode inside with a sense of ownership. Mason and I were chatting when we came to the conclusion that it would be a great idea for me to let you stay in my house for a bit. Just till the baby comes, you know. I can lend a hand around here, and Mason will make Asher laugh.”I watched in disbelief as they went by me and settled into the living room, acting as though they were supposed to be there. My thoughts were racing, attempting to take it all in. This was not intended. This was not anticipated to occur. With his legs spread wide, Mason took a seat on the couch and grabbed the controller. “Sis, don’t worry! I’ll stick to the living room for now. I won’t even be noticeable to you.” Maggie gave me a kind grin. “And I’ll be here to assist you with anything you need, including cleaning, feeding the baby, and meal preparation. It will resemble having a nanny live-in.” My mouth went dry while I searched for the right words. “Maggie, I… I don’t know if this is a good idea…” “Oh, nonsense!” she laughed, dismissing my worry. “This is the ideal moment! Under one roof, we’ll all be a single, large, happy family.” My nightmare suddenly returned, only worse than before, and ended in an instant. Not only had Mason returned, but Maggie was now present, behaving as though they were part of some huge scheme that we had all agreed upon.I felt a sinking sensation as I stood there, watching them take hold. I had no other options. I believed I had won the fight, but in reality, I was only getting started in a far larger conflict. To be honest, I have no idea how to respond or what to do at this point. I’m open to suggestions from anyone on how to get through this problem. Right now, I could really use some advice.