First Visitors

They arrived eighteen days after we did, and on their departure, they had been with us for a third of the time that we had ourselves lived there. 

I wasn't sure that I was ready for a ten day visit from my in-laws, but they were doing us a favour after all, by bringing up our second car. 

And for all the chaos of our newly moved state, it was pleasant spending time with them. In ten days we made memories that could not be made over a cup of tea, once or twice a month. We were able to explore and share a whole new world together, and watch the children bonding with their grandparents and uncles. 

And such a joy it was to behold the care and attention of Moth and Ever's youngest uncle, and in return their delight in him. As the time progressed I saw the youngest uncle lay aside his electronic device more frequently, and instead lose himself in the games of his nephew and niece, just seven and nine years his junior. Moth would call for him, searching the house for his new playmate, and it was his hand that he sought when we were out for the day. 

But as enjoyable as the time was, their departure came with a sense of relief. My in-laws have a tendency to fill up the space around them, something that my claustrophobic self has found difficult over the years. I often find myself closing up in their presence, making myself smaller in order to accommodate them better. That evening Sewel and I basked in the stillness again, thankful for the memories but equally grateful for the calm and space that followed.