Its your motherso its your responsibility! he barked out, but Alice had reached her limit.
Alice fastened her sons scarf tightly, her jaw clenched with frustration. Yet again she faced the ordeal she dreaded most: another visit to her mother-in-law’s house. Since the very beginning, things had always been a battle.
Margaret Smith had never welcomed Alice as her son’s wife. No matter what Alice did, there was always something wrong; always a criticism, always a cutting remark.
Again, Alice? sighed David, glancing at her tense expression. You dont want to go, do you?
Alice let out a bitter chuckle.
Are you really asking me that? Seriously, David? You know exactly why I dont want to go!
Her eyes flashed with anger.
Shell just start picking on me again, telling me Im doing everything wrong, that I dont know how to raise our son! It doesn’t matter that I work, that I run the whole house, that I cook, clean, pay all the bills! Im the one holding this family together!
But youre home all day David muttered, shrugging.
Alices stare darkened.
Is that what you think? That I just sit at home doing nothing? Or maybe you believe money grows on trees?
I work too, he grumbled. Its not my fault they dont pay me more.
In truth, Alice made three times Davids salary as a freelance designer. She was the breadwinner.
Cant you just go on your own? she asked, desperate for a way out.
Alice, its Mothers Day. I cant just ignore my mum!
She stifled a sigh and turned back to dressing their son. Two hours later, they arrived at Margarets flat.
Davids niece, Charlotte, was already cozied up in the lounge. Alice had long noticed that Margaret favoured Charlottetreating her like a princess while barely acknowledging her own grandson. It was hardly a shock. Five years ago, Charlotte had lost her parents, and Margaret had more or less raised her ever since.
All around, Margarets sisters were laughing loudly, clinking glasses of wine.
It was then Margaret dropped her bombshell.
Ive made up my mind, she declared solemnly. Im leaving the flat to Charlotte. You and your family, David, already have a home.
David didnt even flinch. He merely nodded.
And mere days later, it was all sorted. The flat was in Charlottes name, though she wouldn’t move in until after Margaret passed away.
But fate had other plans.
A sudden stroke left Margaret paralysed, unable to take care of herself.
Well need to move in with Mum, David announced matter-of-factly. She cant cope on her own.
A cold wave washed over Alice. She knew exactly what that meant.
It would fall to her to feed, dress, and wash Margaret. All while working and caring for their son.
But she said nothing.
Weeks rolled by, and Alices strength and patience wore thin.
One evening, she finally snapped.
David, your mothers flat belongs to Charlotte. Shouldn’t she be caring for her?
Charlottes at university, Alice, and shes seeing someone. Do you want her boyfriend moving in here with us?
Alice laugheda harsh, brittle sound with a touch of hysteria.
David, I cant do this anymore!
He folded his arms.
Oh, I see. Already worn out, are you?
Her hands shook with fury.
Im suffocating! Everythings on my shouldersYOU, your mother, our child, my jobENOUGH!
But you work from home he muttered, smugly.
Alice’s glare could have shattered glass.
So what? Do you really think Im not working?
Her heart hammered in her chest.
You know what? From now on, you take care of your mother!
Shes my motherbut your mother-in-law! Its your job too! Or do you want me to bathe her myself?!
A dead silence.
Alice spoke, her voice icy and calm:
I dont owe youanything.
David snorted.
Well then, hire a carer!
Oh? Are you planning on paying for it?
Why should I have to pay?!
Then therell be no carer.
She folded her arms.
You could use your mothers pension. Ormaybe your own pay?
Davids face grew stony.
Why do I even have a wife, then?
That was Alices breaking point.
Suddenly, everything was blindingly clear.
David had used her for years.
And Charlotte? She didnt even bother to visit her grandmother.
That night Alice lay wide awake, unable to sleep.
But by morning, she knew what she had to do.
As soon as David left for work, Alice packed her bags, took her sons hand, and walked out the door.
She sent only one message, then blocked his number:
I refuse to carry this burden alone anymore.
That evening, David stormed in, red with anger.
Either you come back, or Ill file for divorce!
Alice smiled gently.
Go ahead. I was just about to do the same.
For the first time, David looked genuinely lost.
But she wasnt waiting for an apology. Her mind was made up.
One month later, the divorce was final.
David never once apologised.
And Alice?
She never looked back.
Six months later
Alice heard the news.
Margaret had died.
And Charlotte?
She kicked David out without the slightest hint of guilt.
And only then did he realise it
He had lost everything.
