**Diary Entry 12th June**
James and I had been married for seven years. From the day we said our vows, I accepted living with his mother, Mrs. Margareta woman whod suffered a stroke, left partially paralysed, needing constant care for every meal and nap. At first, I thought it would be simple: she was my mother-in-law, I was her daughter-in-law, and looking after her was just my duty.
But I never imagined the weight of that responsibility would stretch on so long and the hardest part was that it fell solely on methe one person who shouldve shared it with me: my husband, James.
James worked all day, and by evening, hed be glued to his phone. He often said, You take better care of Mum than I do. If I try, shell suffer more. I never held it against him.
I thought that was life: the wife tends the home, the husband brings in the bread. But then I discovered James wasnt just at work he had someone else.
One day, I stumbled on a text: Tonight, Ill come again. Being with you is a thousand times better than being at home. I didnt scream. I didnt cry. I didnt make a scene.
I just asked quietly, And your motherthe one youve neglected all these years? James said nothing. The next day, he left. I knew exactly where hed gone.
I looked at Mrs. Margaret, the woman who once criticised every bite I ate, every nap I took, who said I wasnt fit to be her daughter-in-law, and a lump rose in my throat. I wanted to walk away. But then I reminded myself: a person must always keep their dignity.
A week later, I called James. Are you free? Im bringing your mother over for you to care for.
I packed her medicines, medical reports, and an old notebook of records into a cloth bag. That evening, I helped her into her wheelchair and said gently, Mum, Im taking you to Jamess for a few days. Its good to have a change of scenery. She nodded, her eyes bright like a childs.
At the small flat, I rang the bell. James opened the door, and behind him stood the other woman, in a silk nightgown and deep red lipstick. I wheeled Mrs. Margaret into the sitting room, arranged her blankets and pillows, and set the bag of medicines on the table.
The flat reeked of perfume but felt cold and silent. James stammered, What what are you doing?
I smiled softly. Remember? Mum is yours. Im just your wife. I cared for her seven years thats enough. The woman behind him paled, a spoonful of yoghurt halfway to her mouth.
I stepped back calmly, as if finishing a long-planned task. Heres her medical history, prescriptions, nappies, pads, and cream for her sores. Ive noted all the dosages in the notebook.
I set the notebook down and turned to leave. Jamess voice rose. Youre abandoning my mother? Thats heartless!
I stopped, not turning, and replied with quiet firmness:
You neglected her seven years whats that, if not heartless? I cared for her like my own familynot for you, but because shes a mother. Now Im leaving, not for revenge, but because Ive done my part as a human being.
I looked at the other woman, meeting her eyes with a faint smile. If you love him, love all of him. This comes with the package.
Then, I laid the house deeds on the table. The house is in my name only. Im taking nothing. He only took his clothes. But if you ever need money to care for Mum, Ill still contribute.
I bent down, stroking my mother-in-laws hair one last time. Mum, behave yourself here. If youre sad, Ill come see you.
Mrs. Margaret smiled, her voice trembling. Yes visit me when youre home again.
I left, shutting the door behind me. The room fell silent, thick with perfume and massage oil. That night, I slept peacefully, dreamless. The next morning, I woke early, took my son out for breakfast, and embraced a fresh startno tears, no bitterness.
**Lesson:** Duty is noble, but never let it blind you to your worth. Some burdens arent yours to carry alone.
