I was in bed with a fever of 39.5°C when my mother-in-law threw cold water on me and ordered me to get up and entertain guests. Thats when I finally did it
My whole body ached, my throat felt like it had been scraped raw, and my head pounded as if someone were hammering inside. Desperate for relief, I curled under the blankets, hoping sleep would dull the pain. For a while, it workeduntil icy water shocked me awake.
I gasped, coughing as I forced my eyes open. Above me stood my mother-in-law, arms crossed, lips pressed into a thin line. Her voice was sharp as a whip.
“Still lying about? Guests will be here in an hour! Up you getclean, cook, and stop lazing around!”
I tried to speak, but my voice came out weak. “Mum Ive got a fever I can barely move”
She waved a dismissive hand. “Oh, dont be dramatic! I worked through worse. Youre not embarrassing me in front of company!”
Something inside me snapped. Her words werent just cruelthey were heartless, as cold as the water shed thrown.
Thats when I did it.
I pushed myself up, legs trembling, vision swimming. Without a word, I grabbed my phone and dialed 999 right in front of her.
“Ambulance, please. Ive got a high fever, unbearable throat pain, and I cant stand. The address is 23 Willow Lane, Brighton.”
Her face twisted in outrage. “Have you lost your mind? The Smiths are coming!”
“Your guests. My illness. And my house.” For once, I didnt apologize.
As I packed a bag, she muttered about “ungrateful daughters-in-law.” But when the paramedics arrived, they took one look at me and said, “Hospital. Now.”
Before leaving, I turned to her. “When I get back, you and your guests will be gone. And you wont set foot here again without my permission. Ever.”
She opened her mouthbut I shut the door behind me.
That day, I learned: no one gets to dismiss your pain. Not even family. And sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is walk away.
