**Diary Entry 14th May**
For seven years, James and I were married. From the day we said our vows, I accepted living with his mother, Mrs. Evelyna woman whod suffered a stroke, left partly paralysed, needing constant care for every meal, every 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 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 me, the one person who shouldve shared itmy husband, James.
James worked during the day, and by evening, he was glued to his phone. Hed often say, *You care for Mum better than I ever could. If I tried, shed only suffer.* I never held it against him.
I thought that was just life: the wife takes care of the home, the husband brings in the money. Until I discovered James wasnt just at work he had someone else.
One day, I stumbled on a message: *Coming over tonight. Being with you is a thousand times better than being at home.* I didnt scream, didnt cry, didnt make a scene.
I just whispered, *And what about your mother, the one youve neglected all these years?* James said nothing. The next day, he left. I knew exactly where hed gone.
I looked at Mrs. Evelynthe woman who once criticised every bite I ate, every nap I took, who said I *wasnt fit to be her daughter-in-law*and my throat tightened. 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 look after.*
I packed her medications, medical records, and an old notebook tracking her care into a tote bag. That evening, I helped her into her wheelchair and said softly, *Mum, youre staying with James for a few days. A change of scenery will do you good.* She nodded, eyes bright like a childs.
At the flat, I rang the bell. James opened the door, and behind him stood the other woman, in a silk nightdress and crimson lips. I wheeled Mrs. Evelyn into the sitting room, arranging her blankets and pillows, then set the bag of medicines on the table.
The flat reeked of perfume but felt cold and silent. James stammered, *Whatwhat are you doing?*
I smiled gently. *Remember? Shes your mother. Im just your wife. Seven years of care 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 bedsores. 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 cruel!*
I stopped, not turning, and answered with quiet steel. *You neglected her for seven years whats that, if not cruelty? 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 decent human being.*
I met the other womans eyes, smiling faintly. *If you love him, love all of him. This comes with the package.*
Then I placed the house deeds on the table. *The house is in my name. 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 visit.*
Mrs. Evelyn smiled, voice trembling. *Yes come see 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 new beginningno tears, no bitterness.
**Lesson learnt:** No ones worth your dignity. Walk away when its time, but never without grace.
