I will never forget the sound of their laughter. It was a Saturday evening, the kind where the house is full of noise and forced cheerfulness.
His friends had come over to watch football.
Bottles clinked against each other, loud commentary filled the room, and I moved in and out of the living area serving snacks like I always did.
I was used to being supportive. Used to keeping things running smoothly in the background.
Then it happened. One of his friends joked about marriage and responsibilities. My husband laughed and, without hesitation, said, “Huyu?
She can’t even survive without me. She’s completely useless on her own.”
The room exploded with laughter. For a brief second, I froze. My hands tightened around the tray I was holding. I felt exposed in my own home, reduced to a punchline for cheap entertainment.
I wanted to respond. I wanted to remind him of the times I had paid the rent when his salary delayed.
The times I had stayed up budgeting, figuring out how to stretch what little we had. The times I had supported him emotionally when he doubted himself.
But I said nothing. I walked back to the kitchen slowly, placed the tray on the counter, and stood there staring at the wall.
The humiliation burned deep, but something stronger was forming beneath it a decision. ...CONTINUE READING