For years, I had prepared all the meals.
For years, I had organized all the family celebrations.
For years, I was in charge of cleaning, tidying, cooking, and managing the entire house.
And today, despite being wounded, he still found a way to think only of himself.
At that moment, something changed inside me.
I didn't scream.
I didn't cry.
I didn't even try to argue.
I simply smiled.
"Okay," I replied calmly. "I'll take care of it."
Her face relaxed immediately.
As if he had just won.
As if everything were resolved.
I had no idea what was coming.
The next day, I discreetly booked a cleaning company.
Then, a catering service.
The house would be spotless.
The food would be perfect.
The party would still take place.
The total amount far exceeded what I would have liked to spend.
But I considered it an investment.
The party doesn't stop.
For my future.
In the days that followed, I reflected a lot.
I was remembering all the small humiliations accumulated over the years.
All those times when my efforts had been considered normal.
All those times when nobody said thank you.
All those times I put the needs of others above my own.
Little by little I realized that my arm wasn't the only thing that was broken.
My marriage was too.
Perhaps for a long time.
The day of the celebration arrived.
The house was impeccably clean.
The buffet looked like it belonged in a luxury hotel.
The guests were impressed.
Everyone praised the organization.
Marc enjoyed the attention.
He told stories.
She laughed out loud.
He received congratulations as if it had all been his doing.
I was watching him from a distance.
For the first time in a long time, I felt a strange calm.
Then my mother-in-law arrived.
As soon as he saw my cast, he shook his head.
— In my time, a woman continued to take care of her home despite the difficulties.
I didn't answer.
She continued:
— If you stop trying hard enough, men will end up looking elsewhere.
Some guests seemed embarrassed.
I simply smiled.
Because I didn't know what was going to happen.
No one knew about it.
