The distance between Emily and Michael grew, and the kids, mirroring their father’s indifference and disrespect, made family dynamics increasingly strained.
All household chores and responsibilities gradually fell on Emily’s shoulders. As if that weren’t enough, Ethan had hit his preteen years, adding new challenges. He’d become rude, instigated conflicts, and clearly needed firm parental guidance—preferably from his father. Emily, feeling overwhelmed by domestic duties and eager to return to work, quickly enrolled Lily in daycare as soon as a spot opened up.
Michael, noticing his role in the family seemed even less necessary, decided he could live as he pleased. He started disappearing from home for weeks, claiming frequent business trips.
“You wanted this, so what’s the problem now?” he’d snap sarcastically when Emily, unable to hold back, cried into her pillow at night.
“I don’t like being forced to handle the kids and the house alone!” she’d reply in desperation.
“I’m earning money so we can live,” Michael countered.
“I’m earning too! You don’t need to work as intensely as before. I’m back at work now—you could spend less time on your job and more with the family.”
“And how do you imagine that? Quit my job?” Michael asked mockingly.
“No, just work a little less. We can live on two incomes.”
“Stop talking nonsense. Employees are valued for their efficiency. If I start slacking, they’ll fire me without a second thought. And we can’t survive on your salary. So drop your fantasies and focus on what you’re supposed to do—your womanly duties. Leave me out of it,” Michael said sharply, signaling the conversation was over.
“So you think ‘womanly duties’ are everything that doesn’t involve you? I’m supposed to clean, cook, raise the kids, andwork, while you, the real man, just go to work and call it a day? What a fair division of labor!” Emily said bitterly.
“Em, you’ve become too high-strung,” Michael replied dryly, dodging the conflict.
“High-strung? How am I supposed to stay calm when I’m called to school almost every day because of Ethan? He doesn’t listen to me or his teachers. And do you know what I found on his phone?”
“Snooping in someone’s phone is unethical. There could be private stuff not meant for your eyes,” Michael brushed her off, sticking to his stance.
“Really? He’s only twelve, and I’m responsible for him. I’m his mother—I need to know what’s going on!”
“Just admit you can’t handle it. You’re not the best mom,” Michael tossed out, oblivious to how deeply his words hurt her.
Emily froze, as if doused with ice water. Her tears dried up, and she stared at her husband in disbelief.
“It’s hard to excel at everything: working, running a household, raising kids, being a good wife. Not everyone can juggle it all. You’re clearly one of those who can’t, so you should pick one thing,” he continued coldly, as if delivering a lecture.
“So I’m a failure as a wife too?” Emily managed to say, already dreading his response.
Michael didn’t answer, but his look said more than words. Emily felt a chill pierce her heart. Not long ago, she’d believed their family was just going through a temporary rough patch, the kind of relationship struggles everyone faces. She’d thought Michael’s fatigue from late work nights was the cause, that he was too exhausted to bring her flowers or rekindle the romance they once had.
“None of my friends’ husbands give gifts without a reason either. It’s normal,” Emily had told herself, trying to justify his indifference. She often recalled how Michael had courted her so sweetly before their wedding, convincing herself that with patience, things could go back to how they were.
But that evening, Emily couldn’t sleep. Anxiety and insecurity gnawed at her, keeping peace at bay. The next morning, seeing Ethan with his phone again, her frustration flared anew.
“Who gave you permission? I said no devices for a week!” she snapped, feeling her anger boil over.
“Dad canceled the punishment,” Ethan replied calmly, not looking up. “He said one day was enough. I’ve learned my lesson, and my safety’s more important than your silly rules.”