At 52, I had a stroke. «The trip’s paid for, get better,» my husband said, then jetted off to the Maldives with the kids….

«The trip is paid for, get well soon,» said my husband and flew to the Maldives with the kids

Hello, welcome to the channel Wise Stories. Enjoy watching. At the age of 52, I had a stroke.

The tickets are paid for, get better, my husband said, and left with the kids for the Maldives. I called the notary directly from my hospital bed. They came back tanned and happy, and they had a surprise waiting for them.

Morning light filtered through the thin curtains of the spacious kitchen where Pamela Vincente was preparing breakfast for her family. With precise movements, she sliced the cheese, occasionally glancing at the tablet screen displaying stock market reports. Gray strands had barely touched her chestnut hair, which was neatly gathered in a bun.

At 52, she looked fit and energetic. Years of working in finance had taught her to value discipline. From the bathroom came the sound of running water.

Her husband, Miguel, had finally woken up. Pamela sighed as she placed the third cup of coffee on the table. Their daughter, Victoria, was already sitting at the table, absorbed in her phone.

Mom, do you have $25,000 until payday? The agency is delaying bonuses, and I need to pay for my gym membership, she said without looking up from the screen. Pamela nodded, habitually opening her banking app. Asking for money had become such a routine that it no longer sparked any questions or discussions.

Transferred, she replied shortly, sending the amount, and returned to making the scrambled eggs. Miguel appeared in the doorway, in his worn-out bathrobe, with damp hair and the usual bags under his eyes. 28 years of marriage had transformed him from a promising historian into a tired college professor, resigned to playing second fiddle in the family.

Good morning, he muttered as he headed to his seat at the table. Pamela, don’t forget, there’s a parent-teacher meeting at my nieces’ on Thursday. I’ll need to cover for my sister.

I won’t be able to pick you up, Pamela answered, setting the plates. I have a meeting with clients at 6. Again? Miguel sighed but quickly shrank under her firm gaze. Fine, I’ll take the bus.

Victoria put down her phone. By the way, mom, have you changed your mind about helping me with the down payment for the new car? Mine is falling apart. Victoria, we’ve already discussed this.

I paid for your trip to Turkey just a month ago, Pamela said calmly, but her voice carried a steel edge. Well, mom, you know that in the agency, you need to look good. The car is part of the image.

How can I take clients around in my clunker? Pamela silently looked at her daughter. Victoria reminded her so much of herself when she was young, the same determination, but now it was directed at living life for her own pleasure rather than for a career. After finishing her tourism studies, she got a job as a manager at a prestigious agency but preferred talking about work rather than actually doing it.

I’ll think about it, Pamela finally said, though she knew she would eventually agree. She always agreed. The front door slammed and Mateo, their younger son, barged into the kitchen, the eternal seeker of his calling.

At 25, he had already changed jobs three times after finishing law school and now worked as a lawyer’s assistant at a small firm, dreaming of real cases. Hey, everyone, he cheerfully exclaimed, kissing his mother on the cheek. Mom, you’re the best.

Thanks for the transfer. I’ve already picked up the documents from the old office starting at the new job tomorrow. Again, Mateo? Pamela asked tiredly.

We agreed you’d stay at one job for at least six months. Mom, there are no prospects there. But here, there’s real legal practice and a future partnership.

Mateo spoke quickly and passionately as he always did when defending his impulsive decisions. Pamela shook her head and looked at the clock. I have to go.

I’ll be late tonight. A meeting with management. She quickly finished her coffee, gathered her papers into her leather portfolio, and adjusted her smart suit before heading for the door…