Get those stitches out and get to the stove, you lazy woman…

That evening, the front door slammed, and Michael appeared in the bedroom doorway, his face twisted in frustration. “You didn’t even make dinner? I’m starving after work.” “Michael, I just got out of the hospital yesterday.”

“I know, I know, honey, the surgery. But it’s not like they cracked open your heart, right? And I got chewed out at work, plus Mom and Sarah are coming tomorrow.” Emily felt a lump rise in her throat.

Three pills a day were the price she paid to move at all. And he wanted dinner? “My mom called, by the way. She wants to come tomorrow too.”

“Oh, no way! Call her and tell her we’re busy. My mom and sister are coming. There’s no room.” “Michael, she already bought a ticket.” The bedroom door slammed, and the clatter of dishes echoed from the kitchen. In the morning, Emily found a note on the nightstand…

Buy groceries, cook lunch, make up the guest room, vacuum. Michael poked his head into the bedroom. “You’re awake? Good. I’m heading out to pick up Mom and Sarah. Make sure lunch is ready by two.”

When the door closed behind him, Emily slowly, leaning against the wall, made her way to the bathroom. In the mirror, she saw a pale face with dark circles under her eyes. She reached for the phone but didn’t get to dial.

The doorbell rang. Linda Johnson stood at the threshold with a suitcase and a bag of groceries. “Mom, why so early?” “I took the overnight bus,” she replied, stepping inside.

Linda looked Emily up and down. “Oh, honey, you don’t look good. You’re so weak. Back to bed, now.” “Mom, I have to clean and cook. Patricia and Sarah are coming.”

Linda silently led her daughter to the bedroom and tucked her in. “You were discharged yesterday. And what? Michael didn’t even give you a break from chores, even after surgery. Where are your meds?” Emily pointed to the nightstand. Linda studied the prescriptions and handed her a pill.

“Here, take this and rest. I’ll handle everything.” “Mom, you don’t understand. Michael will be upset.”

“Sorry, honey, but your Michael is the least of my concerns,” Linda said sharply. Loud voices in the hallway snapped Emily out of a doze. Patricia’s voice carried from the corridor.

“Oh, Linda, what a surprise! Where’s Emily? Why isn’t she greeting us?” Emily struggled to get up. In the hallway, Patricia was taking off her coat, her heavy frame filling the space. Sarah, thin with darting eyes, fussed nearby. “Hello,” Emily said quietly…