Once an Invisible wife, Now a Star

I stood there, a strange calm settling over me amidst the chaos of my family’s derision and Kate’s faux sympathy. The words “plain and boring” echoed in my mind, then Kate’s apologetic tone about the tickets.

It was a familiar dance, one I had unwittingly led for decades. But not anymore.

I met Kate’s gaze, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. “Don’t apologize, Kate,” I said, my voice clear and steady, devoid of the tremor it usually held when confronting them.

“It’s perfectly alright. I wouldn’t have been able to go anyway.”

Rosemary, who had been observing with narrowed eyes, scoffed. “Right. Too busy with your ‘appointments,’ I suppose?”

The sarcasm was thick, a venomous edge to her words.

Ethan snickered, and even David, from the couch, offered a dismissive wave of his hand, clearly enjoying the spectacle of me getting mocked by our children.

“Oh, I heard you are diagnosed with cancer?” Suddenly Kate spoke, a feign concern on her face.

“I hope everything is okay with you.” She had added, shooting a short glance at Rosemary.

It was obvious they were making fun of my sickness. They did not believe I was sick at all.

“Yes, Mom. What did your doctor say today?” Ethan asked, his voice provocative. It sounded as if he was making fun of me. Even a six years old Max knew it was some kind of a joke that was followed with his loud laughter in the hall.

“Max…” Rosemary shut him down, but deep down her expressions showed she was enjoying it as well.

I clutched the medical reports in my hands, my legs shivered in anger as I threw the reports in front of David.

“You can read it yourself and see if I’m lying. I’m really sick, David.” I spat.

I held back the tears formed in my eyes. I didn't want to shed my tears for the people who didn't even care about me. Not anymore!

Having said that, I walked up the stairs to leave for my room. That's when I heard Kate’s voice,

“I can't believe she went so far as to create fake medical reports. What the hell is wrong with her?”

“We all love you, Grandma Kate. That's why Grandma Sabrina is jealous. So, she is faking her sickness to get our attention.” Max’s voice cut deeper through my heart.

Even a child in the house didn't respect me at all!

Kate sighed, “She has always been like this. Jealous and arrogant.”

“I feel so sorry for all of you for having to tolerate her for all these years.”

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The words cut deep, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Kate, David, Ethan, Rosemary, and even little Max were all ganging up on me, mocking my illness and questioning my integrity.

I thought about all the sacrifices I'd made for this family, all the times I'd put their needs before mine. And this was how they repaid me?

I walked into my room, shutting the door behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart heavy with emotion. I felt like I was alone in this family, like no one truly cared about me or my well-being.

I looked around my room, feeling like a stranger in my own home. The furniture, the decorations, everything seemed foreign to me. They were all selected by Kate. I was told– her tastes are better than mine.

Even the walls of my bedroom were filled with pictures of David and Kate together, hiking, camping, climbing the mountain, laughing and giggling. Not a single picture of mine was hung in my own bedroom. They all belonged to Kate.

I felt like I was living in a dream, a dream that was slowly turning into a nightmare.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew I couldn't let their words get to me. I knew I had to be strong, for myself and for my own sake.

I had just laid in bed, recalling my doctor's warning. “You didn't follow our instructions and exhausted your body. I’m afraid you wouldn't even survive six months if you still don't give yourself rest.”

I had finally decided to not listen to anyone and live my life the best for the next six months if I had left that much time.

Suddenly the door of the room pushed open and David barged in, still carrying the medical reports in his hands.

“Are you done throwing tantrums?” He spat. “If you are done putting on an act, go pack my bag. We are leaving for the Alps tomorrow.”