I also demanded our house key. Beverly initially refused.
“You’re seriously taking a key away from your own mother?”
“I’m asking you to respect our home.”
Eventually she set it on the table without looking at me. I changed the locks anyway, not as punishment, but to restore Natalie’s sense of safety.
The Appointment That Changed My Priorities
The following day, I took Natalie and Miles to their scheduled checkup and explained her exhaustion and lack of reliable support.
A nurse listened, asked Natalie about her feelings, and encouraged her to speak freely. Miles was healthy; Natalie received guidance and reassurance about recovery, sleep, nutrition, and seeking support.
On our drive back, she gazed out the window before turning to me.
“I thought becoming a mother meant I was supposed to handle everything.”
At a red light, I held her hand.
“You don’t have to handle everything alone.”
