2
605words
My sister-in-law, married to a nearby village, came back seven or eight times a month.
She always showed up empty-handed but left with bags full of food and other supplies. Sometimes when she claimed to be "short on cash," she'd ask my husband for "pocket money." I'd always treated her like family, never keeping track of what she took.
"You go shopping.I'm not feeling well.I'm not cooking lunch!"
Every time she visited, I'd prepare a big meal, yet they'd start eating without waiting for me. More than once, they didn't even set a place for me at the table.
Still seething over the insurance issue and thinking about all the years I'd slaved away for this family, I had no energy to deal with it today.
My husband, unable to budge me, stormed out to buy the groceries himself.
Soon, my sister-in-law arrived with her two kids.
Hearing her call, I didn't want to embarrass her, so I responded.
They were whispering about something—probably the insurance.
At noon, my mother-in-law, rare for her, cooked. My sister-in-law called me to eat.
"Sis, I've scolded Mom, Dad, and my brother. They know they're wrong. Be the bigger person and forgive them."
I couldn't snub a smiling face, so I joined them for lunch.
She sat beside me, warmly calling me" sis", piling food on my plate.
I felt comforted—she was finally acting like the sister I'd treated her as.
But a few sentences in, she asked to borrow money for her husband's business venture.
My father-in-law jumped in:" We have to support our son-in-law's business! Your mom and I are old, we can only spare $30,000. I hope it's not too little!"
My mother-in-law glanced at my husband with a smile."How much will you chip in?"
I expected him to discuss it with me, but he flashed five fingers.
"Big brother's got $50,000 for you. Need more, just say!"
I laughed in disbelief." Robert, do you know how much we have? We've got $50,000 total, and you're giving it all away? What'll the family live on—air?"
His smile froze."Shut up! I earn the money, so I decide.I say $50,000,it's $50,000.You've got your dowry jewelry, right? Pawn it if we need more money"
To back his brother-in-law, he'd even target my dowry.
My sister-in-law smirked."Sis, you're out of line. My brother's supporting my husband's business—that's family loyalty. You, are just an outsider, so stay out of it."
My in-laws nodded in agreement.
I sneered." Outsider? You're not wrong! And you? Ever heard'a married daughter's like spilled water'? If I've got no say, you've got even less!"
Her face flushed, then paled, slamming her fork on the table.
My father-in-law tried to calm things, urging everyone to eat.
I didn't want to escalate, but my husband wouldn't let it go." It's just insurance. Big deal. Had enough of your tantrum?"
"Me, throwing a tantrum? You're joking. I scrimped to save that money, and you just hand it to your sister? You won't spend$50 on me, but your conscience is clear?"
My mother-in-law snapped, pointing at my nose. " Whore are you talking about? Say it again! All these years, eating our food, drinking our water—what's with the attitude? Stay if you want, or get out!"
Normally, I'd bite my tongue and keep the peace, but this time, she didn't hesitate to turn on me.
Not only did they refuse to admit fault for skipping my insurance, they acted righteous about it.
