How Much Do I Owe You Again?

My husband Ben Miller gave me a grand a month for household expenses, while claiming to everyone it was ten grand. Not wanting to hurt his pride, I kept my silence. Came New Year’s Eve dinner when Mary, my mom-in-law, went so far as to blurt out in front of everyone: “My boy works himself to the bone out there every day, only for my precious daughter-in-law to drain every last cent. “Who knows how much of his money she’s given to her own parents?” Ben pretended not to hear a thing, downing drinks with the guests. A chill settled in my heart. All my years of saving every penny, frugally managing the household, and slaving away for their extended family came to nothing. In their eyes, I was nothing more than a leach bleeding them dry. I unclasped the apron from around my waist, not wanting to spend another second with this family. To my surprise, Mary led a large crowd of relatives into the kitchen, cornering me inside. “Come clean now. How much of Ben’s money have you pocketed over the years? “Today, you’re spitting every single cent back out.”