Muse or Monster: My Mother's Broken Obsession
She said, "Anne, you're the apple of my eye. Let's celebrate your birthday while we wait for your dad to come home."
Years passed, but Dad never came home.
Mom was paralyzed due to childbirth. It took a whole year before she regained her ability to stand and walk, but her legs were still stiff.
As she aged, the complications became even more obvious. But still, Dad didn't come back.
Mom started drinking excessively. She would get drunk and hit me, but when she sobered up, she would sob as she hugged me and apologized to me.
She said, "Anne, once your dad comes back, our family will return to normal. Once he comes home, I'll love you forever!"