Greedy God-Sister
My mother-in-law was somehow allergic to me.
As long as I was in the house, her skin would break out in rashes, and she would struggle to breathe.
The hospital could not find any specific allergen. They said it might be something to do with my scent.
To give his mother some relief, my husband Keith asked me to stay in a hotel every weekend.
I quietly packed away everything that was mine. I even stopped wearing my favorite perfume just so I could stay home for one extra day.
However, her condition only grew worse.
The days I was allowed to be home dropped from five days a week to three, and eventually to just one.
I never complained. I only hoped she would get better soon.
One day, I left work early to pick up a document from home.
I heard laughter from inside the house.
"Mom, your trick really works! Every time you cough, my brother kicks that woman out."
It was Keith's god-sister Caroline, who had studied abroad.
My mother-in-law laughed smugly. "Caroline, you're the best. You can cook, and you give great massages. You're nothing like that useless block of wood who's always in the way.
"Keith, hurry up and marry Caroline already. Get rid of that woman!"
Keith's voice was full of indulgence. "Mom, don't say things like that. Caroline, look at the perfume I bought you. You've worked hard lately."
All strength left my body as I stood frozen at the door.