When Adeline’s kids said they wished she didn’t exist, their words cut deeper than any pain she’d ever felt. Angry and thoughtless, they didn’t understand the weight of their words. Adeline decided to take their wish seriously, disappearing from their lives without a trace.
It was time they learned what life would be like without her. People often said being a housewife was easy—staying home, relaxing, living off a husband’s hard work. What a mistake.
For Adeline, being a stay-at-home mom was no easy job; it was a nonstop race with no breaks. Her days blurred with cleaning, cooking, calming tantrums, and juggling endless tasks. Cedric, her lively but stubborn five-year-old, was at an age where every little thing sparked a fight.
Florence, nearing her pre-teen years, was full of attitude and unpredictable moods. And her husband, Bartholomew? He thought his paycheck excused him from household chores.
It was exhausting. That evening, as usual, they gathered for dinner. Sharing their day was a routine, often full of surprises.
Adeline looked at Cedric, who was poking at his peas. “Cedric, how was preschool today?” she asked, forcing a cheerful tone. He shrugged.
“It was okay, but Miss Carter might call you tomorrow.”
That caught her off guard. “Why would she call?” Adeline asked, setting down her fork. “I wanted to pet a dog outside, but Miss Carter said you shouldn’t touch stray dogs because they might have rab—rab—” Cedric frowned, searching for the word.
“Rabies,” Florence cut in, rolling her eyes dramatically. Cedric nodded. “Yeah, rabies.”
“And why would that make her call me?” Adeline pressed.
Cedric hesitated, then blurted, “I didn’t like what she said, so I bit her.”
Adeline stared, shocked. “You bit your teacher?” Her voice rose without meaning to. Cedric nodded, unfazed.
“She said rabies comes from bites. I wanted to show her.”
“Mom, you raised a wild animal,” Florence muttered, smirking. “Don’t talk about your brother like that,” Adeline said sharply.
She turned to Bartholomew, who was focused on his food. “Bartholomew, do you have anything to say?”
He glanced up briefly. “You’re doing great, love,” he said, giving her hand a quick pat.
Adeline sighed, turning back to Cedric. “We’ve talked about this, Cedric. You can’t bite people.
It hurts, and it’s wrong. Use words to express yourself next time.”
Then she faced Florence. “How was your day?”
“Fine,” Florence said, barely looking up.
“That’s it?” Adeline asked. “Oh, I’m staying at Isadora’s tomorrow, remember?” Florence added casually. “Yes, I remember,” Adeline said, feeling her energy drain.
The next day started badly and got worse. When Adeline checked Cedric’s room, expecting it to be tidied as she’d asked, it looked like a tornado had hit. Toys, clothes, and books were scattered everywhere.
Her patience wore thin, but there was no time to deal with it. She had to apologize to Miss Carter for Cedric’s bite, which was humiliating. Then, as she finally sat down to catch her breath, the phone rang.
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