A man asks his wife to give up her job to look after his elderly father who had a stroke, then he accuses her of living off him. Later he gets what he deserves.
Gemma Newton was a successful graphic designer and happily married to John for 12 years and it seemed as if the pattern of her life was set. She didn’t realize a change was coming, one that would transform her and everything she knew about herself and her husband.
The phone rang in the middle of the night and by her husband’s anxious replies Gemma knew something bad had happened. She was right. John’s elderly father who lived in Idaho had a stroke.
The next morning, John flew to Boise to be with his father. The next few weeks were anxious ones for Gemma, but finally, John phoned with good news. His father was recovering but John had something important to discuss with Gemma…
Bearers at a funeral | Source: Shutterstock
Two days later John was home and he carefully initiated the discussion with Gemma: “Darling, my father needs a lot of help and support right now, at least for the next six months or so. I was wondering if you’d mind if he stayed with us?”
“Of course not,” said Gemma immediately, “You know I’m fond of your dad. Anything to help!”
“I’m so glad you said that Gemma, darling!” John gasped, “The doctors suggested full-time care for a while and I was wondering if you’d considered taking an extended leave…”
“John, you know I have a high-pressure job at the agency. They won’t let me take that kind of leave. I’d have to resign!”
“Hun, please, you know you’re the best at what you do, they’ll take you back anytime! Talk to your boss.”
Gemma was a successful graphic artist | Source: Unsplash
“John, why don’t we just hire someone to look after Harold?”
“Two reasons, Gemma. First: I don’t want a stranger in our house, and second, the cost of a caregiver’s salary plus the extra expenses… It will cost us more than you’re earning,” Jon added. “And since I’m earning more than you at the moment, it seems sensible.”
“John, that’s a big step…I don’t know! I’d be dependent on you, and I’ve earned my living since I was 18. I don’t think I’d be comfortable with that.”
“Hun, I’m your husband, I love you. You’d be looking after my father! And besides, you could freelance from...
