It pays me enough to support my small family. Our two boys, Liam and Jake, are my main inspirations. Liam, 12, has an inquisitive mind and an aptitude for science.
Meanwhile, Jake, ten, is our little athlete. Then there’s Kyle, my husband of 15 years. Kyle is the calm in my madness, the constant presence that keeps our family grounded.
He worked as an operations manager for a logistics company, keeping him occupied while providing for us. But everything changed one afternoon when Kyle strolled through the front door, holding a folder and appearing as if he had seen a ghost. His face was pale, his lips pushed tightly together as he placed the folder on the table.
“Laura,” he began, his voice shaky, “I have muscular dystrophy.”
Muscular dystrophy. The words rang in my memory, causing my stomach to twist. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered.
“I didn’t want to tell you like this, but… I need to start tre:atme:nt. I think we’ll need to cancel the trip with the boys. I hate to do this to them, but…”
“We’ll need more money,” I murmured, staring at the ceiling.
“I can handle it.” I turned to face him, determination in my eyes. “I’ll get a part-time job after work. We’ll cut back on expenses.
You’ll quit your job and focus on your health.”
The following day, I went to a neighborhood restaurant and got a job cleaning tables in the evenings. After concluding my day at the software company, I’d go right there to clean. I gave practically all of the money I earned to Kyle for his trea:tmen:t.
And I could see that he was changing. He seemed happier and more relaxed. The routine became second nature.
Work all day, clean tables at night, and go to bed fatigued. I was exhausted, but seeing Kyle grin or hearing him say, “Thank you for everything, Laura,” made it all worthwhile. “It’s best if I go alone,” he’d say.
“I don’t want you missing work for this.”
I’ve never questioned it. I absolutely trusted him. On my way to the restaurant, a white SUV drove up alongside me.
The window gently rolled down, revealing a stunning woman with dark glasses and neatly styled hair. She removed her sunglasses, revealing sharp, piercing eyes. “Is Kyle your husband?”
The woman inclined her head slightly, a knowing smirk appearing on her lips.
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
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