Whenever I mentioned going back to work, he reminded me I’d been away too long, that no employer would want me now.

For years I mistook keeping the peace for being loved. Lying in that bed, I finally saw how completely I had mistaken endurance for loyalty.

Chapter 6 — Only a Burden

“I gave up everything for this family,” I whispered. My voice was thin, but every word was true.

“You’re my husband. You’re supposed to help me.”
Vincent looked at me without a trace of concern. “Help you? You’re nothing but a burden.”

The monitor kept beeping beside me.

Not a patient.