When you visit your sister nine months pregnant and you see her being treated like a maid, what should you do?
This is what I experienced. When I finally got to her, I was horrified to see her husband treating her like a servant. However, everything changed when I took a watermelon and placed a crazy bet on it.
I had to stay at my sister’s house for a few nights while I was on my way to work.
As soon as I opened the door, I knew something was wrong. My beloved sister Lily was rocking with her belly sticking out.
She had a pale face with heavy circles under her eyes that resembled double shadows. She was so exhausted I could almost see it coming out of her.
Meanwhile, her husband Mark was stretched out on the couch, remote control in hand, eyes fixed on the television.
It was then that I understood my sister’s fatigue. I saw with my own eyes how Mark was treated like a king that first night.
It was dinner. Despite her condition, Lily put effort into a basic bowl of spaghetti.
However, when Mark took a bite, he rubbed his nose and said, “This is very cold. I’m heading with it.”
Then he picked up the plate and went upstairs. His video game sounds eventually echoed downstairs.
Lily just sighed and started cleaning the table.
Then she turned on the washing machine, filled the dishwasher, and started folding a ton of baby clothes, which amazed me.
Naturally, I assisted but Mark continued his marathon performance the entire time upstairs.
After we had burnt toast for breakfast the next morning (Lily’s tiredness seemed to reduce her ability to cook), I decided to have a quick chat with my brother-in-law.
“Hi Mark,” I said hesitantly. “Lily seems to be doing a lot around here. Considering how soon the baby is due, maybe you could help?”
“Oh, please hurry up. “It’s a woman’s job, you know?” Mark smirked.
I took a deep breath and tried again, despite my anger. I was just wondering if you could help make the crib or do the dishes. It’s not too complicated.”
Finally, Mark looked up and narrowed his eyes. “You are a drama queen… As much as she will love taking care of our baby, Lily loves taking care of me. Please keep your progressive things out of my home. My husband is only doing his duty.”
I had to fight the urge to throw the coffee in his arrogant face as I felt anger boiling inside me. But then I thought of something – a ridiculous, absurd plan that might work.
I put on a fake smile and said, “Mark, you know what? You’re accurate.”
Lily is a pleasure to take care of you. I bet you can’t do everything he does in a day. So many.”
A smug expression appeared on Mark’s face. “For God’s sake? What would happen if I disproved you?”
“I will be your maid for eternity,” I said with a big smile. “But you have to take the lead and be the husband Lily deserves if you lose. Okay?”
Mark laughed and held out his hand. “Act.”
He had no idea that I was holding a watermelon, a roll of plastic, and a lot of determination as a secret weapon.
Now that the parameters of our bet were set, I skipped my little excursion to the grocery store with cheeky glee.
I found the biggest, roundest watermelon I could find and brought it home. I asked my sister for help setting up Mark’s “pregnancy simulator” after telling her of my intentions.
When he got home from work, I offered Mark a handwritten list of Lily’s daily chores, including laundry, dishes, cleaning, mopping, grocery shopping, meal prep, painting the nursery, and more. I also showed him a watermelon.
You see, we cut the watermelon into slices, removed the juicy core (saving that for later), and then carefully wrapped each half in plastic wrap to resemble heavy round balls. Two in case we need to replace them later.
“Are you sure about that?” Lily asked, amused and a little scared.
“Absolutely,” I replied, adding a final touch of watermelon. “It’s about time he got a taste of his own medicine.”
Mark just laughed. “It’ll be easy,” he exclaimed, sticking out his chest.
Lily and I sat on the couch and prepared a bowl of popcorn between us.
The show was about to start.
It was also a concert!
At first, Mark walked as if he owned the place, the watermelon half bouncing on his stomach with every step. But the truth of the situation quickly became apparent.
As he leaned forward to retrieve the loose sock, the watermelon suddenly swung forward, nearly causing him to lose his balance.
He tried to vacuum, but the added weight caused him to wobble like a penguin.
Melon kept knocking on the door to keep it from closing as he tried to load the washing machine.
Lily and I laughed so hard that we cried.
In a beautiful voice, I asked, “Do you need help?” Lily laughed.
Mark gritted his teeth and grumbled about how “women’s work” was easier than it looked.
But he was sweating profusely at noon. He walked like a snail and half a watermelon stuck to his clothes.
Watching her try to paint the nursery was very funny. He lay precariously on the ladder, his balance wavering.
At some point, my brother-in-law’s weight—which wasn’t as heavy as an actual pregnant belly—was too much to bear.
Mark forgot his early arrogance and at one point was even cleaning the bathroom floor and crawling on his knees.
Lily and I realized that it wasn’t just a stupid bet; rather, it was an opportunity for Mark to truly understand the daily sacrifices Lily made.
And judging by the pained expression on his face, the lesson was beginning to dawn.
Finally, as dusk approached, Mark threw in the towel—literally and figuratively. He lay down on the sofa, threw the cloth on the coffee table, and began to peel his half of a watermelon.
“I… I can’t,” he groaned, tilting his head back as he dropped the hollow fruit. “I give up!”
After a moment of silence, Lily stood up in all her pregnant glory and turned to her husband.
Mark met her gaze and tears welled up in his eyes. “Lily,” he moaned exhausted and dejected. “I’m so sorry. I was clueless. I had no idea how much work you put in every day.”
Lily started to cry, but they weren’t depressed. Relief, hope, and the prospect of a better future shone in their eyes.
She kissed her husband on the cheek.
“It’s okay,” she murmured soothingly. “You didn’t mean to hurt me, I know that. But I’m glad you understand now.”
That evening I watched Lily cook dinner and clean up the watermelon mess and felt the air around the house change.
For the first time since I moved in, Mark got involved in the housework. He did the dishes, did the laundry, and even built the crib without too much swearing – a minor miracle in my opinion.
The change happened quickly and was much appreciated. Mark became Lily’s loyal assistant, able to anticipate her needs before she spoke.
In addition to cooking and cleaning, he also massaged her aching feet and covered up his previous attempt to paint the nursery a soothing pastel blue.
Mark was Lily’s rock when her contractions started a few days later. When their beautiful baby girl was born, he held her hand, comforted her, and even cried a few tears of his own.
As he held his child, his face overflowing with love, I realized that my watermelon experiment had been a success.
The old Mark was gone and in his place was a guy who loved his wife and child more than anything else.
I was about to leave when Lily hugged me and crushed my bones. She whispered in my ear, “Thank you.” “You saved our marriage and gave our daughter a father who will always love and care for her.
Warmth filled my heart as I hugged her back. I hoped that Mark would keep this mindset forever because I knew that people are not flawless.
If not, I’d go back and give him another lesson – maybe with a different fruit.
As I was about to leave my sister’s house, I could not help thinking of the profound change that had taken place. The man who had once treated Lily like a servant was now a devoted husband, transformed by a simple but powerful lesson in empathy. It was remarkable to see how a hilarious bet fueled by frustration blossomed into a pivotal moment in their family’s growth.
Mark experienced firsthand the weight of responsibility that comes with having a child, both physically and emotionally. More importantly, he understood the depth of Lily’s daily sacrifices, something he had taken for granted for far too long. It was clear that this newfound appreciation extended beyond chores—he was now emotionally invested in being the supportive partner Lily deserved.
As I watched him cradle his newborn daughter with tears of joy in his eyes, he assured me that the lesson had left a lasting impression. Lily also looked more composed, her once haggard face now glowing with relief and love. The dynamic between them had shifted and it was heartening to witness the renewal of their partnership, now based on mutual respect and understanding.
As I hugged Lily goodbye, her whispered words of gratitude left a lasting impression on me. I didn’t just help my sister – by instigating this change in Mark, I ensured that their daughter would grow up in a home full of love, respect, and equality. And while I believed Mark would continue on this better path, I couldn’t help but smile at the thought that if he ever veered off course again, I’d be ready with another creative lesson. Maybe pineapple next time.