When everyone had finally left, I looked around at the mess of leftovers, my son-in-law slumped drunk on the couch.
I knew I was in for a long night of cleaning up.
Gracie gave me an apologetic look. "Mom, I'm sorry you had to go through all this trouble. But, Mason is about to get a promotion. You've really played a big role in that."
What a lovely daughter. She sure had no problem working her mother to the bone.
I began clearing the table quietly, washing dishes, and mopping the floor.
It was late into the night by the time I could finally rest.
The next morning, I got up early, but Mason had already left for work.
As for the promised money, I could never get it.
Not that I ever took his promises seriously.
I decided it was time to go home. I had my own life to live, after all.
Gracie objected, and Mason also strongly urged me to stay.
But I was firm. I did not want to keep playing the fool.
Gracie then said that if I insisted on leaving, she would have to hire a nanny.
I expressed strong support for that.
She hesitated and then mentioned that the cost of hiring the nanny might require some financial help from me.
I did not respond. I just sighed.