“Why does this oatmeal always taste scorched?” Lily frowned, nudging her plate aside with clear distaste. Emily, caught in the morning rush to prepare for work, balanced a whirlwind of tasks: dressing her older son for middle school and readying her younger daughter for daycare.

“This oatmeal’s not for me,” Ethan stated firmly, pushing it away. “It’s kid stuff.”

“You’re the kid!” Lily snapped, her eyes narrowing at her brother.

Their bickering escalated quickly, voices rising as they exchanged pointed jabs.

“Ethan, enough! You’re older, so act it,” Emily urged, her words barely cutting through the noise. Ethan kept up his taunts, and Lily, overwhelmed, dissolved into tears.

“Stop it!” Emily declared, extending her hand. “Give me your phone. No devices for three days.”

With no time for lengthy discussions about behavior, Emily took Ethan’s smartphone, handed him his backpack, and gestured to the door. “Move, or you’ll be late for school,” she said sternly.

“I’m not going without my phone!” Ethan shot back, meeting her gaze.

“One week. No devices at all,” Emily countered, holding firm.

“But why does Lily always win?” Ethan started to argue.

“One more word, and it’s two weeks,” she warned, her tone unwavering.

Grudgingly, Ethan accepted his consequence and left for school.

“What about breakfast? Can you make different oatmeal?” Lily asked, surprised, as Emily knelt to tie her sneakers.

“No, you’ll eat at daycare today,” Emily responded, securing the laces.

“The food there’s awful,” Lily grumbled, pouting.

“Then today’s a no-food day,” Emily said with a small smile, knowing Lily usually loved daycare meals. She recognized these morning outbursts stemmed from her children’s growing sense of entitlement. Emily felt the family’s strained dynamic was the root of it all.

Her husband, Michael, had grown distant in recent months, showing her less respect. The kids, absorbing his attitude, mirrored his behavior. When Ethan was their only child, the family had been more harmonious, with Michael actively supporting Emily in parenting. But after Lily’s birth and Michael’s new, demanding job, he drifted from family life, leaving Emily to manage alone.

The growing rift between Emily and Michael intensified, and the children’s behavior reflected their father’s detachment, making home life increasingly tense.

Household responsibilities piled onto Emily’s shoulders. Ethan’s preteen defiance added new hurdles—he’d grown rude and needed strong parental guidance, ideally from his father. Feeling stretched thin and eager to resume work, Emily enrolled Lily in daycare the moment a spot became available.

Michael, sensing his role diminishing, began acting as he pleased, often vanishing for weeks on supposed business trips.

“You wanted this life, so why complain?” he’d say sharply when Emily, overcome, wept quietly at night.

“I don’t want to manage the kids and house alone!” she’d respond, her voice heavy with frustration.

“I’m providing for us,” Michael would retort.

“I’m working too! You don’t need to overwork anymore. I’m back at my job—you could cut back and be with the family more.”

“What, quit my job?” Michael scoffed.

“No, work less. We can manage on both our incomes.”

“That’s absurd. My job demands efficiency. Slacking means getting fired. Your salary can’t support us, so focus on your responsibilities and leave me out of it,” Michael said, cutting her off.

“So my responsibilities are everything you avoid? I cook, clean, raise the kids, and work, while you only work? That’s your idea of fair?” Emily said, her voice sharp with resentment.

“You’re too tense, Em,” Michael replied coolly, sidestepping her point.

“Tense? How can I not be when I’m called to Ethan’s school constantly? He ignores me and his teachers. And do you know what I found on his phone?”

“Checking his phone is wrong. He deserves privacy,” Michael dismissed.

“He’s twelve, and I’m his mother! I need to know what’s happening!”

“Admit it—you’re struggling. You’re not the best mother,” Michael said, his words slicing through her.

Emily froze, his words stinging deeply. She stood, stunned, as he continued.

“Not everyone can handle work, home, kids, and being a good spouse. You’re clearly struggling, so focus on one thing,” he said, his tone icy.

“So I’m a bad wife too?” Emily asked, bracing for his response.

Michael’s silence and cold glance said enough. Not long ago, Emily had believed their struggles were temporary, caused by Michael’s long work hours. She’d excused his lack of affection, telling herself it was normal, remembering how he’d once been so attentive before their marriage.

That night, sleep eluded her, anxiety swirling. The next morning, seeing Ethan with his phone again, her frustration surged.

“Who said you could have that? I said no devices for a week!” she snapped.

“Dad said one day was enough. I learned my lesson, and my safety matters more than your rules,” Ethan replied calmly, eyes on his screen.

His words cut deeply. Michael had undone her authority, and the betrayal stung. In a rush of anger, Emily grabbed the phone. Ethan held tight, and in the struggle, it fell, shattering on the tile floor.

“What did you do?! I hate you!” Ethan shouted, his face full of fury.

“If that’s how you feel, maybe you’d rather live with your dad!” Emily said, her voice trembling.

“He understands me! I wish you were gone!” Ethan yelled, storming out and slamming the door.

Tears threatened, but Emily held them back, taking a deep breath to steady herself.

“Lily, are you eating, or is it a no-food day?” she asked, turning to her daughter, keeping her voice even.

“I want candy. Dad gives me candy,” Lily said, staring defiantly.

“Candy gives you allergies, you know that,” Emily said, but Lily didn’t budge.

“That’s a lie!” Lily insisted, looking away.

“Don’t argue. Eat your oatmeal, then we’ll do your ponytail,” Emily said firmly, though inside she was fraying. The stress—Lily’s whining, Ethan’s rebellion, Michael’s indifference—was pushing her to the edge.

“I don’t want my hair brushed! I want it like this!” Lily shouted, dodging Emily and running around.

Emily’s irritation surged, but she held back from snapping.

The morning unraveled, and Emily and Lily arrived late to daycare. The teacher’s disapproving glance noted Lily’s messy hair and missed activities.

“I’m sorry, I know I failed. I feel like a terrible mother,” Emily said, fighting tears.

“No, please, just try to be on time,” the teacher said kindly, unaware of the sting her words carried.

Lost in thought, Emily went to work, only to face more criticism from her boss. The day felt like an onslaught.

By evening, work overwhelmed her. Glancing at the clock, she realized Lily needed picking up soon, but tasks loomed. She called Michael, asking him to get Lily since she had to stay late.

“You’re lucky I’m free today,” Michael grumbled.

Exhausted, Emily returned home craving rest, desperate to escape Michael’s complaints, Ethan’s loud music, and Lily’s cries for attention. But a new surprise awaited.

“What’s this?!” Emily exclaimed.

“Dad said we could get a puppy! A lady was giving them away, and we got one! He’s so cute!” Lily beamed, running to her mother.

“Who’s walking it?!” Emily asked, struggling to stay calm.

“He uses pee pads,” Lily said excitedly, holding the puppy.

“Great…” Emily sighed, exasperated. She loved animals but knew the responsibility would fall to her. Lily saw the puppy as a toy, Ethan cared only for his devices, and Michael, as always, ignored her wishes, creating more burdens. She suspected he’d brought the puppy to undermine her further.

“Fine, but your dad cleans up after it,” Emily said, trying to set a boundary.

Michael muttered vaguely and headed to the bedroom. Lily ran around with the puppy, full of energy.

Emily tried cooking dinner while checking Ethan’s homework, but multitasking failed. She asked Michael to review Ethan’s work, but he was already leaving.

“Where are you going?” Emily asked, seeing his jacket.

“Office. Forgot documents,” Michael said coldly.

“How long?” she asked, dreading the answer.

“Depends,” he replied, leaving without a glance.

Emily stared at the door, frustration boiling. Her life felt like it was slipping away.

Forcing down dinner, she went to Ethan. “Turn off the music and go to bed,” she said, keeping her voice low.

“Don’t wanna,” Ethan said, ignoring her.

“Lily wants to, and the neighbors will complain,” Emily said, irritation rising. She felt like a coiled spring, ready to snap.

“Lily, bed now!” she called, but as she stepped forward, she slipped on a puppy puddle and fell, hitting her head.

Lying on the floor, Emily saw her life clearly—a cycle of striving for perfection and failing. Michael was right; she couldn’t do it all.

“Lily, go to bed when you want tonight,” Emily said calmly, watching her daughter play.

“Yay! I won’t sleep!” Lily said, delighted.

Emily nodded, choosing to let go of control. In the bathroom, a warm shower washed away her stress. Afterward, she made hot chocolate, wrapped herself in a blanket, and sat on the kitchen couch. With headphones playing soothing music, she drifted into a rare moment of peace.

Michael’s shouting shattered it. “Are you serious?! Lily’s still awake, music’s blaring, Ethan’s on his computer, and you’re napping?!”

Emily blinked, startled. “You’re back?”

“Clearly,” he snapped. “Wish I wasn’t.”

“Then put the kids to bed,” she said, refusing to argue.

“What’s with you? Do your job,” he demanded.

But Emily stood firm, prioritizing herself. Her neck stiff, she walked to the bedroom, ignoring him.

“What’s this puddle?!” Michael yelled, stepping in it.

“Your dog’s gift,” Emily said casually.

“Why didn’t you clean it?”

“You brought it home. You deal with it.”

“Emily!”

“I’m going to bed.”

Michael persisted. “Put the kids to bed!”

“Leave me alone. Don’t I deserve a break? You’re a parent too, but you’ve left everything to me. Everyone says I’m a bad mother, that I shouldn’t be here.”

“I’m done with this. I’m leaving,” Michael said coldly.

“Found a better place already?” Emily asked, holding back tears.

“That’s not your concern. But she’s better at everything—naturally feminine. You’re not who you were.”

“Can’t argue there. But I can make wishes come true.”

Michael looked wary. “Are you drunk? I’m leaving. I’ll file for divorce tomorrow.”

“No need. I’m leaving,” Emily said, grabbing clothes, wallet, and phone.

“What?! Where? Don’t tell me you’ve got someone else!” Michael said, suddenly cautious.

“I don’t pick up parasites—I get rid of them. Good luck. Ethan’s at school by eight, Lily at daycare.”

“Emily, don’t be foolish. I can’t stay with the kids!”

“I can’t either. I don’t have another place, and I won’t drag them out at night.”

“Conscience?!”

“Yes. You were right—I can’t do it all. Your perfect woman can take my place. I’ll be a ‘Sunday mom.’ Good luck.”

Emily left, her heart heavy but resolute. Her family had fractured long ago, blaming her for it all. Maybe she was partly to blame for not stopping it sooner.

Days later.

“I’m not eating this! I want oatmeal! I want Mom!” Lily screamed, pushing her plate off the table.

“Michael, handle your daughter! I’m done!” Ashley, Michael’s new girlfriend, shouted, regretting moving in.

Ethan had insulted her and locked her in the bathroom while Michael was out. The puppy chewed her shoes, and Lily’s tantrums were unbearable. Ashley initially gave Lily candy, but when she got sick, Lily demanded proper food. Ashley, uninterested in cooking, refused to play maid.

“Michael! Make her breakfast! She’s your kid!” Ashley yelled.

“You’re the woman,” Michael sighed.

“This is insane!” Ashley stormed out.

“Mom! I want Mom!” Lily sobbed.

At daycare, the teacher asked, “Lily’s been crying for her mom. What’s happening with Emily?”

“She’s sick, in the hospital,” Michael lied grimly.

“Wish her well. Lily looks messy—wrinkled clothes, allergies. Tell Emily to return soon. You look rough too,” the teacher said, noting Michael’s disheveled shirt.

“I’ll tell her,” Michael muttered.

Ashley called, furious. “I’m not coming back while your kids are here. Them or me.”

“I hear you,” Michael said sharply, hanging up.

Instead of work, he went to Emily’s office.

“Is Emily here?” he asked.

“No, she’s at daycare,” the receptionist said.

“I was there. Did something happen?” Michael asked, worried.

“No clue,” the receptionist replied.

Michael called Emily, but she didn’t answer. He raced to the daycare.

“Where’s my daughter?” he asked.

“With her mom, probably at the park,” the teacher said.

Michael found them at the park, Lily laughing as Emily pushed her on the swings. Emily looked better, her stress gone, but her smile faded when she saw Michael.

“Daddy, don’t take me home! I hate Ashley!” Lily cried.

“Shh, Lily. You’ll ride the carousel, and Mom and I will talk. If you’re good, you won’t see Ashley again,” Michael said.

“Really?” Lily asked, wiping her tears.

“Yes. We’ll talk without you.”

Lily agreed, sensing the gravity.

“Come back. The kids need you,” Michael said.

“I can’t return to that mess,” Emily whispered.

“You came for Lily. You can’t live without her.”

“True, but not like before.”

“It won’t be. I messed up. I’m sorry.”

“That easy for you?”

“I’ll give you the apartment. I’ll live separately.”

“With her?” Emily asked, pained.

“No, alone. Ashley’s not who I thought.”

Emily held back her anger. He’d implied she was convenient, nothing more.

“We’re done.”

“So you’ll come back?”

“Yes, to divorce. I’ll take the kids once you find us a new place. The old one’s too tainted.”

“Give me a month. I’ll cover rent until then.”

Michael left. Emily took Lily, leaving Ethan with Michael temporarily. Ethan hoped for reconciliation, but Ashley left, unwilling to deal with the kids. Michael sold the old apartment, bought a better one for Emily and the kids, and rented nearby to stay close.

He tried to reconcile, but Emily refused to repeat past mistakes. Without him, the kids grew calmer, less defiant. Maybe they feared losing her again, or Michael’s toxic influence had been the issue. With time to rest when Michael had the kids, Emily felt no regret. Michael, left with only the dog, regretted everything.