The following afternoon, I was kneeling beside the bed frame trying to tighten loose screws when Carol arrived.
My mother-in-law walked in carrying a casserole dish I hadn’t requested and an opinion I hadn’t invited.
She stood in the doorway, surveying the room.
“You’re really letting her sleep on that thing?”
“It’s squeaky, Carol. Not dangerous.”
“Daniel would’ve hired someone.”
I tightened another bolt.
“Daniel would’ve understood that I’m doing my best.”
The atmosphere shifted immediately.
For illustrative purposes only
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