I stood there, a strange calm settling over me amidst the chaos of my family’s derision and Kate’s faux sympathy. The words “plain and boring” echoed in my mind, then Kate’s apologetic tone about the tickets.

It was a familiar dance, one I had unwittingly led for decades. But not anymore.

I met Kate’s gaze, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. “Don’t apologize, Kate,” I said, my voice clear and steady, devoid of the tremor it usually held when confronting them.

“It’s perfectly alright. I wouldn’t have been able to go anyway.”

Rosemary, who had been observing with narrowed eyes, scoffed. “Right. Too busy with your ‘appointments,’ I suppose?”

The sarcasm was thick, a venomous edge to her words.

Ethan snickered, and even David, from the couch, offered a dismissive wave of his hand, clearly enjoying the spectacle of me getting mocked by our children.

“Oh, I heard you are diagnosed with cancer?” Suddenly Kate spoke, a feign concern on her face.

“I hope everything is okay with you.” She had added, shooting a short glance at Rosemary.

It was obvious they were making fun of my sickness. They did not believe I was sick at all.

“Yes, Mom. What did your doctor say today?” Ethan asked, his voice provocative. It sounded as if he was making fun of me. Even a six years old Max knew it was some kind of a joke that was followed with his loud laughter in the hall.

“Max…” Rosemary shut him down, but deep down her expressions showed she was enjoying it as well.

I clutched the medical reports in my hands, my legs shivered in anger as I threw the reports in front of David.

“You can read it yourself and see if I’m lying. I’m really sick, David.” I spat.

I held back the tears formed in my eyes. I didn't want to shed my tears for the people who didn't even care about me. Not anymore!

Having said that, I walked up the stairs to leave for my room. That's when I heard Kate’s voice,

“I can't believe she went so far as to create fake medical reports. What the hell is wrong with her?”

“We all love you, Grandma Kate. That's why Grandma Sabrina is jealous. So, she is faking her sickness to get our attention.” Max’s voice cut deeper through my heart.

Even a child in the house didn't respect me at all!

Kate sighed, “She has always been like this. Jealous and arrogant.”

“I feel so sorry for all of you for having to tolerate her for all these years.”

I felt like I'd been punched in the gut. The words cut deep, and I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

Kate, David, Ethan, Rosemary, and even little Max were all ganging up on me, mocking my illness and questioning my integrity.

I thought about all the sacrifices I'd made for this family, all the times I'd put their needs before mine. And this was how they repaid me?

I walked into my room, shutting the door behind me. I leaned against the door, my heart heavy with emotion. I felt like I was alone in this family, like no one truly cared about me or my well-being.

I looked around my room, feeling like a stranger in my own home. The furniture, the decorations, everything seemed foreign to me. They were all selected by Kate. I was told– her tastes are better than mine.

Even the walls of my bedroom were filled with pictures of David and Kate together, hiking, camping, climbing the mountain, laughing and giggling. Not a single picture of mine was hung in my own bedroom. They all belonged to Kate.

I felt like I was living in a dream, a dream that was slowly turning into a nightmare.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I knew I couldn't let their words get to me. I knew I had to be strong, for myself and for my own sake.

I had just laid in bed, recalling my doctor's warning. “You didn't follow our instructions and exhausted your body. I’m afraid you wouldn't even survive six months if you still don't give yourself rest.”

I had finally decided to not listen to anyone and live my life the best for the next six months if I had left that much time.

Suddenly the door of the room pushed open and David barged in, still carrying the medical reports in his hands.

“Are you done throwing tantrums?” He spat. “If you are done putting on an act, go pack my bag. We are leaving for the Alps tomorrow.”

I barely rested for five minutes when David stood on my head, demanding to help him pack his bag for the trip I was not invited to.

I might have objected and confronted him for his audacity of being so mean if I weren't used to his behaviour.

“Polish my boots as well.” He had added before throwing the medical reports aside.

I wanted to say something, maybe resist doing the work he just handed me. But, Mrs. Greta’s words echoed through my head.

“Since it's the separation after a long period of time, the court will take time to approve your plea for the divorce.”

I sighed. I had to bear with this family a little more.

I barely managed to get my body off the bed. I dragged myself to the wardrobe, taking David’s clothes out one by one.

He watched me packing his clothes obediently. A smile of dominance spread through his lips and he left, relaxed.

I had just finished packing David's clothes when Ethan barged in the room.

“Mom, why are all my clothes wrinkled? Am I supposed to go like this on the trip?” He barked at me as if I had done a crime by not ironing his clothes on time.

“Iron them all tonight!” He commanded, followed by his wife's desperate call. “Mom, can you please wash my nighties? None of them are clean enough to take on the trip. That's not much to ask, right?”

“Of course, Mom is going to be free for a whole week. She can do some extra work today.” Ethan replied on my behalf, completely ignoring the fact that my legs were already shaking in weakness.

Without waiting for my response, they left the room. That night, Kate stayed at our home. Their laughter and giggling voice echoed through my ears for the whole night.

They stay awake the whole night, playing indoor games, watching movies and having fun. Meanwhile, the whole night I was busy packing their bags and doing all the chores necessary for the trip.

I could barely finish all the work at 5:15 AM and came to my bed to take a nap when my alarm clock rang at 5:30 AM.

I was asked to wake up early and prepare the coffee and snacks for everyone and then drive them to the Airport since the flight was at 8:00 AM.

I stared at the blaring alarm clock, the harsh buzz a cruel mockery of the five minutes of sleep I'd managed to snatch. My body screamed in protest, every muscle aching, every bone heavy.

Yet, the thought of hot coffee and fresh snacks for a family that barely acknowledged my existence, let alone my exhaustion, spurred me on.

I pushed myself up. The kitchen was a mess, as expected. Empty snack wrappers littered the counters, and half-eaten bowls of cereal sat hardening on the table.

I moved like a ghost, mechanically grinding coffee beans, the rich aroma doing little to awaken my senses.

My hands trembled as I sliced fruit and arranged pastries, my mind replaying Mrs. Greta’s words: "Since it's the separation after a long period of time, the court will take time to approve your plea for the divorce."

A little more. I just had to bear it a little more.

At 6:30 AM, just as the first rays of dawn stretched through the kitchen window, I heard the creak of floorboards above.

David's booming voice, followed by Kate’s airy giggle, signaled the start of their day. Soon, Ethan and Rosemary joined them, their morning chatter filling the house with an energy I couldn't match.

After the coffee and snacks, I drove them to the Airport where they walked hand in hand and I carried their luggage as their personal maid.

As if something hit David, he finally walked up to me and said, his voice gentle for once. “You are so sick, Sabrina. It's not good for your health to travel.”

“After I return from Alps, I’ll take you to see a good doctor and then we will arrange another trip, just you and I.” He had added when his attention got diverted by Kate’s scream.

“Oh, No!” She yelled, “The diamond ring you gave me yesterday is missing.”

She showed her empty finger to David. David's forehead wrinkled. “Where did it go?”

“I don't know.” She shook her head. “Could it be that it's stolen?”

“Grandma Sabrina, did you steal it from Grandma Kate’s finger?” Max’s childish accusations sent shivers down my spine.

The most shocking thing was no one moved to correct him, to defend me. Their gaze instead was fixed on me while Max was standing before me, crossing his arms against his chest. “You wanted it after all, didn’t you?”

Kate dramatically clutched her empty finger. “I can't go bare finger. What will people talk about me?”

David’s eyes turned to me. His eyes sparkled as he stared the only diamond ring I had that I had been wearing since before our wedding.

“Sabrina, give your ring to Kate. It's so expensive. What will do you wearing it? You don't go anywhere.” He had said, completely ignoring the emotion behind my ring.

“That's my mother's ring, David!” I spat. “I’m not giving it to anyone.”

My strict refusal triggered his anger, and the next second I found myself laying on the floor.

My sight was blurred and I couldn't remember what had happened in this minute time. I tried to get up, but fell again.

The ring, the symbol of my mother’s love, sparkled in Kate's finger, a hand imprinted on my cheeks and a lot of sympathetic stares directed at me, told me the tale of what happened just seconds ago.

David had slapped me before everyone, snatched the fingers off my finger and gave it to Kate.

“You should feel entitled that I’m not calling police for stealing Kate's ring.” He had added before turning his back at me.

“Serves you right.” Rosemary smirked as she left with Ethan. Max's teased me with funny faces as he followed his parents. No one came to support me or ask I how had I been feeling.

A passerby helped me get up while I stared my family happily boarding for the flight.

Just then my phone rang. It was Mrs. Greta.

“Congratulations, Mrs. Cooper. Your plea for the divorce has been accepted.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Greta!” I said, my voice stern.

I had just hung up the call that my phone rang again, this time with an unfamiliar number. I picked it up only to listen an old friend’s voice.

“Rina, how are you doing these days?” The voice asked excitedly.

“Just fine.” I replied. “How did you call me after so many years?”

“I have a great news for you. My company is launching a program inviting old super stars that are forgotten to shine. You are on the list, Rina.”

“The program is going to be held on Alps, a place you always wanted to visit. I remember it.”

“What's the last date of joining this program?” I asked as I had some matters to be taken care of before leaving this country for good.

“ A week…”

“I accept your invitation.” I replied, my voice laced with confidence that I never showed before.

This was my time to shine!

As I watched my family disappear into the distance, I felt a sense of relief throughout my body. I was finally free from their toxic grasp, and I could start rebuilding my life.

The phone call from Mrs. Greta was the confirmation I needed. My divorce had been accepted, and I was one step closer to starting anew. The call from my old friend was the perfect distraction from the chaos that had just unfolded.

Years ago, I was a famous singer. My concerts were famous across several countries. I had once urged David to visit my concert once. But, he had refused coldly.

"Singing? That's not a real profession, Sabrina. It's just a hobby, something you do for fun. You need a stable job, something that can provide for our future. This singing nonsense is just a waste of time." David said, his voice laced with disdain.

I felt a pang of hurt at his words, but I tried to brush it off. "You don't understand, David. Music is my passion. It's what makes me happy."

David scoffed. "Happy? You call performing in front of a crowd of screaming fans happy? It's just a bunch of noise, Sabrina. You need to focus on something more practical.”

Thereafter, I left singing. I disappeared from the world that once made me feel alive.

But, I didn't expect the opportunity to present itself. A chance to revive my singing career, to shine again on stage, and to do what I loved.

The program was being held in the Alps, a place I had always dreamed of visiting.

I wasted no time. Despite feeling my bones aching because of David's abuse, a new energy emitted from my heart and I rushed back home.

Mrs. Greta had someone deliver the divorce papers at home as she promised. I signed the papers immediately and took care of the necessary arrangements before leaving the country.

I dumped all the decorations and furniture in the house outside, along with all the photo frames that didn't contain me, sold the house, severing ties with the past and the painful memories that lingered within its walls.

The money I got by selling the house I once bought with my life savings just for the family, was enough to live the best of my life for the rest of the six months.

I visited the shopping mall where David used to take Kate shopping.

“The dresses here are all fashionable and warm. You stay at home and do household chores. What will you do visiting this mall?”

That's what he had said when I had urged him to take me along as well.

But today, I bought all the dresses that I once wished to wear but couldn't. They all looked perfect on me. I bought matching accessories as well.

No one mocked me, no one looked down on me. Everyone in the mall appreciated my taste, some even asked me to help them in selecting their dresses.

The day of my departure arrived, and I stood in front of the mirror, looking at the person staring back at me. I was no longer the timid, submissive woman I once was. I was a woman reborn, ready to take on the world.

I took a deep breath, grabbed my bags, and stepped out into the unknown. Just before boarding, my phone rang. I checked it. It was Kate.

I ignored it. But, my phone kept beeping, attracting a few stares of people at me. I sighed and immediately checked my phone.

Kate had been sending messages on my social media app. Those were all the pictures of her visiting exciting places in the Alps. David stood by her side, affectionately holding her arms in all of them.

There were videos as well. Ethan called her ‘Mom’ in them. Max called her just ‘Grandma’ and David, well he was addressing her as ‘Darling’.

She even made a post of herself and David, with the caption: "Love is in the air. Wishing my dear Sabrina could find happiness like I've found with David.”

I liked the post and commented ‘Advice accepted’.

After that, I blocked her number along with four more numbers of my family and shut the phone off. It was time to leave. The Alps awaited, and with it, a new chapter in my life. I was ready to shine, to sing, and to live.