When Emily unwrapped a frying pan while her mother-in-law beamed over a brand-new $2,000 TV, something inside her quietly clicked shut. Her husband, Jake, had always called sharing a birthday with his mom “magical.” In the beginning, Emily believed him. But over the years, each celebration made her place in his life painfully clear. Year one: his mother got a gold bracelet; Emily got a mug that said World’s Best Wife.
Year two: a spa retreat for Mom; cold pizza and a forgotten movie night for Emily.
Year three: a fancy dinner where Jake toasted, “To the two queens in my life—but Mom, you’ll always be my first lady.” By this year, Emily dared to hope it might be different. Jake lugged home a huge wrapped box. Maybe, she thought, he’d finally listened.