Most days, I had to pick vegetables from the garden instead of buying from outside. My meals were endlessly ladyfinger, bottle gourd, and spinach, to the point I grew sick of them.

Even after my son was born, conditions didn’t improve. The paya porridge she cooked was always half-raw because she turned off the gas early to save fuel. Staring at that bland dish, I swallowed it along with tears.

Worse, she complained non-stop:

– “My son works tirelessly to provide for the family. Ever since my daughter-in-law came here, expenses have only risen.”