Every morning — reproaches, shouting, mockery. And if I dared to say even one word in response, she would immediately complain to my husband and threaten to throw us out of the house.

That night I barely slept. Around five in the morning, my eyes were finally closing when a harsh voice right by my ear woke me up:

“Get up, lazy girl, I’m hungry! Make me something to eat — you just sleep all day!”

I squeezed my eyes shut, trying not to cry.

“Mama, I don’t feel well,” I whispered. “I’ve been sick all night.”

“Keep your ailments to yourself!” she snapped. “Women in my time gave birth and didn’t complain!”