Laura Bennett was a pro at juggling her job as a bookkeeper in Fremont with a tidy home. She’d rise early to cook for herself and her husband, Mike, work long hours, and still have dinner ready. Mike was her equal partner, sharing chores and keeping their life smooth. But after Laura gave birth to their twins, their harmony faltered. After years of hoping, Laura’s pregnancy brought them pure joy. She took time off work to focus on their babies, cherishing her role as a stay-at-home mom. Mike, though, saw it as laziness. “You just hang out all day, Laura,” he’d mock. “Why not exercise? You’ve gained so much weight since the twins!”
Laura felt unvalued, chalking Mike’s words up to his stressful sales job. But his withdrawal—dodging her plans for quality time and refusing to help—made her fear he was giving up on them. One evening, she tried to connect. “Mike, work’s been tough, but something’s off. Can we talk?” He barely glanced from his laptop. “I’m fine.” She persisted, but he lashed out. “What’s your deal? I’m working! Look at yourself—your friends stay slim, but you’re not even trying. Are you doing this to drive me away? Where do you go every morning?” Laura was shocked. “You think I’m cheating?” He accused her of using the twins as a cover to avoid work, then left her crying.
Later, a loud thud startled Mike. He rushed out, worried for the twins, but found Laura fainted on the floor. Heart racing, he called 911, and she was taken to the hospital. Their neighbor watched the twins as Mike stayed by her side. Doctors said stress and exhaustion caused her collapse. Guilt consumed Mike as he replayed his harsh words. At home, while making their bed, a diary slipped out. It was Laura’s, starting with her thrill at the twins’ birth and her dreams of being a great mom. Mike smiled, but later entries broke his heart. Laura wrote of his distance, his cruel jabs about her weight, and her secret gym sessions and crash diet to win him back. The grueling plan left her weak, and his mockery crushed her.
Mike cried, ashamed of his cruelty. The next day, he brought tulips and a card to the hospital, apologizing. “I was wrong, Laura. You’re beautiful, and I was awful.” Laura, teary, hugged him. “It’s okay, Mike.” He vowed to change. When she came home, he arranged a romantic dinner, dancing with her to their favorite song. Mike became her biggest cheerleader, planning family picnics and praising her strength. Laura now focuses on wellness, not quick weight loss, and their love is deeper than ever. Mike learned that true beauty is in the heart, and Laura’s devotion as a mom and wife was always enough.
