— That turkey you’re praising so much? I made it. All the dishes, actually. I just served them on her plates, since she told me mine weren’t worthy of that family.
A silence. Then…
« Are you serious? » asked Mark’s brother.
« Very serious! »
Explosion of laughter. Knowing glances. Cheryl turned bright red, grabbed her bag and left without a word.
« Was it too much? » I asked Mark.
« No. Rather necessary, » he replied.
After he left, the atmosphere changed completely. Laughter, good humor, congratulations.
« You have to cook every year now, Ava!
» Finally, someone stood up to her…
A week later, my phone rang. Cheryl.
I almost ignored it. I hung up.
— Ava… Can we talk?
Her voice was soft. Human.
— I owe you an apology. What I did at Thanksgiving was unacceptable. And the truth? Your meal was excellent. Really.
I thought I was dreaming.
— I judged you too quickly. I’d like to make amends… if you’re willing.
It wasn’t perfect. But coming from her, it was a miracle.
We’ll never be best friends. But she doesn’t show up unannounced anymore. She doesn’t criticize every little thing anymore.
Last week, she called me:
— What if we co-hosted Thanksgiving this year? Could you make that amazing turkey again?
I hesitated. Then I thought of Mark. Of the children. Of the importance of turning the page.
« Okay, » I said. « That works for me. »
What did I learn? That sometimes people need to be humiliated to learn respect. That you have to stand up for yourself, even when it’s tough. And that the best revenge… is proving them wrong.
Cheryl discovered that I know how to cook. But more importantly, she realized that I’m not a woman to be underestimated.
So, to those of you with a critical mother-in-law or someone who makes you doubt yourself:
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