After police officer Zach Owens suffered a leg injury, he was forced to take sick leave, and his wife, Lydia, had to become the family’s breadwinner. She worked long hours as a nurse, often up to 18 hours a day, while Zach complained about knee pain and spent his days on the couch.
Zach wasn’t always like this. He used to help Lydia with chores and cooking, but recently, he made excuses to avoid helping her. Lydia was exhausted from the imbalance and decided to stay quiet, not wanting to disrupt the family. However, one day, she reached her breaking point.
“Lydia! Come here right now!” Zach yelled while she was helping their son, Adam, with a school project. Lydia had returned early from work to assist Adam. Instead of preparing dinner or cleaning, she focused on the project while Zach and his friends watched a soccer game.
“I can’t come now, Zach. I’m busy with Adam!” she replied.
Zach barged into Adam’s room, furious about the messy kitchen. “Who’s going to clean it?”
A kitchen full of dirty dishes | Source: Shutterstock
“Excuse me? The mess was made by you and your friends. Why don’t you help for once?” Lydia shot back.
Zach glared at her. “Where did you get the guts to yell at me? Are you crying wolf at work about me?”
“STOP IT, ZACH!” Lydia yelled. “Our son is watching! I work 18 hours a day and then take care of the house. It’s never enough for you! You’re making this environment toxic!”
“Stop making me look like the bad guy. You can’t do anything right!” Zach retorted.
Adam, upset, left the room. After a moment, he returned, gesturing for them to follow him to the living room. Confused, they complied and sat down.
On the TV, a slideshow began with the title: “My dream: to be like my mother. My life’s superhero and role model.” Adam had chosen Lydia for a presentation about his role model. The video showed her working hard, returning home late, and caring for Adam.
In one segment, Adam interviewed Lydia in sign language. She explained that she worked hard for the people she loved and that it was okay for Zach not to help since he was injured.
As the presentation ended, a message appeared: “Thank you for being such a beautiful mom. I love you.” Zach realized he wasn’t part of this at all, feeling guilt wash over him.
A few days later, he surprised Lydia with a salon appointment, insisting she take a day off. When she returned home, the living room was dark, lit with candles and rose petals. Friends and family shouted, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LYDIA!”
Zach presented her with flowers and a diamond pendant, kneeling to wish her a happy birthday. After cutting the cake, he helped clean up and promised to never yell at her again. “I’ll return to work tomorrow. You don’t have to anymore.”
Lydia hugged him, tearful and grateful. “Thank you, Zach. That’s the best birthday gift I could have asked for. I love you.”
Adam stood nearby, gesturing in sign language that he was proud of Zach.
