Chapter 1: The Women Who Came Without Warning
My name is Helen.
I'm 34, and three weeks ago, I became a mom for the first time.
I was exhausted, barely sleeping, and still figuring everything out when my husband, Max, had to leave for a two-week work trip.
"I hate leaving you alone," he said.
"Let Mom stay with you."
His mother, Anna, and I had never been close.
She had an opinion about everything I did, but two weeks alone with a newborn scared me more than dealing with her.
So I agreed.
At first, Anna really did help.
She cooked, did laundry, and held the baby while I showered.
But soon, the advice started.
"You feed him too often."
"Don't pick him up every time he cries."
Once, I reached for my son when he started fussing, and Anna pulled him closer.
"Relax, Helen.
I raised a baby before you did."
I bit my tongue.
Max had asked me to give her a chance.
And honestly, I was so tired that some days I needed the help.
Then, after another night of barely sleeping, Anna looked at me and sighed.
"You look terrible.
Go upstairs.
I'll watch him."
For once, I didn't argue.
I lay down and must have fallen asleep immediately.
I woke up to laughter.
For a second, I thought the TV was on.
Then I heard several women's voices downstairs.
I rushed out of bed.
There were purses and coats I'd never seen piled by the front door.
When I stepped into my living room, I froze.
Five women were crowded around my baby.
One was holding him.
Another had her phone inches from his face, snapping pictures.
"Oh, Helen!" Anna smiled.
"You're awake!"
I walked straight over and took my son from the woman's arms.
"Who are these people?"
The room went quiet.
Anna rolled her eyes.
"My friends.
They wanted to meet their grandson."
"Your grandson?"
"Oh, don't start."
I stared at her.
Then she shook her head and said loudly enough for everyone to hear:
"First-time mothers.
You'd think you're the first woman who ever had a baby."
A couple of her friends laughed.
That did it.
"Everyone out.
Now."
The women quickly grabbed their things and left.
Anna stared at me like I'd sl*pped her.
"I can't believe you embarrassed me in front of my friends."
Then she stormed upstairs and slammed the door.
I didn't follow her.
I didn't argue.
I just held my baby, picked up my phone, and did something Anna never saw coming.
A few hours later, my mother-in-law was standing in front of me in tears, begging me to forgive her.
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What did Helen do that brought Anna to tears so fast?
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