A mother lives with her husband and their 3-year-old son. Her husband reluctantly helps with childcare when asked and contributes financially. Despite some frustrations, she focused on spending time with her children and supporting her husband who works hard. However, approaching Mother’s Day made her feel melancholic. She decides to go grocery shopping alone, leaving her son with her husband. At the store, she sees a father and son picking out groceries together. She reflects on her feelings towards Mother’s Day, her husband’s lack of empathy, and the importance of teaching gratitude to her children. In the end, she resolves to focus on self-care and enjoy a nice dinner, despite her conflicted emotions.
I live with my husband and our just-turned-3-year-old son, Mitsuki. While my husband is not uncooperative with childcare, he reluctantly helps when asked. I’m not entirely satisfied with my husband, but economically he contributes more to our family, and realistically I spend more time with the children, so I have turned a blind eye to many things. Since my husband works hard, I also work hard at housework and childcare. There are minor grievances, but I love my son and cherish the little moments of happiness. But when Mother’s Day comes, I feel melancholy…
I leave my son with my husband and go to the supermarket alone. As I pick out groceries with a shopping cart in hand, I see the father and son choosing groceries instead of the mother. As I pass by the florist after finishing shopping…
My son is playing with a toy train, and the room is messy. My husband is lying on the sofa saying “Welcome back”.
I wonder if my husband feels anything when he sees this feature.
I am not a “mother” to my husband. Therefore, he is not obliged to celebrate Mother’s Day. I suppose my husband fundamentally lacks empathy. So, I told myself not to expect anything.
But, we celebrate Father’s Day every year together…
Why do people get irritated when Mother’s Day is not celebrated, even though I don’t celebrate Father’s Day because I want my mother to be honored? It’s not just for my husband, but also for my son, yet I find myself feeling unexpectedly upset. However, I believe it’s a parent’s responsibility to teach children gratitude towards the family. I hope my husband can see things from a broader perspective, but I also feel it may be pointless to expect that. I don’t want to continue feeling this way, so tonight, I’ll eat what I like! ! !
To be continued in [Part 2].
Original article: Mama Star Community Script: Tae Watanabe Illustration: Chill Editing: Mika Yokouchi