Sarah thought her marriage was rock solid until the night she discovered a gourmet menu on the fridge, demanding she cook extravagant meals after exhausting days at work. The ensuing confrontation revealed deep cracks in their relationship, sparking a heated argument that left them both reeling.
I had always prided myself on my work ethic. As a successful project manager at a bustling tech firm, I often worked late hours and brought home projects on weekends. Despite my demanding job, I still managed to keep the household running smoothly. I juggled chores, groceries, and occasional dinners with friends.
Happy working couple | Source: Pexels
Tom, my husband, had a stable job as an accountant. He worked regular hours, rarely had to stay late, and had weekends off. Yet, he often complained about being tired and stressed. I didn’t mind taking on a bit more; I loved Tom and was committed to our marriage.
But that day, it went too far. I returned home after another grueling day at the office, my shoulders aching from the weight of my responsibilities.
As I dropped my bag by the door, I noticed something unusual on the fridge. A neatly typed menu was stuck to it with a magnet, and a handwritten note in Tom’s familiar scrawl read, “Cook it today.”
Man writing a note on a fridge | Source: Pexels
I glanced at the menu and felt my blood pressure rise. It listed gourmet meals, each more complex than the last: Beef Wellington, Coq au Vin, Lobster Thermidor. I couldn’t believe my eyes. I worked longer hours than Tom, yet he was expecting me to come home and whip up these elaborate dishes.
My initial anger simmered down to a cold determination. I picked up my phone and texted Tom.
Woman texts on her phone | Source: Pexels
“What’s with this menu on the fridge? Are you serious about me cooking all this?”
Tom’s reply came quickly. “Yeah, I thought it would be nice to have some structure and variety in our meals. You’re such a good cook, and I think you can handle it. Let me know how it goes!”
I couldn’t believe his nonchalant response. If Tom wanted gourmet meals, he would get them, but not the way he expected.
Man talking on the phone | Source: Pexels
I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. This was too much. I decided to confront him when he got home.
An hour later, Tom walked in, whistling a tune. “Hey, Sarah,” he called out cheerfully.
“Hey,” I replied, my voice icy. “We need to talk.”
He looked at me, puzzled. “About what?”
Woman scolds a man | Source: Pexels
I pointed to the fridge. “About this menu.”
Tom glanced at it and then back at me, still looking confused. “What about it?”
“You expect me to cook all these meals after working all day?” I asked, my voice rising. “I barely have time to breathe, Tom.”
He shrugged. “I just thought it would be nice to have some variety. Your cooking is always on top, and I thought you’d enjoy it.”
Man with a laptop in his apartment | Source: Pexels
“Enjoy it?” I echoed, incredulous. “I barely have time to eat, let alone cook gourmet meals.”
Tom frowned. “I didn’t think it would be such a big deal.”
“Well, it is,” I snapped. “I’m exhausted, Tom. I need help, not more work.”
He looked taken aback. “I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t realize.”
I shook my head. “No, you didn’t. And that’s the problem.”
Couple argues during breakfast | Source: Pexels
Tom’s frown deepened. “So now it’s my fault you’re overworked? I just wanted to eat better, Sarah. Is that so wrong?”
I felt my frustration boiling over. “Wanting to eat better isn’t wrong, but expecting me to do everything is! I’m not a machine, Tom.”
“I never said you were,” he replied, his voice rising. “But you’re acting like I do nothing around here. I work too, you know.”
Couple arguing | Source: Pexels
“Yeah, you work regular hours and come home to relax. I work late, bring projects home, and still manage the house. How is that fair?”
Tom threw his hands up in exasperation. “So what do you want me to do, Sarah? Quit my job? Stay home and cook all day?”
Angry shouting man | Source: Pexels
I glared at him. “I want you to recognize how much I do and pitch in more. It’s not about quitting your job; it’s about sharing responsibilities.”
“Responsibilities?” Tom scoffed. “I handle the bills, the yard work, the car maintenance. You think that’s nothing?”
Couple arguing in the corridor | Source: Pexels
“I’m not saying it’s nothing,” I replied, my voice shaking with anger. “But it’s not everything. You don’t see the daily grind I go through. Cooking gourmet meals is just another unrealistic expectation.”
Tom’s face reddened. “Fine, maybe I don’t see everything. But you don’t appreciate what I do either. You make it sound like I’m useless.”
I clenched my fists, trying to keep my voice steady. “I’m asking for partnership, Tom. Not for you to feel useless. Why is that so hard for you to understand?”
Woman clenches her head | Source: Pexels
“Maybe because you’re always on edge,” he shot back. “It’s like nothing I do is good enough for you.”
“Because you’re not listening!” I shouted. “I’m drowning here, and all you see is your perfect little menu. It’s not about the food; it’s about feeling supported.”
Tom stood up, his chair scraping loudly against the floor. “I’m done with this conversation. I need some air.”
Frustrated woman | Source: Pexels
We stood there for a moment, but I knew this conversation wasn’t over. Tom had a lot to learn about what it took to keep our lives running smoothly. And I had to figure out how to make him understand without losing my mind in the process.
This was just the beginning.
The next few days, I went about my usual routine, but with a new plan in mind. I made a few calls and arranged everything perfectly. When Friday came, Tom walked through the door to the delicious aroma of a perfectly cooked Beef Wellington.
Beef Wellington | Source: Pexels
“Wow, this looks amazing!” Tom exclaimed as he sat down at the table.
I smiled sweetly, hiding my true intentions. “I’m glad you like it. I thought I’d start with your favorite.”
Tom took a bite and sighed contentedly. “This is fantastic. You know, if I didn’t make you do it, you’d never discover this talent. But, if I’m being honest, the beef could be a little more tender.”
Content man eating | Source: Pexels
At that moment, a man in a chef’s uniform emerged from the kitchen. “Is there something wrong with the beef, sir?” he asked, his tone polite but firm.
Tom’s fork froze halfway to his mouth. “Who are you?” he stammered.
I leaned back, enjoying the scene. “This is Chef Martin. I hired him to cook this dinner. And I paid him with the money you were saving for your new car.”
The chef | Source: Pexels
Tom’s face turned several shades of red as he struggled to find words. “You…you did what?”
“I work long hours, manage the household, and now you expect me to cook gourmet meals every day? I thought you could use a lesson in what it takes to put together a meal like this. Chef Martin is an expert, and even he can’t make the beef perfect every time. Maybe now you’ll appreciate what I do a bit more.”
Chef presents his work | Source: Pexels
Chef Martin smiled and nodded. “It’s not easy, sir. Cooking these dishes takes a lot of skill and time.”
Tom sat back, his arrogance deflated. “I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t realize how unfair I was being. I thought it would be nice to have these meals, but I didn’t consider how much work it would be for you.”
My expression softened slightly. “I’m glad you understand. Next time, let’s make a meal plan together that we both can manage.”
Happy couple on a rooftop | Source: Pexels
They finished their meal with a newfound respect for each other. From that day forward, Tom never made another demanding menu, and they both took turns cooking, creating simple but delicious meals together.
My Stepmom Kicked Me Out After I Stopped Cooking for Her and Her Kids—but Karma Struck Back Instantly
In the wake of personal loss, sixteen-year-old Julia discovers the trials of managing a household’s culinary needs under her stepmom’s critical eye. When her passion for cooking clashes with relentless family criticism, will Julia find a recipe for reconciliation or will the kitchen conflicts reach a boiling point?
A father hugging his daughter | Source: Pexels
Ever since my dad passed away, life has been a rollercoaster. Now, I’m living with my stepmom, Cathy, and her two kids, my stepsiblings, Martha and Frank. It’s been an adjustment, not just emotionally but in all the everyday things too.
My name is Julia, I’m 16, and like any other teen, I’m juggling high school and household chores. But there’s one chore that’s not just a task for me—it’s my passion: cooking.
A female student sitting in the classroom | Source: Pexels
I started taking cooking seriously about three years ago, finding solace and joy in creating meals just for me. It was my own little world where I could experiment and escape.
It wasn’t long before Cathy noticed my knack for cooking and decided that I could extend this ‘little hobby’ to cooking for the entire family. At first, I was on board. I thought, why not share this love with everyone?
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
Florida mom gives birth to rare set of identical twins with Down syndrome
Identical twins are a miracle all by themselves. Births like this happen three or four times in 1000.
Savannah Combs, a first time mother, learned she was carrying twins. She and her husband were overjoyed by the thought of welcoming two babies.
Everything went well with the pregnancy and the couple learned they were expecting girls. However, they also learned that their identical twins both had Down Syndrome. The news came as a shock at first, but Savannah, 23, soon realized that the condition only meant that her girls would be super special. She didn’t mind they would be born with the syndrome. Of course, she was aware that there would be people who wouldn’t accept her bundles of joy, but that didn’t concern her a great deal.
“It’s very rare what they have, but they’ve been my little gems,” the proud mother told News4JAX.
Once the girls were born, Savannah and her husband Justin decided to share their journey on TikTok. The two tiny beauties, Kennadi Rue and Mckenli gained a number of followers on the social media where Savannah posted about each of the milestones they reached.
In one of the videos she shared on TikTok, Savannah revealed how doctors advised her to terminate her pregnancy because the chances of her girls to survive were slim, but she decided to give them a fighting chance. As it turned out, she did the right thing. ”Every [prenatal] appointment they were alive was a blessing to me,” Savannah explained.
They were born five weeks prematurely and had to spend some time at the NICU. Today, they are nine months old and thriving. In fact, they are just like any other baby out there.
“They’re called mono di twins, meaning that they had their own sacs, but they shared the same placenta, meaning that they were going to be identical,” Savannah explained.
“Mo di twins as it is, it’s like very rare. And then you throw Down syndrome on top of it, it’s like one in 2 million.”
“They have feelings. They have a beating heart. They know how to talk. They know how to do things you do. They will get there,” she added. “Like I said, it may be a step behind but they’re going to do it. I’ve learned these kids are feisty little things and happy little things.”
She loves showing the world that having Down Syndrome doesn’t necessarily mean the life of those people is in any way affected negatively.
“I’m going to let them know that they’re just like us and they’re going to get there as long as they put their minds to it.”
Of course, there are always those who post negative comments and judge Savannah for keeping her babies.
”I wouldn’t want those babies; if mine came out like that, they would be straight up for adoption,” one person wrote under one of the videos. However, this mother had just the right answer for the mean person. “I said, good thing they weren’t born to you and were born to me. God knew what he was doing by giving these babies to the right parents who would love them regardless,” Savannah replied.
These girls are truly happy for having a mom like Savannah who wants to raise awareness about Down Syndrome and teach the world that those who have it can lead a happy and fulfilling lives, just like her two beautiful angels.
For more on this family’s beautiful life story go to the video below.
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