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The paintings of Italian-born artist Agostino Brunias, who made a profession of depicting the island in subdued, stylized settings that covered up the harsh realities of colonial control, were my first visual introduction to Dominica. However, as soon as I step onto its winding roads, which begin to twist shortly after I arrive, it becomes evident that this region, which is situated in the center of the Lesser Antilles’ curve, is anything but tame. The two-toned leaves of its bois canot trees, which change color from green to white when they sway in the wind, shimmer and bristle with the power of the volcano. It lulls with the erratic sound of its numerous waterfalls, scatters rainbows haphazardly across its breathtaking horizons, and enchants from the depths with its vibrant coral reefs. And it roars come storm season.
The indigenous Kalinago people of Dominica survived invasion by the French and British, who imposed slavery on the Africans who now make up four-fifths of the island’s population and left a linguistic legacy of English and French-based Creole, by mastering the lush tropical rainforest that covers more than 60% of the island. If you visit Trinidad for roti and Jamaica for jerk, you should travel to Dominica for green things like bush rum and flower teas. There are a ton of medicinal herbs in the forest.
The Jungle Bay Dominica resort, located smack dab in the center of the Soufrière jungles, leans into nature instead, maybe realizing the futility of fighting against the earth’s generosity. When I finally get there, the kitchen is closed. Joanne Hilaire, the operations manager, tells me that they never let guests go hungry, though, so I can feel the warmth of Dominica’s welcome. The cook is preparing an excellently stewed dish of beans with taro, rice, and plantain for our late dinner, off the menu, while I have a refreshing ginger-lime cocktail that is a local favorite. When I wake up the following morning, I find that my villa’s doors open onto a private veranda that faces southwest toward Soufrière Bay, where the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean converge. I let the light wake me for the remainder of my stay by leaving my blinds open.
My Avaricious In-Laws Attempted to Dismiss Our Ill Mother, but She Cleverly Schooled Them
When Lexie’s husband, Cameron, learned that his parents had lost their jobs and would have to leave their home, he was deeply troubled. Lexie felt for him and decided to let her mother take them in, even though they didn’t have room themselves.
Cameron’s parents, Jessica and Roger, moved into Lexie’s mother’s spacious home, which was already adapted for her mother’s wheelchair needs. Initially, things seemed to go smoothly, with Jessica cooking meals and Roger helping with yard work. However, that didn’t last long.
Soon, they started to complain about their living situation. They were unhappy that Lexie’s mother occupied the first floor and criticized the simple meals she provided. Despite finding jobs, Jessica as a librarian and Roger as a proofreader, they refused to buy their own groceries.
Concerned for her mother, Lexie noticed that Jessica and Roger were even suggesting that her mother move to a nursing home. When Lexie confronted her mom about it, her mother assured her that she could handle the situation.
A few days later, Lexie’s mother told Jessica and Roger to pack up and move downstairs, claiming she needed a nursing home. However, instead of moving to the first floor, her mother called social services for help.
The next day, social workers arrived, ready to assist Jessica and Roger in finding social housing. They were furious and confronted Lexie and Cameron. Jessica shouted that it was unfair, while Roger claimed they had done so much for Lexie’s mother.
Cameron felt torn between his parents and his wife, but Lexie defended her mother, reminding them that they had taken advantage of her kindness. Despite their protests, Jessica and Roger were told they would have to find their own way.
Though angry, they were eventually placed in a small apartment near their jobs. Afterward, Cameron worried it was all his fault, but Lexie reassured him that his parents had been ungrateful.
That night, Lexie suggested they visit his parents to check on them. The next day, they found Jessica and Roger surrounded by unpacked boxes and the smell of burnt toast. They admitted to their wrongdoings and realized they had taken advantage of Lexie’s mother.
Cameron expressed his disappointment in them, explaining how their behavior affected him. Lexie stayed quiet, allowing Cameron to speak his mind while they all shared a meal. On their way home, Cameron stopped to buy flowers for Lexie’s mother, showing his appreciation for her kindness.
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