But that day all my illusions shattered completely.

When it was time to give gifts, she came to us first. On her face was a wide, forced smile, and in her hands — a beautifully wrapped box.

— Darling, — she stressed, almost mockingly, — I want to give you this. So you always know your place in our home.

I already knew nothing good could be inside. But when I opened the box and saw a maid’s uniform — black and white, with an apron — my heart sank. She wanted to humiliate me in front of everyone, to show that I was nobody. That in her house I wasn’t her son’s wife, but the help.

I wanted to scream or cry, but I held myself together. I simply closed the box and quietly said, “thank you.”