Debra’s life had always been a balancing act between duty and sacrifice. At 52, she was young at heart, but years of hard work had taken their toll on her body and spirit. She had worked tirelessly to support her family after her husband Austin lost his job more than twenty years ago. What began as temporary financial support gradually became a lifelong expectation, and Austin had long since stopped contributing in any meaningful way.
Over time, Austin grew comfortable in his role as a dependent, spending his days on the couch with the TV remote in one hand and a beer in the other. His body changed, reflecting his lifestyle; he grew heavier, lazier, and more detached. He seemed oblivious to Debra’s exhausting daily grind, accepting it as though it were his right rather than her sacrifice.
Debra had married Austin when she was just 19, a love-struck young woman who had hoped for a future filled with partnership and support. They’d married young because of their daughter, Kayla, born shortly after their wedding, and despite the challenges, Debra had believed they could weather anything together.