I was a virtuous woman, particularly skilled at repaying malice with kindness.
After years of marriage, I had little to complain of.
Except for one thing.
Whenever my husband and I retired a little early, my mother-in-law would bring her maids and serving women to pound on our courtyard gate.
Sometimes it was, “My boy, it’s cold tonight.
Be careful you don’t catch a chill in bed.”
Other times, “Son, you ate rather well at supper.
Your food hasn’t settled yet.
Don’t let it sit in your stomach and make you ill.”
After a while, I understood.
We were both women.
It wouldn’t do for me to be the only one getting her fill.
The thought was keeping Mother awake, tossing and turning all night.
So while my husband was away on business, I took three husbands for her in one go.
