That evening, I overheard Kate venting to Andrew:

“Your mother criticizes everything I do, Andrew. I’m pregnant—I can’t handle this stress.”

Andrew sighed. “Her leg is injured, Kate. She has nowhere else to go. Please try to understand.”

Hurt, I stepped outside to clear my head. To my surprise,

Mr. Davis, our grumpy neighbor, approached me. “Care to join me for dinner tomorrow?” he asked.

The next evening, I sat at his table as he shared stories of his

life and loneliness. “We often don’t realize how our actions affect others until it’s too late,” he said.

His words stayed with me. Returning home, I told Kate, “I owe you

an apology. I’ve been unfair and difficult. You deserve support, not criticism.”

Kate looked surprised but softened. For the first time, we shared a moment of understanding.