My embarrassment began with my trip to the hospital. Labor hadn’t started or anything—it was just gas pains. I ended up causing a fuss at home over gas. When I mentioned this in front of Doctor Botan, I wanted to sink into the ground.
After a few check-ups, we returned home. When we got back, I learned that Melike had set off. My mother-in-law was giving me a hard stare again. She turned her gaze to Botan.
“If you indulge her like this, you’ll be running back and forth all the time. As if we don’t matter. Let’s hope the new bride isn’t as whiny as this one. I have no hope, though,” she said.
I kept quiet, but Botan didn’t.
“Mom, the girl didn’t say anything. I took her.”
“Of course, she wouldn’t. She’s got you under her thumb—no need for her to say a word. Look at this situation. One
