The Unsigned Indenture

For eight years, Linda has run the Croft household: cooking, cleaning, and caring for her husband Aidan's paralyzed mother. At his awards ceremony, Aidan thanks his late wife Evelyn instead, and when his students later mistake Linda for the help, he orders her to fetch bowls without a word of correction. When she accidentally spills soup near Evelyn's memorial table, Aidan shoves her and scolds her for ruining his evening, while his guests praise his undying love for a dead woman.

That night, Aidan tosses her knee braces meant for his mother and coldly reminds her to mop the floor. Linda finally says she wants a divorce. He laughs, slaps cash onto the nightstand, and accuses her of cheap tactics for more money. Watching him caress Evelyn's piano with a tenderness she has never received, Linda feels only nausea.