Memorial

Elaine's heart raced as she stood outside the door of the mansion. She hadn't been there in weeks, not since she had made the difficult decision to take a break from her husband, Richard.  The house was bustling with activity. The aroma of her father-in-law's favorite dishes filled the air, and Elaine's stomach churned with a mix of hunger and resentment. She had expected to help prepare the memorial feast,But as she surveyed the kitchen, she saw that Richard had taken charge of the meal preparation himself. Her anger flared up like an uncontrollable flame. She had taken this break to create some space between them, to allow them both to breathe and reconsider their choices. Yet Richard seemed to be moving forward without her, as if her absence didn't matter. It felt like a slap in the face, a confirmation that he could do without her, both in the kitchen and in his life. Suppressing her emotions, Elaine took a deep breath and approached Richard. "Do you need any help?" she asked, stru