Chapter 2
Stella's POV
The next morning, a sharp crack jolted me awake. Before I could process it, rushing water and Jason's alarmed cry came from the bathroom.
"Mom! It's raining in here!"
I rushed to the bathroom, stunned by what I saw. The main pipe had burst, water shooting from the wall like a fountain. The floor was already flooded, seeping into the bedroom.
"What's happening?" Theo appeared in the doorway, face dark.
"The pipe burst!" I frantically stuffed towels into the crack, but the water pressure pushed them away. "I need to shut off the main water valve!"
"Where is it?"
I froze, suddenly realizing I had no idea.
"You don't KNOW?" Theo's voice dripped with contempt. "USELESS. What do you even DO all day? Can't handle this simple thing?"
His words stung like a slap. "I don't know where it is..." I admitted quietly, avoiding his gaze.
"Unbelievable," he sneered. "An incompetent wife and a leaking bathroom—just what I needed on a Saturday morning." He grabbed his phone. "I'll call emergency repair. You clean up this mess. Don't expect any help."
He left me alone. My throat tightened and tears threatened, but I held them back.
Why does he always talk to me like this? When did I become so useless?
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang. I hurriedly dried my hands and answered.
Outside stood a young man, mid-twenties, wearing a "Oak Street Repair Services" T-shirt. He was tall and well-built, surprisingly handsome, with deep brown eyes that were both friendly and focused.
"Mrs. Foster? I'm Austin, here for your plumbing emergency."
"Thank God you're here," I said with relief. "Please, it's pretty bad."
Austin quickly found the main valve and shut off the water. "This is age-related damage," he explained. "The entire system might need checking. Fortunately, I can fix this today."
Theo appeared, arms crossed. "How long will it take? I have golf this afternoon."
"Three to four hours," Austin looked directly at him. "Possibly longer if I find other issues."
"Just hurry up," Theo said impatiently. "I don't want to hear water sounds all day." He turned to me, voice sharp: "Watch him. Don't mess up AGAIN. God knows how much you've already screwed up today."
I felt humiliated. After Theo left, Austin quietly said, "Pipe aging isn't anyone's fault. It's common in older homes."
His kindness brought unexpected warmth. "I'm sorry," I said softly. "I should've known how to shut off the main valve."
Austin looked surprised. "Most people don't know their home systems. That's normal." He paused. "I can teach you some basics for emergencies."
I smiled gratefully. "That would be wonderful."
For the next hour, Austin worked efficiently while explaining each step. When he leaned close to demonstrate, I smelled faint cologne and sunshine, so different from Theo's expensive yet cold fragrance.
"Mind if I grab some tools from my truck?" Austin asked.
"Not at all."
As he walked toward the door, he stopped at my bookshelf. "Fundamentals of Pathophysiology?" He picked up a heavy textbook. "Is this yours?"
My heart raced, my secret exposed. Those medical books were my secret collection.
"Yes..." I admitted hesitantly.
"Really?" His eyes lit up. "I'm in med school, and this is one of our required texts."
"You're in medical school?" I asked, surprised.
Austin nodded, slightly embarrassed. "Plumbing by day, classes by night. Not the traditional path, but tuition won't pay itself."
A strange connection formed between us. This young man didn't mock my interests but showed genuine respect.
"I like your notes," he continued, pointing to my margin annotations. "Especially on autoimmune responses. Your understanding is really deep."
"You... understand my notes?"
"Of course, they're very professional," he said sincerely. "You explain some concepts more clearly than my professors."
That afternoon, sunlight streamed through the study window as we sat discussing medical concepts and research.
"Your understanding of heart valve diseases is impressive," he said. "Some concepts even my classmates struggle with."
"Really?" I felt a long-forgotten pride rising in my chest.
How long since someone truly listened to me? How long since someone saw me as more than just a wife and mother, but as a person with thoughts and talents?
"All fixed," Austin finally announced, packing his tools. "I checked the other pipes too. They're okay for now, but the system is aging and might need replacement in the coming years."
"Thank you," I said sincerely, not just for the plumbing. "You're a good teacher."
He smiled. "So are you, Mrs. Foster."
At dinner, perhaps emboldened by Austin's respect, I felt brave enough to share.
"That repairman today was quite remarkable," I said. "He's actually a medical student. We discussed some interesting topics."
Theo looked up, eyebrows raised. "A plumber gave you lessons? Seems like anyone can be your teacher if they'll listen to your nonsense."
"We were just exchanging ideas," I explained. "He noticed my medical books—"
"Mom's pretending to know stuff again," Jason interrupted, mimicking his father's tone. "The plumber must be REALLY patient. Probably wanted a bigger tip."
Theo snorted. "Indeed. These young guys know how to charm bored housewives. Don't make yourself a laughingstock, Stella."
Their words pierced my heart. I lowered my head, feeling tears threatening, but refused to let them fall.
But Austin wasn't like that. He really listened. He really saw me.
Looking at my distorted reflection in the soup spoon, I clearly realized: what was broken in this family wasn't just that pipe.