It was my mother-in-law’s 60th birthday. A big celebration, guests, relatives, neighbors — everyone came to congratulate the birthday woman. We came as a family, and I truly hoped the day would be warm and friendly. But, as it turned out, I was wrong.
From the very beginning my mother-in-law behaved strangely. My daughter, who is only five, had spent the whole day drawing a card for her grandmother. I even helped her pick bright markers. But when the little girl handed her drawing with shining eyes, the grandmother took it with obvious disgust, as if she were handed something unnecessary, and silently put it aside.
And then something happened that hurt me the most. When we all sat at the beautifully decorated table — with colorful napkins, candles, and little gifts for the children — my mother-in-law suddenly said:
— No, that girl is not sitting at the table.
She sat my daughter separately, on a folding chair in the laundry room next to a stack of towels and a loudly running washing machine. On her plate they put one sausage and a dry roll.
And while the other kids cheerfully crunched salads, reached for candies, and enjoyed the festive table, my little girl sat aside, holding her plate against her knees.
My heart tightened with pain. I walked to my mother-in-law and asked:
— Why are you doing this? She’s just a child.
— Because your daughter has no manners, she replied coldly. She doesn’t know how to use a fork and knife. I’m ashamed of her in front of the guests. And she’ll stain her dress.
I realized there was no point in talking. But at that moment a plan appeared in my head — how to put this “queen of the celebration” in her place and defend my daughter. I quickly ran to a store and returned with a big box, a “gift” just for my mother-in-law. I’ll tell you what I did — and I hope you’ll support me 
When the time came to give gifts, all the guests took turns handing her bouquets, envelopes, and souvenirs. Then my turn came. I approached her and, smiling, handed her my gift.
My mother-in-law opened the box… and froze.
— Why do I need this? she whispered tightly.
— What do you mean why? I said loudly, so the whole room heard, and started listing:
— This apron is so you don’t stain your clothes. After all, you’re getting older, your hands tremble.
— And this — a children’s fork and knife, safe so you don’t hurt yourself. Anything can happen.
— And look, a children’s bib — very useful, in case soup spills.
— Here’s also a pill organizer for every day of the week — it must be hard for you to remember what and when to take.
— Oh, and a sound key finder — since you lose things so often, now you’ll always find them.
— I also took care of this anti-wrinkle cream “70+” — well, for the future, you’ll need it soon.
— And these magnifying glasses — so you can better see your granddaughter’s drawings.
— Another gift for comfort — an orthopedic seat cushion, so you won’t complain about your back.
— And finally — anti-slip slippers, so you don’t fall at home.
The room burst into laughter. Guests couldn’t hide their smiles; someone even clapped. And my mother-in-law stood red, either from anger or shame, and didn’t know where to go.
And my daughter laughed loudly and happily clapped her hands:
— Mommy, mommy, look, grandma also got a bib!
