Richard lost his job during the pandemic and, feeling defeated, spent his days on the couch playing games and drinking beer. His wife Sharon, a hardworking software developer, became the sole provider. Despite being exhausted, she still handled all the housework. When she asked Richard to help with chores, he refused unless she paid him by the hour.

Sharon eventually hired a cleaning service instead, using money Richard demanded for a weekend trip to Las Vegas. Angry that she wouldn’t fund his vacation, Richard secretly sold her late grandmother’s cherished crystal vase to raise the money. When Sharon discovered it was gone, she was heartbroken—and shortly after, she collapsed from stress and exhaustion.

Only then did Richard realize how selfish he had been. As Sharon was rushed to the hospital, he was overwhelmed with guilt for ignoring her well-being while she supported him without complaint. He managed to recover the vase and stayed by her side, begging for forgiveness.

Over time, Sharon healed, and Richard changed. He began contributing to their home, found a new purpose, and slowly rebuilt her trust. What started as a painful wake-up call became the turning point that saved their marriage—and taught him the true meaning of love, responsibility, and gratitude.