When I married Toby, I felt like I had struck gold with Julia, my mother-in-law. Unlike the typical mother-in-law horror stories, Julia was a dream—caring, engaging, and ever so welcoming. She wasn’t just a relative by marriage; she embraced me as her own daughter.

“Julia has adored you from the start, Larissa,” Toby once remarked, confirming my feelings of acceptance and love.

Vibrant and full of life, Julia was a frequent and welcome guest in our home. Her visits were characterized by hearty meals and laughter, filling our space with joy and warmth.

“It’s just a pleasure to cook for you both,” Julia would say when I insisted she relax instead. Our sessions in the kitchen, cooking side by side, became a cherished ritual, one that brought us even closer.

Though my parents lived far away, having moved across the country when I was younger, Julia filled that maternal role in my life, providing comfort and proximity that phone calls with my parents couldn’t match.

After three years of a blissful marriage, Toby and I decided it was time to expand our family. We began trying to conceive, filled with hope and excitement for the future.

“I’m ready if you are,” Toby had said, signaling the start of our new journey together.

However, as the months passed without success, our initial optimism gave way to concern. Was it possible that having a child just wasn’t in the cards for us?

“What do you think we should do?” I asked Toby, uncertain and a bit disheartened.

“We keep trying,” he responded, his resolve clear despite the growing disappointment.

In search of advice and support, I turned to Julia. She responded by introducing me to a wellness coach and arranging fertility massages. Then, unexpectedly, she bought us a brand-new mattress.

“Perhaps you just need better rest to improve your chances,” Julia suggested, hinting that a more comfortable sleeping environment might make a difference.