The Only One She Can Rely On by Huina Zheng

The Only One She Can Rely On by Huina Zheng

Father says a divorced woman will be pointed at, talked about, and bring shame not only on herself but on the entire family. Outsiders will say she was poorly raised, even question her parents’ character. He says that in all of history, only husbands cast off their wives; wives do not leave their husbands. Even in 2025, if she dares mention divorce again, he’ll have her husband break her legs; if her husband won’t, he will. He says she is simply being dramatic, brainwashed by TV shows into thinking women can be independent and have their own will. He tells her to stop being foolish. He says that although her husband has no stable job, at least he doesn’t beat her; that men cheating now and then is normal. As long as he comes home, she has no right to question him. As a mother, she should think about her children. Those from single-parent homes, he says, grow up to face sneers and discrimination. If a future daughter-in-law comes from such a family, he will never allow her to marry in. He reminds her she is the eldest child, and therefore responsible. Her younger brother is buying a house, and she must help with the down payment because she has only one brother. When she asks how much, he names a figure equal to three years of a regular worker’s earnings. She nods. She only finished eighth grade, but years of selling clothes taught her where to source the most fashionable, affordable stock; how to sell to women browsing the mall; how to quickly match outfits that fit well. She pays for everything at home. The apartment is hers. Her husband, the mother-in-law who watches the children, and the three children, all are supported by her. She does not tell her father, but even if he truly will break her legs, she has already decided: she is leaving. She will finalize the paperwork before informing him. Her husband owes gambling debts; she will pay them in exchange for his signature. Her father will rage. He will throw things. He will call her disgraceful. But none of it will move her. A woman without a husband has no one to rely on, he says. No. She wants to say: The only person she can rely on is herself.

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Copyright Huina Zheng 2026

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