MY BROTHER-IN-LAW GOT DRUNK, AND HIS MIDNIGHT REQUEST LEFT ME COMPLETELY SHAKEN. I WILL NEVER FORGET THAT NIGHT FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE…
My sister, Emily, had just given birth.
After three years of marriage and countless disappointments from being unable to conceive, she finally welcomed her first child. Both sides of the family were overjoyed. The doctors said it had been a difficult delivery — Emily had always been physically weak, so she needed close monitoring afterward. I still remember the moment she was wheeled out of the delivery room, her face pale but glowing with a faint smile when she heard her baby cry.
My brother-in-law, Michael Thompson, stood outside the delivery room with trembling hands. When the nurse placed the baby in his arms, this tall, composed man suddenly broke down in tears. He bent down, gently touching his newborn’s tiny fingers, his voice shaking with emotion.
At that moment, I thought to myself:
My sister had chosen the right man to spend her life with.
During the years when Emily struggled to get pregnant, I had worried more than once. Michael was successful, working as a project manager for a construction company in California, earning a stable income and constantly socializing for work. I was afraid he might lose patience one day. But he never did. He stayed by my sister’s side — quietly, steadfastly.
I CAME TO THE CITY TO HELP CARE FOR MY SISTER
When we heard that Emily was about to give birth, my mother and I traveled from our hometown to stay at her house and help. Michael’s parents were elderly, their health no longer strong, and there were few relatives nearby, so no one else could come.
The first few days after the birth were exhausting. The hospital was always busy. I took turns with Michael caring for my sister, holding the baby, buying necessities, running back and forth nonstop. Michael was nearly sleepless for several nights in a row. He worried about his wife, his child, and still had unfinished work to deal with.
By the third day, my mother was completely exhausted and went home to rest for one night. The following evening, she returned to the hospital to replace me so I could go home and sleep.
At the same time, Michael also went home.
He said he wanted to get a few hours of rest before returning to the hospital early in the morning. Seeing his hollow cheeks and dark circles, I felt a pang of sympathy. Even though my sister was weak, she still told him gently,
“Go home and rest. My sister and my mom are here.”
MIDNIGHT… AND THE KNOCK ON THE DOOR
After returning home, I stayed in the guest room. I took a quick shower and collapsed into bed immediately. After such a long day, I was utterly exhausted. I had just fallen asleep when a strange sound jolted me awake.
Knock… knock… knock…
The sound echoed through the quiet night.
I sat up abruptly, my heart pounding. The clock on the wall read 12:30 a.m. I held my breath and listened. The knocking came again, clearer this time.
“Who is it…?” I whispered, my voice trembling.
There was no reply.
I hurriedly slipped on my sandals and walked toward the door. The moment I opened it, I froze.
Standing in front of me was Michael.
He was shirtless, his hair messy, his eyes unfocused like someone half-awake. A faint smell of alcohol clung to him.
In that instant, my arms and legs went weak.
I panicked and slammed the door shut, leaning against it as my heart hammered wildly in my chest.
My mind spun with terrifying questions:
Why was my brother-in-law dressed like that, coming to see me in the middle of the night?
There was only him and me in the house — what was he thinking? What did he want?
THE PHONE CALL THAT LEFT ME CONFLICTED
Outside, Michael kept knocking, saying something I couldn’t clearly hear. Then my phone began to vibrate.
It was him calling.
I stared at the screen, my hands shaking so badly I almost dropped the phone. I didn’t know whether I should answer. Dark scenarios raced through my mind.
When the phone rang for the third time, I took a deep breath and answered.
Michael’s voice on the other end sounded hoarse and exhausted, not at all like someone with bad intentions.
“I’m sorry… I’m really sorry. I don’t mean anything bad. Please don’t be scared.”
I stayed silent.
“I just need to ask you for a favor… you’re the only one who can help me right now. Can you open the door and talk to me?”
Trying to stay calm, I replied,
“It’s very late. I’m really sleepy. If there’s something you need, I can help you tomorrow.”
“No…” his voice sounded urgent. “It can’t wait until tomorrow. I really don’t feel well.”
“Then tell me what you need. I’ll listen. If I can help, I will.”
“Then… please open the door.”
THE TRUTH THAT MADE ME BOTH ANGRY AND RELIEVED
I opened the door just a crack, gripping the edge tightly, ready to slam it shut if anything seemed wrong.
At that moment, a small bottle of green medicated oil was gently pushed through the opening.
I froze.
I opened the door wider.
Michael was now fully dressed, his face pale, beads of sweat on his forehead. He avoided my eyes awkwardly and scratched his head.
“I… I caught a cold. I’ve been up too many nights, and I drank a little to help me sleep. Now I’m shivering all over.”
It took me a few seconds to understand.
“So… you want me to do gua sha for you?” I asked.
He nodded, letting out a long sigh.
“I was too embarrassed to say it directly. I’m afraid I won’t be strong enough to take care of my wife and child at the hospital tomorrow.”
I didn’t know whether to laugh or get angry.
If he had just explained from the beginning, I wouldn’t have been terrified out of my mind.
AFTER THAT NIGHT
After I helped him with the treatment, he kept apologizing. He said he had never felt so clumsy and foolish in his life. I simply shook my head and told him that next time, he should be honest from the start instead of making people misunderstand.
That night, I returned to bed but couldn’t fall asleep right away. My thoughts drifted endlessly.
I thought about how Michael had exhausted himself for his wife and child. About the awkward helplessness of a man becoming a father for the first time. About the tears he shed outside the delivery room.
After that night, I felt even more respect for my brother-in-law.
And I quietly thought to myself that one day, when I chose a husband, I hoped it would be someone like him — not perfect, not smooth-talking, but genuine, kind, and devoted to his family with all his heart.
That rainy night remains a memory I will never forget.
