Kimberley rushes to her childhood home after receiving an urgent call from her father: “somethingstrange is happening to your mom. You have to save her!” when she arrives, she finds her father cryingsomething she’s never witnessed before.
Mom, it turns out, has simply gone on vacation with a friendsomething completely out of character for her. Kimberley realizes her dad has been relying too muchon Mom, who has always shouldered the household responsibilities without complaint.
After calling Mom and hearing her relaxed, carefree voice, Kimberley and her brother decide to extendher vacation, telling her dad it’s time for him to manage without her. Over the next two weeks, Dadstruggles with basic tasks-burning meals, ruining clothes-but begins to appreciate Mom’s sacrificesWhen she returns, tanned and happy, Dad finally understands the value of partnership in theirmarriage, and starts helping with chores, seeing her as more than just a caretaker.
Mom continues to take annual vacations, and their marriage shifts to a healthier, more balanceddynamic.