27/08/2024
This is what gaslighting looks like.
Father: (casually) Hey, have you seen my keys? I swear I left them on the kitchen counter.
Mother: (still folding laundry) I put them on the key hook by the door. You always forget to put them there yourself.
Father: (smirking) You sure about that? I don’t remember you doing that. Maybe you’re just imagining it.
Mother: (frowning slightly) No, I definitely put them there. I remember it clearly.
Father: (chuckles) You’ve been pretty forgetful lately, haven’t you? I mean, last week you were convinced I said we’d have dinner with the Johnsons, and we never planned that.
Mother: (confused) But… we did plan that. I remember talking about it.
Father: (sighs) Honey, I think you might be mixing things up again. It’s okay, though. You’ve got a lot on your plate.
Son: (looking up from his homework) Mom’s not forgetful. She remembers things better than you do, Dad.
Father: (laughs) Well, maybe she’s just having an off day. We all do. Right, honey?
Mother: (starting to doubt herself) I… I guess. But I really thought—
Father: (interrupts) It’s fine, really. No need to stress about it. (turns to the Son) See, your mom just needs a break sometimes. Keeping everything in order can be exhausting.
Son: (looking between his parents, confused) But Mom didn’t forget. I saw her put the keys on the hook.
Father: (quickly) Oh, did you? Well, I must have missed that. Maybe it’s me who’s forgetful, huh? (smiles, but there's a hint of condescension) No harm done, though.
Mother: (quietly) Yeah, maybe I’m just overthinking it.
Father: (soothingly) That’s my girl. Don’t worry, you’ve got everything under control. (pats her on the shoulder) We all make mistakes sometimes.
(Mother smiles weakly, but there’s a lingering doubt in her eyes as she returns to folding laundry. The Son watches his parents, unsure of what just happened.)
