Why are you calling me? I dont even remember you!
Why should I welcome you into our home? I have no recollection of you!
Good morning, Marie!
Good morning, Marie answered, surprised. The number didnt appear on the screen, the voice was unfamiliar, yet they called her by her first name.
Its Aunt Lise from Lyon, Andrés aunt. We couldnt attend your wedding, but now that everything is settled we decided to visit and meet the new family.
Marie was at a loss for words, completely taken off guard. She hadnt known that André had an aunt in Lyon. More than a year had passed since the wedding, and that aunt had never been mentioned.
You must have the wrong number.
Are you really Marie?
Yes, but Ive never heard that André has a sisterinlaw in Lyon.
André Lefèvre is indeed your husband?
Yes, thats my husband.
Well, Im his aunt.
Its fine that youre his aunt, but theres no need to come see us.
Why?
Were not working and we dont take visitors.
Such hospitalityI wasnt expecting that
Sorry, I dont have time to chat any longer.
Marie ended the call. She was a young woman who never let herself be intimidated and always defended her opinions.
More guestsjust what we needed. Ill ask André about this Lyon aunt when he gets home, she thought, resolute, and returned to her tasks.
That evening, her motherinlaw called.
Hello, Marie! Its been a while since you visited.
Hi, Françoise! Ill drop by tomorrow with some provisions and vitamins I bought.
Thanks, dear. We have everything we need, we just wanted to see you again. Did Lisa call you?
A woman called, claiming to be Andrés aunt, wanting to see us. I told her it wasnt a good time.
She then called me, complaining that you were rude to her.
Françoise, how could I be rude? You know me.
ExactlyI know you well, the motherinlaw replied sarcastically.
Im driving right now. Well talk tomorrow.
Relations between Marie and her motherinlaw had never been smooth.
André grew up in a military family. His father, JeanPierre, was a strict man who taught his son discipline. When his father was present, André behaved impeccably. Because of his work, his father was often away on missions and expeditions.
In his fathers absence, André became unmanageable. His mothers constant monitoring irritated him. The more she overprotected him, the more he acted recklesslyskipping classes, avoiding sports. She never complained to his father, fearing severe punishment, and tried to shield her son.
Even as an adult, André remained under his mothers watchful eye. She called several times a day and would happen to pick him up from work.
All of Andrés friends were married, he was approaching thirty, and his mother worried that her brilliant son was still single. She began looking for a bride among the daughters of her friends, which only prompted jokes from her son. Despite his charm, no suitors lined up.
Then the longawaited day arrived. André announced he would introduce his fiancée to his parents that weekend. His father approved, but his mother did not like the woman. Françoise was used to making all family decisions, and the men obeyed her. Watching Maries tenderness toward her son, she saw her as a rival.
Marie was confident, never asked her motherinlaws opinion, and when disagreements arose André sided with his wife. They lived in the apartment André had bought with his parents help before the wedding. At first, his mother would drop by unannounced to check the place, but Marie repeatedly warned her.
Dont come without warning or when were not home, or well have to change the locks.
This apartment belongs not only to André but also to us. We helped him buy it, so I can come anytime.
Explain yourself: what do you intend to do here?
Her motherinlaw was at a loss. Claiming she wanted to check cleanliness felt both awkward and absurd. Marie pressed on.
I am now the mistress of this house as my husbands wife, and I expect my conditions to be respected. You have a key for emergencies, not for casual visits in our absence.
Im his mother; we raised and gave everything to our son. You arrived in a home that was already prepared
Marie cut her off.
Thanks for raising him! But it was my husband who brought me here, and as his wife I consider this my home. I wont accept any other conditions.
André backed his wife, irritating his mother. The young couple ignored her complaints. She sulked for weeks, then relented.
She stopped using her key to enter, only came when Marie was home and after calling first. Each time Marie greeted her warmly, offering tea or wine. At first the motherinlaw occasionally commented on the houses upkeep, but Marie, never offended, defused the remarks with jokes or offers of help.
Im sorry, work has been hectic. If it bothers you, feel free to arrange things; it wont trouble meI just want to rest.
You havent prepared any food, what are you eating?
The fridge is full; whoever is hungry cooks. Help yourself.
Gradually their relationship improved; they even became friends, and the motherinlaw would bring treats. Marie and André also visited the parents for meals and groceries. The father, though retired, still worked, while the motherinlaw craved attention.
What can I bring? Im driving, no need to burden you with bags.
Thus Marie visited, they dined together, and she sent homecooked food for her husband so she wouldnt have to cook. Inevitably the conversation turned to the aunt.
What did Aunt Lise say?
She wanted to visit. I told her it wasnt a good time.
You did right. How did she get your number?
I have no idea.
She called me back. Shes my cousin. We barely keep in touch. Shes had a tough lifedivorced, a second unhappy marriage. She now lives near Lyon, apparently remarried, with a house, garden, animals. Her daughter wants to enter a Paris university this year.
What does that have to do with us?
She worries about her only child and wants to make sure someone can look after her.
So she just wants to place her daughter with us?
It would be delicate not to help family.
What do you mean by delicate? When was the last time you saw them? André doesnt remember them. Do you know their address?
Without waiting for an answer, Marie continued. Lets not create unnecessary complications. I dont know them and have never heard of that family.
After saying goodbye to her motherinlaw, Marie left. She recounted the call to André, but he barely reacted, and the story faded into oblivion.
A week passed, Saturday arrived. Marie and André had no plans, intending simply to rest. Around noon someone knocked.
Marie was in the kitchen, André lounged on the sofa.
Are you expecting anyone?
No! Open it, my hands are busy.
Why? No ones supposed to be here, grumbled André, opening the door slightly.
Three people stood there. André recognized the woman as Aunt Lise, barely remembering her from his childhood.
You didnt expect us, but were here, she said cheerfully, carrying bags. The man went off to fetch belongings.
No, we truly werent expecting anyone today, Marie replied, looking down, then gesturing them inside.
Well, dear guests, come in, she said with a hint of irony. I suppose youre Aunt Lise.
Yes, Elisabeth Bonnard. This is my daughter Chloé and my husband Marc. Dont worry, we wont stay long.
Marie let them freshen up after the journey, then invited them to the table, noting that showing up unannounced was unusual.
We didnt expect you and have nothing prepared, so lets make do with whats in the fridge.
But we brought gifts, everything homemade, grown by us.
Aunt Lise unpacked, revealing cheeses, charcuterie, smoked specialties that filled the kitchen with a rich aroma, followed by honey, jam, dried fruits.
Why bring so much? We cant eat it all, and we have nowhere to store it.
Share with your parents. Here everything is industrial; there, its natural, no additives. Jams and preserves dont need a fridge.
While they unpacked, André called his mother, who was already on her way home. Aunt Lise explained their purpose.
We didnt just want to meet the family. This year Chloé finishes high school and plans to enter university. It seemed right to introduce ourselves to relativesyou never know when youll need help. Shell live in a student residence; shes a wonderful, bright girl.
The awkwardness faded. Elisabeth earned trust, and André and Marc got along well. Andrés parents arrived, and the meal turned convivial. Marie relaxed, smiling broadly. Everyone enjoyed Elisabeths smoked cheese, homemade ham, and charcuteriedelicious all around.
What began as an unexpected visit turned into a pleasant family gathering. Stories were shared, memories of youth recalled, and news of mutual acquaintances exchanged. Elisabeth nostalgically spoke of her hometown.
One day Ill have to go back; its been ages. Everyones moved to the city now.
The motherinlaw offered the cousins a place to stay, noting the apartment was a bit cramped. After discussion, they decided Chloé would stay with the younger guests, while Elisabeth and her husband would spend the night at the motherinlaws. On Sunday, Marie and André showed Chloé Paris, taking her to the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the ChampsÉlysées.
Early Monday morning Aunt Lise and her husband returned to fetch Chloé. Marie and André said their goodbyes and headed to work, starting a new work week.
That evening, after work, they talked about the surprise visit. Marie found it odd they had come to their home instead of theirs.
They were charming; Im glad we met them. Why didnt they speak to us sooner?
No ideaask Mom. I was in CE2 when Aunt Lise and little Chloé visited.
They invited us. Maybe we could visit them, drive to the sea in summer, stop by on the way, bring Chloé back to Paris afterward. I hope she gets into university.
Chloé was accepted, stayed with them a few days before moving to her residence, and visited occasionally. Marie and André had to postpone their seaside tripfamily events took precedence.
