Youve arrived? Who invited you, honestly? Youd have been better off helping with money, the aunt replied coldly.
Youre here? And who brought you? It wouldve been nicer to give us financial help, aunt Marie said sharply.
Elodie frowned as the persistent ringtone jolted her awake. She stared, surprised, at the phone screenher cousin, someone she hadnt spoken to in over two years, was calling.
Are you asleep? Lucky me, I cant stop crying
Yes, of course Im asleep, its the middle of the night, Elodie glanced at her clock showing 1:30am.
If youre sleeping so soundly, you must still be unaware, her cousin continued cryptically.
Jeanne, can you get to the point? Elodie sighed into the handset. I have to get up early.
You can sleep later. Theres a tragedy in the family! her sister declared, as if Elodie were responsible.
What kind of tragedy? Elodie asked, fearing something had happened to her mother.
Uncle Timothée passed away this morning, Jeanne sobbed. It was sudden. Aunt Marie was shocked. Theres no money left. We need to contribute. Tomorrow my brother and I are going to the village. Will you come with us?
No, I cant. Ill only attend the vigil.
Then send me a transfer; well give the money to our aunt tomorrow, Jeanne insisted. Seven hundred euros.
Elodie instantly wired the amount to her cousin via the phone and fell back asleep.
She wasnt deeply upset by the news, since she had long stopped speaking with her fathers side of the family. After his death they had cut all ties, claiming she was no longer family. Still, she felt it would be rude to stay out of it and decided to help.
After the transfer, no one called her back. Jeanne forgot about her immediately. Elodie tried repeatedly to reach her for the vigil date, but the cousin remained silent. With some effort she tracked her down through mutual acquaintances and went to say a last goodbye to her uncle.
Aunt Marie greeted her with a displeased look, as if Elodies presence bothered her more than her husbands death.
You showed up Who sent you? It wouldve been better to bring money, she retorted scornfully.
I sent you seven hundred euros, Elodie replied.
Strangely, I havent seen any, Aunt Marie sniffed, doubtful.
I gave the money to Jeanne
Oh, youre making stories up, she crossed her arms over her belly. She and Arthur only gave me a thousand euros, five hundred each. You werent mentioned.
I dont understand anything, Elodie searched for Jeanne with her eyes.
By chance Jeanne had vanished. Elodie finally found her outside, near the gate.
Jeanne, you didnt pass the money to Aunt Marie for me? Where did it go? Elodie demanded.
I did, Jeanne answered reluctantly.
She told me the money came only from you and Arthur
Shes wrong, Jeanne replied indifferently.
You gave a thousand euros?
Yes.
It was for the two of us, not three!
Well then, whos paying for the fuel? Jeanne looked up and made a face.
Seven hundred euros for a twohundredkilometre trip. And why should I cover your travel? Elodie queried.
You want me to give the money back, right? Jeanne mocked.
Yes, I do!
Not now; Ill transfer it later, Jeanne turned and walked away, head held high.
After all that, Elodie didnt want to stay in that house any longer; her aunts reaction and her cousins behaviour left her disappointed, and she regretted her assistance.
She quietly called a taxi and left. A week later her mother called, sobbing.
Sweetheart, is it true you gave money for Uncle Timothées funeral and then took it back? she asked, on the verge of tears.
I gave money; I didnt take anything back.
Aunt Marie is telling the whole village you reclaimed the money. Shes upset you werent welcomed with open arms, her mother said sadly. Im ashamed to walk through the village; everyone stares at me.
Mom, thats not how it happened! Elodie was outraged by the gossip spreading through her family.
She explained to her mother what really occurred at Aunt Maries house.
Jeanne never gave the money back to me, Elodie concluded.
She took it from Aunt Marie and claimed you demanded it! How audacious! I hope that money stays lodged in their throats! her mother exclaimed fiercely.
At first Elodie thought of calling Jeanne, but she chose to spare her nerves and simply stopped speaking to her.
Months later her cousin resurfaced.
Weve decided to erect a monument for Uncle Timothée. Itll cost you a thousand euros, Jeanne announced in a businesslike tone.
No, I wont give another cent!
What an attitude toward family, Jeanne shouted on the phone. Im honestly shocked.
Im surprised too; I didnt expect to be duped and then hear rumors.
What are you talking about?
You kept Aunt Maries money without returning it, then blamed me and you think Ill still deal with you? After my fathers death you said my mother and I were no longer family, so I owe you nothing! Elodie declared before blocking her cousins number.
