**Because of a chicken, I threw my husband out. And I have no regrets.**
That morning, Elodie was exhausted. Shed spent the entire day tidying the living room, hanging the laundry, picking up the kids toys, and scrubbing the tiles. Finally she glanced at the oven: the roast chicken with its golden potatoes was looking perfect, filling the kitchen with a scent that made her lightheaded.
Just ten more minutes, she murmured, setting the timer before heading to the bathroom to clean the grout. Everything was running smoothly until the front door slammed shut.
The children must be home, she thought. But standing on the threshold werent Lucas or Camille; it was her husband Julien, who was supposed to have been in the garage all morning.
Wow, it smells amazing! he exclaimed, rubbing his hands together. Your roast chicken never fails!
Call the kids for dinner, Elodie said, turning back to the sink.
A minute later, bare feet pounded the floor, sneakers flew in the hallway, and laughter erupted. Hearing the commotion, Elodie stepped out, forgetting the timer.
Whats going on? she asked, still wearing gloves.
I want a leg! shouted Camille, ten.
Me too! added Lucas, eight.
Are there two legs? Elodie asked, puzzled.
No! Theres only one left! Camille replied, stamping her foot.
Elodie walked over to the table. Indeed, half of the chicken had vanished, leaving only the breasts and a few stray potatoes.
And dad? she asked.
Hes gone. He took half the chicken and left, Lucas grumbled.
Elodie grabbed her phone and called Julienno answer. She snatched the keys and stormed out, fury bubbling. Again! He had taken the best piece. This time it wasnt even for himself; it was for his friends. It went beyond selfishness; it felt like betrayal.
Near the village square, on a bench, Julien sat with his mates, beers in hand, the chicken perched on his lap. They laughed, ate, and licked their fingers.
Isnt that a bit much? Elodie snapped, eyes blazing.
Come home, well talk later, Julien replied, embarrassed in front of his friends.
No, we talk now! You stole what I prepared for our children! Arent you ashamed? Its not enough to keep the prime cuts for yourself; now youre feeding your buddies with what isnt yours?
Leave before I lose my temper, he said, grabbing her arm.
What are you doing? Elodie wailed. Youre not just selfish, Julien, youre a thief. A thief who pilfers his own kids food to feed his drinking buddies!
Cut the drama, El, he growled, humiliated by the crowd. It was just once.
Once? What about the fruit? The caviar my mother gave you that you devoured in a day? The barbecue where you left the kids with burnt ends while you hogged the best portions?
Elodie turned on her heel and went back inside.
That evening, when he returned, she was standing at the window.
You should see yourself, Julien sneered. Divorce over a chicken. We should put you on a talk show.
Im filing for divorce, she replied, voice icy. You dont get it. It isnt the chicken. Its your rudeness, your greed, and your constant selfabsorption.
Where am I supposed to go? he mocked. Youre crossing the line.
At your mothers. The one who taught you that everything good belongs to you. Let her share it with you now.
Julien left, convinced Elodie was bluffing. The next day she filed the paperwork. He spent the night at his mothers house.
Two weeks later, the phone rang.
You were right, sighed his exmotherinlaw. He devours everything at my place. I buy chocolates, I take one the rest disappears by evening. I thought you were exaggerating, but yesterday he even took the last drop of water from the kettle without asking.
You want me to take him back? Elodie asked, surprised.
No just vent, I guess.
Good luck then. Ive turned the page with that glutton. And guess what I finally breathe freely.
*Lesson of the day: Love makes us tolerate a lot, but when selfishness dominates the table, it suffocates the soul of the home.*
I Chased My Husband Away Over Chicken and I Have No Regrets!
