Arrived? Who invited you, honestly? Youd have been better off helping us financially, Aunt Marie snapped.
Elodie frowned as the persistent ringtone woke her.
She glanced, surprised, at the phone screenher cousin, whom she hadnt spoken to in over two years, was calling.
Are you sleeping? Lucky me, I cant stop crying
Yes, of course Im sleeping, its the middle of the night, Elodie said, checking her alarm that read 1:30am.
If youre sleeping so soundly, does that mean you still dont know anything? her cousin continued cryptically.
Jeanne, can you get to the point? Elodie sighed into the handset. I have to get up early.
Youll be able to sleep later. Theres a tragedy in the family, her sister replied, as if Elodie were to blame.
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 collect contributions. Tomorrow my brother and I are heading 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 wired the amount to her cousin on the spot and fell back asleep.
She wasnt particularly upset by the news, since she had long since cut ties with her fathers side of the family. After the death, they had severed all contact, claiming she was no longer family.
Nevertheless, she felt it would be rude to stay completely out of it, so she contributed.
After the transfer, no one called her back. Jeanne seemed to forget her immediately.
Elodie tried several times to reach Jeanne for the vigil details, but her cousin never answered. Eventually, through mutual acquaintances, she learned where to go to pay her last respects to her uncle.
Aunt Marie greeted her with a sour look, as if Elodies presence annoyed her more than her husbands death.
You showed up Who sent you? It would have been better to give 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 up stories, she crossed her arms over her belly. She and Arthur only gave me a thousand eurosfive hundred each. You werent mentioned.
I dont get it, Elodie said, scanning the crowd for Jeanne.
By chance, Jeanne had disappeared. Elodie finally found her outside, near the gate.
Jeanne, didnt you pass the money to Aunt Marie for me? Where did it go? Elodie demanded.
Yes, I did, Jeanne replied reluctantly.
She told me the money came only from you and Arthur
Shes mistaken, Jeanne said dismissively.
You gave a thousand euros?
Yes.
That was for the two of us, not three!
Well then! Whos going to pay for the fuel? Jeanne raised an eyebrow and grimaced.
Its seven hundred euros for a twohundredkilometer trip. And why should I cover your travel? Elodie asked.
You want me to give the money back, right? Jeanne mocked.
Yes, I do!
Not now; Ill transfer it later, Jeanne spun and walked away, head held high.
Disillusioned by her aunts reaction and her cousins behavior, Elodie decided she could no longer stay in that house. She called a taxi quietly 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 the money; I never took it back, Elodie replied.
Aunt Marie is telling the whole village you reclaimed the funds. Shes offended that you werent welcomed, her mother said sadly. Im ashamed to walk through the village; everyone stares at me.
Mom, thats not how it happened! Elodie protested at the gossip spreading through her family.
She explained what really occurred at Aunt Maries house.
Jeanne never returned the money to me, Elodie concluded.
She took it from Aunt Marie and claimed it was you who asked for it back! How brazen! I hope that money stays a thorn in their throats! her mother exclaimed furiously.
Initially, Elodie wanted to call Jeanne, but she chose to spare herself the stress and simply stopped speaking to her.
Months later, her cousin resurfaced.
Weve decided to erect a memorial for Uncle Timothée. It will cost you a thousand euros, Jeanne announced in a businesslike tone.
No, Ill never give another cent!
What an attitude toward family, Jeanne shouted over the phone, surprised. Im honestly shocked.
I didnt expect to be duped and then have to listen to gossip, Elodie replied.
What are you talking about?
You took Aunt Maries money and never gave it back, then blamed me Do you think Ill deal with you again? 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.
Arrival? Honestly, who invited you? You would have been better off offering financial help,” replied the aunt, coldly.
