Help your sister; shes struggling after the divorce, their mother scolded.
Dont you want to support her? the mother pressed, her voice sharp.
Both daughters were seated around their mothers round table, taking in her accusations.
Your Jules is a spoiled child! Madame Dupont declared bluntly. He works temporary jobs and only brings home peanuts!
Mom, three thousand euros isnt enough for you? the younger sister, Chloé, snapped back.
I dont care. What matters is that he can meet your needs, the mother retorted, pursing her lips.
He does, the young woman muttered, frowning.
I dont see it! Just yesterday you borrowed two hundred euros from me, Madame Dupont reminded her. If he cant feed you, get a divorce! Find someone better! Besides, he seems to be missing a brain cell.
Mom, youre going too far, Charlotte interjected, defending her sister for the first time.
Im only telling the truth! Hes a bit ginger and even lisped, Madame Dupont scoffed, rolling her eyes. Honestly, Chloé, you deserve more. Before its too late, you need to split, she added, turning to the younger girl.
Mom, Jules has a heart of gold. Its not about looks, Charlotte replied, watching her mother pressure Chloé. If you measure everything in money, he has an apartment, a car, and he loves Chloé. Thats obvious!
Madame Dupont stared at her eldest with disdain, thinking she was meddling in affairs that didnt concern her.
Youre single and nearly fortystop giving advice, the mother snapped, pushing Charlotte away. At forty youll take whatever comes your way
Chloé remained silent, observing her mother and sister with a detached expression.
You brag about him a studio in an old building, a car thats nothing to write home aboutnothing impressive! Madame Dupont said contemptuously.
Chloé, what do you think? Charlotte asked her quiet sister. Got an opinion?
I dont know, maybe Moms right, the young woman whispered, the one who had defended her husband at first but was now leaning toward her mothers view. He recently told me I should look for a job
You see! Madame Dupont crossed her arms over her stomach. Were already here. The future looks scary!
And why shouldnt Chloé work? Few can afford to do nothing. Im surprised Jules never pushed her to find employment sooner, Charlotte retorted.
Why are you defending her like that? the mother asked her daughter.
Because I fear that by applying that pressure youll ruin my sisters life, Charlotte explained calmly.
Thats not your business, Madame Dupont roared at the elder. You offer advice, but Chloé deserves better. If Jules truly loved her, hed do anything to make her happy. Lacking good looks, he has no money
Chloé, mouth agape, listened to her mothers tirade.
Madame Duponts accusations took effect. Soon Chloé began to criticize Jules.
Are you happy with your salary? she asked him.
Its fine, why? he replied.
I dont think so, Chloé shook her head. You should look for another job.
Another one? Im fine where I am, he answered, a mix of nonchalance and unease.
Not me! she declared. A tiny flat, a modest car nothing I can be proud of in front of the neighbors
Thats odd; it used to suit you, Jules said thoughtfully. What changed?
Nothing, but my perspective shifted. Love used to blind me; now I see clearly, Chloé justified.
Fine, he replied indifferently, hoping shed stop.
Under MadameDuponts relentless influence, Chloé kept pressing Jules.
Listen, your dissatisfaction is getting on my nerves, he growled, teeth clenched. I hear you, but I cant change anything.
I want a husband who grows, not one who stays stagnant, she said sharply.
Sorry Im not enough! Jules replied coldly, heading toward the bedroom. Pack your bags!
Where am I supposed to go? Chloé asked, arching an eyebrow.
Where theres a nice apartment and a luxury car, he snapped. Id never forgive myself if I spent my life with a goodfornothing like me. Youll find someone who can shower you with gold and diamonds. I cant do that
MadameDupont was the first to hear that Jules had thrown Chloé out.
What a scoundrel! Who would have thought he could do that? You shouldnt have married him, the mother fumed, hurling curses at her soninlaw.
I was only asking him to improve and earn better, Chloé sobbed.
Anyway, you cant expect anything good from a brute. Dont worry, youll find someone better, and Jules will regret it and come crawling back to you, MadameDupont reassured her daughter.
Left without a flat or a husband, Chloé moved into her mothers former bedroom.
What are you going to do now? Charlotte asked, responding to their mothers call.
Nothing, Chloé said, staring at her phone.
What about looking for a job? Have you thought about it? Charlotte probed gently.
No. I see no point. Ill find a man richer than Jules, Chloé replied confidently.
Why bother your sister? She needs rest after what shes been through, MadameDupont interjected, defending her younger daughter.
For nearly two months she supported her daughter, who stayed holed up on the couch.
Eventually she realized she couldnt manage alone and called Charlotte for help.
After work, Charlotte visited her mother, sensing an emergency.
You wont help your sister? MadameDupont asked sternly.
With what?
Not with what, but how, the mother corrected. Financially. Its hard for both of us.
Who forced you to fill Chloés head with the idea of divorce? Charlotte retorted. Without your meddling, things would be fine.
Oh! MadameDupont exclaimed, clutching her chest. How dare you say that? Jules is an idiot, a coward! He couldnt handle someone like Chloé and walked away. I want you gone; I dont want to see you anymore! Instead of helping, you criticize us!
At that moment Chloé appeared, standing in front of her sister.
Youre defending the man who betrayed me and left me on the street?
Youre to blame! Stop listening to Mom
You think you can teach me life? Youre still single? Chloé snapped.
Charlotte shook her head, hearing the clash between her sister and mother, and walked toward the door.
She no longer wanted to argue with them, just as Chloé and MadameDupont no longer sought any contact with her.
Support Your Sister in Need, Their Mother Reminded Them After the Divorce.
