Why Come to See Me? I Can’t Even Remember You!

Why are you calling me? I dont even remember you!
Why should I welcome you into our home? I dont recall you at all!
Good morning, Marie!
Good morning, Marie answered, surprised. The callers number didnt show, the voice was unknown, yet they addressed her by first name.
Its Aunt Lise from Lyon, Andrés aunt. We couldnt attend your wedding, but now that everythings settled, we decided to visit and meet the new family.
Caught off guard, Marie had no reply. She hadnt known André had an aunt in Lyon. More than a year had passed since their wedding, and that aunt had never been mentioned.
You must have the wrong number.
Are you really Marie?
Yes, but Ive never heard André have an aunt in Lyon.
André Lefèvre is your husband, right?
Yes, thats my husband.
Well, I am his aunt.
Its fine that youre his aunt, but theres no need to come over.
Why?
We dont work and we dont entertain visitors.
Oh, such hospitalityI wasnt expecting that
Sorry, I dont have time to talk longer.
Marie ended the call. She was a young woman who never let herself be intimidated and always stood up for her views.
More guests, just what we needed. Ill ask André about this Lyon aunt when he gets home. Determined, she returned to her tasks.
That evening, her motherinlaw called.
Hello Marie! Its been a while since you visited.
Hello, Françoise! Ill drop by tomorrow with some provisions and vitamins I bought.
Thanks, dear. We have everything we need; it was just to see you again. Did Lisa call you?
A woman called, saying she was Andrés aunt and wanted to see us. I told her it wasnt a good time.
She called me later, complaining that you were rude to her.
Françoise, how could I be rude? You know me.
Exactly, I know you well, the motherinlaw replied sarcastically.
Im driving now. Well talk tomorrow.
Marie and her motherinlaw didnt get along from the start.
André grew up in a military family. His father, JeanPierre, was strict and instilled discipline. When his father was present, André behaved impeccably. Yet his fathers frequent work missions meant long absences.
Without his father, André became difficult to manage. His mothers constant supervision irritated him. The more she overprotected him, the more he rebelledskipping classes, avoiding sports. She never complained to his father, fearing harsh punishment, trying 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 stop by his workplace.
All of Andrés friends were married; he was approaching thirty, and his mother worried that her brilliant son was still single. She started looking for a bride among the daughters of her friends, which only earned jokes from André. Despite his charm, prospective fiancées didnt line up.
Then the longawaited day arrived. André announced he would introduce his fiancée to his parents over the weekend.
His father approved, but his mother, Françoise, who was used to making all family decisions, disapproved of the bride. Watching Marie receive her sons love and tenderness, she saw her as a rival.
Marie was confident, never consulted her motherinlaw, and whenever there was disagreement André sided with his wife.
They lived in the apartment André bought with his parents help before the wedding. At first, the motherinlaw would drop by unannounced to check the place, but Marie warned her clearly several times.
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 purchase it, so I have the right to come whenever.
Explain why youre coming and what you intend to do.
The motherinlaw was at a loss. Claiming she wanted to check cleanliness felt both awkward and ridiculous. Marie continued.
I am now the mistress of this house as Andrés wife, and I expect my conditions to be respected. You have a spare key only for emergencies, not for casual visits in our absence.
I am his mother; we raised and gave everything to our son. You arrived in a house where everything was ready
Marie cut her off.
Thanks for raising him! But it was my husband who brought me here, and as his wife I am at home. I wont accept any other terms.
André backed his wife, which bruised his mothers ego. The young couple ignored her complaints. She sulked for a few weeks, then gave in.
She stopped using her key to enter; she only came when Marie was present and after calling first. Each time Marie greeted her warmly, offering tea or wine.
At first the motherinlaw occasionally remarked on the homes upkeep, but Marie, never taking offense, defused the comments with jokes or offers of help.
Sorry, Ive been swamped with work. If it bothers you, feel free to rearrange things; I wont mind, I just want to rest.
You havent prepared any food, what will you eat?
The fridge is full; whoevers hungry can cook. Help yourself.
Gradually, their relationship improved; they even became friends, and the motherinlaw would bring treats.
Marie and André would visit the motherinlaw for dinner and bring groceries. The father, though retired, still worked, while the motherinlaw craved attention.
What can I bring you? Im driving, no need to trouble you with bags.
Thus Marie visited her motherinlaw, they dined together, and she sent prepared food to her son so Marie wouldnt have to cook. Naturally, 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 speak. Shes had a rough life, a divorce, a second unhappy marriage. Now she lives near Lyon, apparently remarried, owns a house with a garden and animals. Her daughter wants to enter a Paris university this year.
What does that have to do with us?
She wants us to meet; she worries about her only daughter and wants to be sure someone can look after her.
So shes basically trying 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 went on. 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 told André about the call, but he barely reacted, and the matter faded into the background.
A week passed, Saturday arrived. Marie and André had no plans for the weekend; they decided to rest and sleep in. Around noon, someone knocked.
Marie was in the kitchen, André was lounging on the couch.
Are you expecting anyone?
No! Open the door, my hands are full.
Why? No ones supposed to be here, grumbled André as he opened the door a crack.
Three people stood there. André realized it was Aunt Lise with her family, barely recognizing her from childhood.
You didnt expect us, but were here, she said cheerfully, carrying bags. The man went to fetch more items.
We really werent expecting anyone today, Marie said sadly, staying silent for a moment, glancing at her husband. She finally invited the guests in.
Well, dear guests, come in, she said with a hint of irony. I suppose youre Aunt Lise.
Yes, Im Élisabeth Bonnard. This is my daughter Chloé and my husband Marc. Dont worry, we wont stay long.
Marie let them freshen up after their trip, then invited them to the table, noting that showing up unannounced was not proper.
We werent expecting you and have nothing prepared, so well just use whats in the fridge.
But we brought gifts, everything homemade, from our garden.
Aunt Lise unpacked bags filled with cheese, charcuterie, smoked specialties that filled the kitchen with aroma. Another bag held honey, jam, dried fruits.
We cant eat all this, and we have no room to store it.
Share with your parents. Here everything is industrial; there, its natural, no additives. The jams and preserves dont need a fridge.
While Marie and the guests emptied the bags, 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 you might need help. Shell stay in a university residence. Shes a wonderful, brilliant girl.
Gradually the awkwardness faded. Élisabeth was pleasant, and Andrés husband got along well too. Andrés parents arrived later.
The meal was convivial. Marie relaxed, smiling broadly. Everyone praised Élisabeths smoked cheese, homemade ham, and charcuterieeverything was delicious.
The unexpected visit turned into a pleasant family gathering. People shared life stories, recalled youthful memories, and exchanged news about mutual acquaintances. Élisabeth nostalgically mentioned 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, though space was limited. After discussion, they decided Chloé would stay with the younger folks, while Élisabeth and her husband would spend the night at the motherinlaws house. On Sunday, Marie and André showed Chloé around Paris, taking her to the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, and the ChampsÉlysées.
Early Monday morning, Aunt Lise and her husband returned to pick up Chloé. Marie and André said goodbye to their guests before heading to work, starting a new work week.
That evening, after work, they discussed the surprise visit. Marie found it odd that they had come to their home instead of the motherinlaws.
Theyre charming people; Im glad we met them. Why didnt they keep in touch longer?
No idea; wed have to ask Mom. I was in second grade 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 to university. She stayed with them a few days before moving to her residence and visited occasionally. Marie and André had to postpone their seaside tripthe family was awaiting a happy event.