Why Should You Come and See Me? I Can’t Even Remember Who You Are!

Why are you calling me? I dont even remember you!
Why should I welcome you into our home? I dont even recall you!
Good morning, Marie!
Good morning! Marie answered, startled. The callers number didnt appear, the voice was unfamiliar, yet they used her first name.
Its Aunt Lise from Lyon, Andrés aunt. We couldnt attend your wedding, but now that everything is settled we decided to visit and meet the new family.
Marie was taken aback; 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 that André has an aunt in Lyon.
André Lefèvre is your husband, correct?
Yes, thats my husband.
Well, I am his aunt.
Its fine youre his aunt, but theres no need to come over.
Why not?
Were not working and we dont take guests.
Such hospitalityI didnt expect that
Sorry, I dont have time to chat longer.
Marie ended the call. She was a young woman who never let herself be intimidated and always defended her opinions.
More visitors, just what we need. 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 the vitamins I bought.
Thank you, dear. We have everything we need; it was just to see you again. Did Lisa call you?
A woman called, saying shes Andrés aunt and wants to see us. I told her now wasnt a good time.
She later called, 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.
Relations between Marie and her motherinlaw were never smooth from the start.
André grew up in a military family. His father, JeanPierre, was strict and instilled discipline. In his fathers presence André behaved impeccably, but his fathers frequent deployments left long absences.
When his father was away, André became unmanageable. His mothers constant supervision irritated him; the more she overprotected him, the more he rebelledskipping school, dodging sports. She never complained to his father, fearing harsh punishment, in order 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 pick him up from work.
All of Andrés friends were married, he was nearing thirty, and his mother grew anxious that her brilliant son was still single. She even tried to find a fiancée among her friends daughters, which only earned Andrés jokes. Yet no suitor showed interest despite his charm.
Then the longawaited day arrived: André announced he would introduce his fiancée to his parents over the weekend.
His father approved; his mother, Françoise, who usually dictated family matters, was not pleased. Watching Maries affection and tenderness toward her son, she saw her as a rival.
Marie was confident, never seeking her motherinlaws approval, and when disagreements arose André sided with his wife.
They lived in an apartment André bought with his parents help before the wedding. At first the motherinlaw would drop by unannounced to check on the place, but Marie repeatedly warned her.
Dont come without notice 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 buy it, so I can come anytime.
Explain: what do you intend to do here?
The motherinlaw was at a loss. Claiming she just wanted to see the cleanliness sounded both awkward and absurd. Marie continued.
I am now the mistress of this house as Andrés wife, and I demand my conditions be respected. You have a key for emergencies, not for coming whenever you wish in our absence.
Im his mother; we raised and gave everything to our son. You entered a home that was already prepared
Marie cut her off.
Thanks for raising him! But it was my husband who brought me here, and as his spouse I am at home. I wont accept any other terms.
André defended his wife, which irritated his mother. The young couple ignored her complaints. She sulked for weeks, then gave in.
She stopped using her key, only coming when Marie was present and after calling. Each time Marie greeted her warmly, offering tea or wine.
At first the motherinlaw occasionally commented on the houses upkeep, but Marie, never taking offense, defused the remarks with humor or offers of help.
Sorry, Ive been swamped with work. If it bothers you, feel free to arrange things; I wont mind, Id rather rest.
You havent prepared any food, what are you eating?
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 frequently visited the motherinlaw for dinner and groceries. The father, though retired, still worked, while his wife needed attention.
What can I bring? Im driving, no need to trouble you with bags.
Thus Marie would see her motherinlaw, theyd dine together, and she sent prepared food to her son so Marie wouldnt have to cook. Of course, the conversation soon turned to the aunt.
What did Aunt Lise tell you?
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 hard lifedivorced, a second unhappy marriage, now living near Lyon, apparently remarried, with a house, garden, animals. Her daughter aims for Paris university this year.
What does that have to do with us?
She wants to meet us because she worries about her only child and wants to ensure someone will look after her.
So she just wants to place her daughter with us?
It would be delicate not to help family.
What do you mean by delicate? When did you last see them? André doesnt remember them. Do you know their address? Without waiting for an answer, Marie continued. 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 episode faded into obscurity.
The week passed, Saturday arrived. Marie and André had no plans, intending to rest. Around noon someone knocked.
Marie was cooking; André lingered on the sofa.
Are you expecting anyone?
No! Open the door, my hands are full.
Why? No ones supposed to be here, André muttered, opening the door slightly.
Three people stood there. André recognized them as Aunt Lise and her family, barely recalling 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, looking at her husband. She fell silent for a moment, then invited the guests in.
Well, dear guests, come in, she said with a hint of irony. I assume youre Aunt Lisa.
Yes, Élisabeth Bonnard, heres my daughter Chloé and my husband Marc. Dont worry, we wont stay long.
Marie let them freshen up after their journey, then invited them to the table, noting that showing up unannounced wasnt proper.
We didnt expect you and have nothing prepared, so lets make do with whats in the fridge.
We brought everything ourselvesgifts, homemade items, our own produce.
Aunt Lise emptied her bags, laying out cheeses, cured meats, smoked specialties that filled the kitchen with aroma, followed by honey, jam, dried fruits.
Thats a lot! We cant eat all this, nor store it all.
Share with your parents. Here everything is industrial; there its natural, no additives. The jams and preserves dont need refrigeration.
While Marie and the guests unpacked, André called his mother, who was already on her way home. Aunt Lise clarified their purpose.
We didnt just want to meet the family. This year Chloé finishes high school and plans to go to university. It seemed right to introduce ourselves; you never know when you might need help. Shell live in a dorm. Shes wonderful, brilliant.
Gradually the awkwardness faded. Élisabeth Bonnard was trustworthy, André and Marc got along well, and Andrés parents arrived.
The meal turned 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 updates, childhood memories, and news about mutual acquaintances. Élisabeth nostalgically recalled her hometown.
One day Ill have to return; its been ages. Everyones moved to the city now.
The motherinlaw offered the cousins a place to stay, noting it would be cramped at her house. After discussion they decided Chloé would stay with the younger ones, while Élisabeth and her husband would spend the night at the motherinlaws.
On Sunday Marie and André showed Chloé Paris, taking her to the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, 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.
They were charming; Im glad we met them. Why didnt you speak to them sooner?
No idea; ask Mom. I was in CE2 when Aunt Lise and little Chloé came.
They invited us. Maybe we could visit them, drive to the sea in summer, stop by on the way, bring Chloé back to Paris. I hope she gets into university.
Chóe was accepted, stayed a few days before moving to her dorm, and visited occasionally. Marie and André had to postpone their seaside tripthe family was awaiting a happy event.