Impromptu visit and the shock of a forbidden revelation
I turned up at my daughters place without warning and uncovered something I never wanted to see
Sometimes we imagine that happiness lives in our childrens health and stability. I felt fortunate: a loving husband, an adult daughter, adorable grandchildren. We werent wealthy, but our home overflowed with harmony. What more could we ask for?
Élodie married young, at twentyone, to a thirtyfiveyearold man. We didnt object: he held a steady job, owned an apartment in Paris, and had a calm demeanor. Not a carefree student but a rock. He paid for everythingthe dress, the honeymoon in Provence, lavish gifts. The family whispered, Élodie has found her prince.
The first years were pictureperfect. Lucas was born, then Chloé; we moved into a house in Versailles, spent weekends together Gradually, however, Élodie began to shut down. Her smiles faded, her answers grew vague. Everythings fine, she said in a hollow tone. My maternal instinct sensed otherwise.
One morning, fed up, I called her. Silence. I sent a textread, no reply. I jumped on a TER to Versailles. Surprise, I told her, a lie.
She startled as I opened the door. No joy, only embarrassment. She retreated to the kitchen. I played with the kids, made dinner, stayed the night. That evening her husband came home late, a blond lock stuck to his jacket, a foreign scent on him. He kissed her automatically; she looked away.
Later, I got up for a drink. On the balcony I heard him whisper into his phone, Soon, my love she knows nothing. My glass trembled in my hand, nausea rose.
At breakfast I confronted her: Do you know? She lowered her eyes. Mom, drop it. Everythings fine. I described what I had seen and heard. She repeated, like a mantra, Hes a good father. He provides everything. Love it fades.
I locked myself in the bathroom and wept. My daughter had become a shadow, trading dignity for Louis Vuitton bags and vacations in SaintTropez.
That night I faced her husband. He shrugged, Im not leaving her. I pay the bills. She prefers to ignore it. Mind your own business.
What if I tell her everything?
She already knows. She just closes her eyes.
Shock hit me on the return TER; I felt suffocated. My husband begged, Dont push, youll lose her. But she was already slipping away, day by day, with a man who collects mistresses.
I pray that one morning, looking into her mirror, she will remember she deserves better, that honor outweighs money, and that she will take the children and walk away.
Me? I will stay, even if she pushes me away. A mother never gives up, even when the pain tears at her heart.
