**Because of a chicken, I kicked my husband out. And I have no regrets.**
That morning, Elodie was exhausted. She had spent the entire day tidying the living room, hanging laundry, picking up her sons toys, and scrubbing the tiles. Finally, she glanced at the oven: the roast chicken with its golden potatoes was browning beautifully, filling the kitchen with a scent so strong it made her dizzy.
Just ten more minutes, she murmured, setting the timer before hurrying to the bathroom to clean the grout. Everything was going smoothly until the front door slammed shut.
The kids must be home, she thought. But standing on the threshold wasnt Lucas or Camilleit was her husband Julien, who was supposed to have been in the garage since early morning.
Wow, that smells amazing! he exclaimed, rubbing his hands. Your roast chicken always wins!
Call the kids for dinner, Elodie shouted, turning back to the sink.
A minute later, bare feet pounded the floor, sneakers flew across the hallway, and laughter erupted. Hearing a quarrel, Elodie stepped out, forgetting the timer.
Whats happening? she asked, her hands still gloved.
I want a thigh! shouted Camille, ten.
Me too! added Lucas, eight.
There are only two, right? Elodie asked, confused.
No! Theres only one left! Camille protested, stamping her foot.
Elodie walked over to the table. Indeed, half the chicken had vanished. Only the breasts and a few stray potatoes remained.
And dad?
He left. He took half the chicken and went, Lucas grumbled.
Elodie grabbed her phone and called Julienno answer. She snatched the keys and stormed out, fury bubbling over. Again! He had taken the best piece. This time it wasnt even for himself; it was for his friends. What began as selfishness had turned into betrayal.
Near the village square, on a bench, Julien sat with his buddies, beers in hand, the chicken perched on his lap. They laughed, ate, and licked their fingers.
Isnt that a bit much? Elodie snapped, eyes blazing.
Come home, well talk later, Julien replied, uneasy in front of his pals.
No, were talking now! You stole what I prepared for our children! Are you ashamed? Its not enough to keep the prime cuts for yourselfnow youre feeding your friends with what isnt yours?
Leave before I lose it, he said, grabbing her arm.
What are you doing? Elodie shouted. Youre not just selfish, Julien, youre a thief. A thief who pilfers his own kids food to fatten his drunk friends!
Cut the drama, Elo, he snarled, embarrassed before his mates. It was just once.
Once? What about the fruit? The caviar my mother gave you that you gulped in a day? The barbecue where you left the kids with burnt scraps while you hogged the best portions?
Elodie turned on her heels and went back inside.
That evening, when he returned, she was at the window.
You should see yourself, Julien sneered. Divorced over a chicken. We should get you on a talk show.
Im filing for divorce, she said coldly. You dont get it. Its not the chicken. Its your rudeness, your greed, and your constant selfabsorption.
Where am I supposed to go? he mocked. Youve crossed the line.
At your mothers. The one who taught you that everything good belongs to you. Let her share it with you now.
Julien left, convinced Elodie was bluffing. The next day she filed the papers. He ended up sleeping at his mothers house.
Two weeks later, the phone rang.
You were right, sighed his exmotherinlaw. He devours everything at my place. I buy chocolates, I take one the rest disappears by evening. I thought you were exaggerating, but yesterday he even took the last drop of water from the kettle without asking.
You want me to take him back? Elodie asked, surprised.
No just vent, I guess.
Good luck then. Ive turned the page on that glutton. And guess what I finally breathe freely again.
*Lesson of the day: Love lets us tolerate many things, but when selfishness dominates the table, the soul of the home suffocates.*
