**Because of a chicken, I kicked my husband out. And I dont regret it.**
That morning Elodie was exhausted. Shed spent the whole day tidying the living room, hanging the laundry, picking up the little ones toys, and scrubbing the tiles. Finally she glanced at the oven: the roast chicken with its golden potatoes was turning a perfect shade, filling the kitchen with a scent that made her head spin.
Just ten more minutes, she murmured, setting the timer before heading to the bathroom to wipe the grout. Everything was going smoothly until the front door slammed shut.
The kids must be home, she thought. But standing on the threshold werent Lucas or Camille; it was her husband Julien, who was supposed to have been in the garage since dawn.
Wow, smells amazing! he exclaimed, rubbing his hands. Your roast chicken never fails!
Call the kids for dinner, Elodie said, turning back to the sink.
A minute later, bare feet pounded the floor, sneakers thudded in the hallway, and laughter erupted. Hearing a quarrel, Elodie stepped out, forgetting the timer.
Whats happening? she asked, gloves still on her hands.
I want a leg! shouted Camille, ten.
Me too! added Lucas, eight.
There are two, right? Elodie replied, puzzled.
No! Theres only one left! Camille protested, stamping her foot.
Elodie walked to the table. Indeed, half the bird had vanished, leaving only the breasts and a few stray potatoes.
And dad? she asked.
Hes gone. He took half the chicken and left, Lucas grumbled.
Elodie grabbed her phone and dialed Julienno answer. She snatched the keys and stormed out, fury bubbling up. Again! Hed taken the best piece, not for himself this time but for his buddies. It wasnt selfishness anymore; it felt like betrayal.
Near the village square, on a bench, Julien was sitting with his friends, 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, embarrassed in front of his mates.
No, were talking now! You stole what I prepared for our children! Are you ashamed? You always keep the good parts for yourself, and now youre feeding your pals with what isnt yours?
Leave before I lose my temper, he said, grabbing her arm.
What are you doing? Elodie shouted. Youre not just selfish, Julien, youre a thief. A thief who steals his own kids food to fatten his drunk friends!
Cut the drama, Ello, he growled, humiliated before the group. It was just once.
Once? And the fruit? And my mothers caviar that you devoured in a day? And the barbecue where you left the kids with burnt scraps while you gorged on the prime cuts?
Elodie turned on her heels and walked away.
That evening, when he returned, she was at the window.
You should see yourself, Julien sneered. Divorced over a chicken. We should put you on a talk show.
Im filing for divorce, she replied, voice icy. You dont get it. Its not the chicken. Its your rudeness, your greed, and the fact you only think of yourself.
Where am I supposed to go? he mocked. Youre crossing 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 spent the night at his mothers house.
Two weeks later, the phone rang.
You were right, sighed his exmotherinlaw. He eats everything in my house. I buy chocolates, he takes one and the rest disappears by night. I thought you were exaggerating, but yesterday he even drank 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.
*Lesson of the day: Love makes us tolerate a lot, but when selfishness dominates the table, the soul of the home suffocates.*
I Chased My Husband Away Over a Chicken Dish and I Have No Regrets
