Oh, what a nuisance! I almost shouted at my sisterinlaw, but I held back. And there she was again, returning with her weekend suitcase
Youre exhausting me! I nearly screamed at my husbands sister. I clenched my teeth. And she, in response, showed up once more with her weekend bag
My name is Élodie, Im thirtynine. Ive been married to Thibault for twelve years. We have a fairly solid family, our son is growing up, everything seems fine. Yet theres one but that has been poisoning my life for years: his sister, Juliette.
Juliette is eight years older than Thibault. Shes never married, has no children, lives alone in the house opposite us and in reality, she also lives with us. Im not exaggerating. She appears in our flat like a shadowquiet, persistent, daily. Sometimes it feels as if Juliette possesses an endless supply of keys to our building.
At first I tried to be polite, even kind. After all, shes my husbands sister, family. I told myself she would drop by, chat, have a cup of tea and leave. But she came every evening. And on weekends. And during our holidays. Even when we had other guests. When I was ill, she was there.
Juliette knows no boundaries. She remarks on everything: my cooking, our sons upbringing, the way I dress. Sometimes Im too quiet, sometimes I laugh too loudly, my cake is too dry, or the apartment is messy. She never asks, she demands. And I swallow it because I hate conflict. Because Thibault says, Élodie, make an effort; shes alone, were all she has.
I endured. But endurance has limits.
Juliette works as an accountant for a private firm. She finishes work before me and comes straight to our place. I walk inshes already settled on the couch, the TV on, the cat hidden under the bed, our son glued to his phone, and she behaves as if she lives there. Dinner waits for her, or I have to wait for her to free the bathroom. She dines with us, then spends hours recounting her adventures with the tax office, which nobody listens to. Then she leaves. Occasionally she stays overnight because she is scared of thunderstorms or the heating at her place doesnt work well.
When we planned a getaway, Juliette came along. It didnt matter that I dreamed of a romantic weekend, or that Thibault had promised me a seaside escape for my birthday. Juliette was in the hotel room, under the same roof, all expenses covered by Thibault. Yet she earns a good salary, saves for hard days, as she says. Apparently, the hard day is mine.
Thibaults mother sees me as ungrateful. Juliette isnt a stranger; shes alone and needs us, she says. I understand she has no husband or children. But why should I sacrifice my own comfort?
One day I finally told Thibault:
Ive had enough. She crosses every line. Shes everywhere. Its unbearable!
He shrugged:
What can I do? Shes my sister
It reached a peak recently. Thibault and I went to the theatre, a night I had insisted on. A friend was watching our son. No sooner had we settled into our seats than the phone rang. Juliette.
Where are you? Why didnt you invite me? Do you want to erase me from your life? she shouted over the line.
Two days later she returned, suitcase in hand, nightgown on, favorite series bookmarked. My weekend is free; Ive decided to spend it with you, she announced.
I stood in the kitchen, hands clenched on the tabletop, holding back a scream, keeping silent. Something inside me snapped.
I dont know how to tell Thibault that I cant take it any longer. That I need a home without a third adult, without constant advice, without drama, without Juliette.
And I fear that if nothing changes Ill eventually leaveto find my breath again. Because even love cant survive when another life inserts itself between you and your spousetoo noisy, too invasive, too foreign.
Today Ive realized one thing: happiness cannot be built on silence. Boundaries must be set, even with family, because no one should live imprisoned by forced generosity.
Oh, what a bit much!” I almost shouted at my sister-in-law, but I held back. And here she is again with her suitcase for the weekend…
