A mother screamed, You betrayed me! as the father vanished without a word.
Elodie was in a deep sleep when the phone ripped through the night. She grabbed the handset, her heart pounding in her chest.
Elodie! her mothers voice trembled with desperation. Come right now!
Mom, whats happening? she snapped awake, trying to steady her panic. Another fight with dad? Youve spent your whole life like that, figure it out!
Theres no one left to argue with! her mother shrieked, her voice cracking. Your father is gone!
Mom dad is dead? Elodie froze, cold blood rushing through her veins.
Come, youll see for yourself! her mother insisted. This isnt something to discuss over the phone!
See what? Elodie was about to shout, bewildered.
Come! her mother hung up.
Shaking, Elodie rushed to get ready. She bolted toward the family home in the suburbs of Lyon, unable to picture what awaited her.
Elodie! Come! her mothers voice rang like a funeral bell.
What now? she murmured, rubbing her sleepy eyes.
What now?! Im on the brink of a abyss, and she keeps asking questions! Her mother was on the verge of tears.
Mom, its seven in the morning, its Saturday, Elodie tried to reason, though anxiety tightened around her. I have plans, the kids, my husband. Explain, or I wont come.
You wont come? her mother gasped, indignant. I dont matter to you any longer! Youre mocking my grief!
Mom, you and dad have been fighting all your lives, Elodie cut in. Im tired of being your gobetween.
Your father isnt here! her mother screamed just before the line cut out.
Whats that? her husband, Theo, groaned, turning over in bed.
Something serious, apparently, Elodie whispered, still reeling from the words. I have to go.
Theyre unbearable! Theo snapped. Your mother doesnt get that you have your own family!
Theo, dont start again. We cant choose our parents, she sighed. I have to leave. Sorry, but youll have to watch the kids alone.
As if this is the first time, he muttered. Tell your mother, if she calls like that, Im asking for a divorce.
Elodie raised an eyebrow.
Seriously?
No, of course not, he forced a thin smile. But we need to scare her. Maybe shell finally understand.
Shell never understand, Elodie shook her head while gathering her things.
The family house had always been a battlefield. Her mother, HélèneMarie, shouted constantly, while her father, JeanLuc, kept his mouth shut, his lips a thin line. Outwardly he seemed to ignore her tirades, but Elodie knew he was simmering inside.
The fights began when she was a teenager. At first they were rare, then they became daily. Her mother, with a shrill, nagging voice, caused scenes that woke the entire building. Even the elderly on the ground floor would nod and mutter, How does he live with that? Poor man.
No one ever asked how Elodie endured that nightmare. To outsiders, the family looked perfect: her father ran a university laboratory and earned a good salary, her mother stayed home, caring for the house and their daughter. But caring was a generous term. HélèneMarie ruled everything: her husband, Elodie, even the housekeeper her father had hired to relieve him. It was a futile attempt.
The arguments were public, cruel. Elodie was just another piece of furnitureher feelings didnt matter. She dreamed of escape, and eventually she fled. She moved to Lyon for her studies, leaving the small village behind and returning only rarely. Yet every visit was poisoned by shouting.
One day, her father, fed up, roared at her mother, What do you want, Hélène? The moon? Her mother, shocked that he dared to interrupt her, burst out laughing before falling silent, briefly.
At their wedding, her mother outdid the horror. She jabbed at her husband, critiquing everything, and when the master of ceremonies proposed a toast to JeanLuc, she leapt in, Ill do it! We cant trust him with something important! The guests exchanged uneasy glances, and Elodie burned with embarrassment.
After the ceremony, her father secretly gave her an apartment in Lyon, urging her not to tell her mother. She kept the secret, sharing it only with Theo. What a surprise! he exclaimed. I hope we wont have secrets like that. Never, she replied, smiling. From my dad I learned I cant stand conflict.
These memories flooded her during the drive. She expected the usual complaints, her fathers tired eyes. The reality was worse.
Her mother opened the door, wailing, I gave him everythingmy youth, my life! And he dares!
Mom, wheres dad? Elodie grabbed her shoulders.
Your father ran away last night! her mother exploded, tears streaming.
Ran away? The floor seemed to give way beneath her.
He left while I was sleeping! He packed his things and vanished!
Did you call him?
Of course! He doesnt answer! Call him yourself; he refuses to speak to me!
Elodie dialed his number. Her father answered immediately, his voice oddly calm, I know why youre calling. Ive earned not seeing your mother again. Im staying with a friend. If you need anything, Im herefor you.
Dad, where are you? she asked, feeling her mothers piercing stare.
In the countrysidefor now. Well see later. Okay?
Okay, she whispered.
What did you promise him? her mother shrieked. That traitor!
Mom, enough! Dad isnt a traitor. Hes tired of your drama.
Did he tell you that?
No, Im the one speaking. Hes at a friends place. Hell come back, dont worry.
He never returned. Her mother discovered his address and rushed there. She knocked, shouted, but no one answered. She called repeatedlysilence. She suspected an affair. Finding none, her anger doubled: How could he leave me without reason? Im nothing? she sobbed.
One day, Elodie broke down, Mom, he doesnt want your forgiveness. He isnt divorcing, he gives you his salary, holds no grudges. He just wants peace. Hes had enough.
Hes the one whos had enough? her mother gasped. I Ive endured everything! she wailed, finally collapsing, as if an invisible blade had finally pierced her truth.
A Mother Cries Out: “You’ve Betrayed Me!” as the Father Vanishes
