My son has always been my companion and my pillar, but after his wedding we became strangers.
He was forever my friend and my support, yet everything shifted once he was married.
I never imagined my child could change so drastically under someone elses influence. My only son, Alexandre, has always been a golden boycourteous, kind, always ready to lend a hand. He grew up that way and remained that way into adulthood. Before his marriage we were inseparable: we met often, talked for hours about everything and nothing, shared our sorrows and joys, and backed each other up. Of course, I respected reasonable boundariesI didnt meddle in his life beyond what was necessary. Everything collapsed the moment she entered his worldMarine.
For their wedding, Marine and Alexandre received from her parents a oneroom apartment right in the heart of Lyon, newly renovated. It became their property, their cozy nest. I was never invited over, but Alexandre showed me pictures on his phone: bright walls, brandnew furniture, a warm atmosphere. After my husbands death I was left with no savings, so I decided to pass almost all of my jewelrygold chains, rings, earrings accumulated over the yearsto the young couple. I told Marine, If you want to melt them down, I have no objection. I wanted to help them, to support them at the start of their life together.
But Marine she revealed her true nature immediately. A strongwilled woman, sharp as a blade. I noticed how she rummaged through the wedding envelopes stuffed with cashher curiosity about the amount inside made me uneasy. On one hand that trait could make a good wife, but on the other it meant I should stay on guard. Nowadays many women treat their husbands as wallets, spend his money as if it were theirs, then divorce, take half, and hunt for a new target. I dont want that fate for Alexandre, yet anxiety gnaws at me from within.
Six months after the wedding Marine declared she didnt want children right now. Not now, she said, in this tiny flat its impossible. She threw her hands up: What can we do? I dont want to take a loan, and we dont know when well afford a larger place. Alexandre isnt a big boss yet. She spoke aloud, but I heard calculation in her tone. I, meanwhile, lived in the house my late husband had begun to build. It remained unfinished, with gaps in the walls. In winter it was bitterly coldmy pension barely kept it warm. Then Marine suggested, Sell your house, buy a studio, and give us the rest for a new apartment. Then well think about kids.
Do you see what that means? She wants an elderly, frail woman to disappear while they take the best of everything. Perhaps theyd even push me out of that home into a retirement facility. At first I thought of agreeingif only they helped me financially once a month. Now? Never in my life! With someone like Marine you must stay vigilantshe can strike at any moment.
After that conversation Alexandre visited me several times. He subtly hinted that his suggestion wasnt so bad: Why do you need a big house? An apartment would be simpler, with lower expenses. I held firm: The city is expanding; in five to ten years the houses will appreciate. My land is no longer on the outskirtsselling now would be foolish. One day I proposed a swap: they would move into my house, and I would live in their studio. After all, its the same thing, right? Marine rejected it. She disliked the idea of a house needing repairs and investments while I would live comfortably in their gifted flat. She craves comfort, even when my offer is more advantageous. Thats just how she is, and nothing can change it.
Then I fell seriously ill, down to my bones. Confined to bed, unable to risefever, cough, excruciating headaches. I called Alexandre, begging him to come, to bring food and medicine. I knew the young couple had little time, but I lacked the strength even to boil water. I never would have thought hed let everything fall apart to help. When he finally arrived the next day, he gave me a makeshift Fervex powder, left an unpackaged box of aspirinprobably expiredshrugged, and left. Fortunately a friend came to my rescue, bringing soup, medication, everything I needed. If she hadnt been there, what would have become of me?
My son was my light, my support all my life. I trusted him blindlyhe was more than a son, a friend, a part of me. But marriage erased everything. We became strangers, and I am powerless to change it. He is my only child, my love, my pride, yet now I see his heart no longer belongs to me. He chose her. Marine placed herself between us like a wall, and I am left on the other sidealone, abandoned, useless. Reason says the bond is broken. Its time for him to choosehis mother or his wife. The choice is as clear as day. Still, my heart clings to the hope that he will remember what I meant to him, that he will return. Yet each day that hope melts like snow under an alien sun.
My Son Was My Friend and Rock Throughout My Life, But After His Wedding, We Became Strangers.
