A sudden visit and the blow of a forbidden truth
I showed up at my daughters place unannounced and discovered something I never wanted to learn
Sometimes we think true happiness is found in our childrens health and stability. I felt lucky: a loving husband, an adult daughter, sweet grandchildren. We werent wealthy, but our home overflowed with harmony. What more could we ask?
Élodie married young, at twentyone, to a thirtyfiveyearold man. We didnt object: he had a steady job, a flat in Paris, a calm temperament. Not a carefree student, but a rock. He covered everythingthe dress, the honeymoon trip to Provence, lavish gifts. The family murmured, Élodie has found her prince.
The first years were pictureperfect. Lucas was born, then Chloé, we moved into a house in Versailles, weekends were spent together Yet gradually Élodie began to shut down. Her smiles faded, her answers grew vague. Everythings fine, she said, her voice hollow. A mothers instinct told me otherwise.
One morning I could no longer wait and called her. Nothing but silence. I sent a textread, no reply. I boarded a TER to Versailles. Surprise! I shouted, though the word was a lie.
She jumped up as I entered, not with joy but embarrassment. She slipped into the kitchen. I played with the kids, prepared dinner, stayed the night. Later, her husband came home late, a blonde strand stuck to his jacket, a foreign scent on him. He kissed her automatically; she looked away.
During the night I rose for a drink. On the balcony I heard him whisper into his phone, Soon, my love She has no idea. My glass trembled; nausea rose in me.
At breakfast I confronted her: Do you know? She lowered her eyes. Mom, let it go. Everythings okay. I recounted what Id seen and heard. She repeated, like a mantra, Hes a good father. He provides everything. Love fades.
I locked myself in the bathroom and wept. My daughter had become a hollow accomplice, trading her dignity for Louis Vuitton bags and vacations in SaintTropez.
That evening I faced her husband. He shrugged, Im not leaving her. I pay the bills. Shed rather ignore it. Mind your own business.
What if I tell her everything?
She already knows. She just closes her eyes.
The shock hit me on the return TER; I felt suffocated. My own husband begged, Dont push, youll lose her. But she was already gone, fading day by day beside a man who hoarded mistresses.
I pray that one morning, when she looks in the mirror, she remembers she deserves better. That honor outweighs money. That she will take the children and walk away.
Me? I will stay, even if she pushes me away. A mother never gives up, even when pain tears her heart apart.
An Unexpected Visit… and the Shock of a Forbidden Revelation
