**Because of a chicken, I threw my husband out. And I dont regret it.**
That morning, Elodie was exhausted. She had spent hours tidying the living room, hanging the laundry, picking up the little ones toys, and scrubbing the tiles. Finally she peeked into the oven: the roast chicken with its golden potatoes was steaming beautifully, filling the kitchen with a headspinning aroma.
Just ten more minutes, she whispered, setting the timer before hurrying 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 wasnt Lucas or Camille; it was her husband Julien, who was supposed to have been in the garage since early morning.
Wow, that 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 flew in the hallway, and laughter erupted. Hearing a quarrel, Elodie left the kitchen, forgetting the timer.
Whats happening? she asked, still wearing gloves.
I want a leg! shouted Camille, ten.
Me too! added Lucas, eight.
There are only two, right? Elodie asked, puzzled.
No! Theres only one left! Camille protested, stomping her foot.
Elodie walked over to the table. Indeed, half of the bird had vanished; only the breasts and a few stray potatoes remained.
And dad? she inquired.
He left. He took half the chicken and went, Lucas grumbled.
Elodie grabbed her phone and dialed Julienno answer. She snatched the keys and stormed out, fury bubbling. Again, he had taken the best part. This time it wasnt even for himself; it was for his friends. It was no longer selfishness, it was betrayal.
Near the village square, on a bench, Julien sat with his buddies, beers in hand, the chicken perched on his lap. They laughed, ate, and licked their fingers.
This isnt too much, is it? 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? Its not enough to hog the good pieces; now youre feeding your pals with what isnt yours?
Leave before I lose it, he said, grabbing her arm.
What are you doing? Elodie cried. Youre not just selfish, Julienyoure a thief. A thief who pilfers his own kids food to fatten his drunken friends!
Cut the drama, Eló, he snarled, humiliated. It was just once.
Once? What about the fruit? The caviar my mother gave you that you devoured in a day? And the barbecue where you left the kids with burnt scraps while you feasted on the best cuts?
Elodie turned on her heel and went back inside.
That evening, when Julien returned, she was at the window.
You should see yourself, Julien sneered. Divorce over a chicken. We should get you on a talk show.
Im filing for divorce, she replied coldly. You dont get it. Its not the chicken. Its your crudeness, your greed, and your selfcenteredness.
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 now.
Julien left, convinced Elodie was bluffing. The next day she filed the papers. He ended up sleeping at his mothers house.
Two weeks later, the phone rang.
You were right, sighed his exmotherinlaw. He devours everything in my home. I buy chocolates, I take one and the rest disappears by nightfall. I thought you were exaggerating, but yesterday he even took the last drop of water from the kettle without asking.
You want me to take him back? Elodie wondered.
No just vent, I guess.
Good luck then. Ive turned the page on that glutton. And guess what I finally breathe freely.
**Moral: Love lets us tolerate a lot, but when selfishness dominates the table, it chokes the spirit of the home.**
I Chased My Husband Away Over a Chicken Dish, and I Have No Regrets!
