Why are you calling me? I dont even remember you!
Why should I let you into our home? I have no recollection of you either!
Good morning, Marie!
Good morning, Marie answered, taken aback. The caller ID didnt display a number, the voice was unfamiliar, yet the speaker used her first name.
Its AuntLise from Lyon, Andrés aunt. We couldnt attend your wedding, but now that everything is settled we decided to drop by and meet the new family.
Marie was left speechless. She hadnt known André had an aunt living in Lyon. More than a year had passed since the wedding, and that aunt had never been mentioned.
You must have the wrong number.
Are you really Marie?
Yes, but I never heard that André had an aunt in Lyon.
AndréLefèvre is your husband, right?
Yes, hes my husband.
Well, Im his aunt.
Its fine that youre his aunt, but theres no need to come over.
Why not?
Were not working and we dont receive visitors.
What hospitality I didnt expect that.
Sorry, I dont have time to chat any longer.
Marie ended the call. She was a young woman who never let herself be shaken and always stood up for her views.
More guests, just what we needed. Ill ask André about this Lyon aunt when he gets home. Determined, she returned to her tasks.
That evening, her motherinlaw called.
Hello, Marie! Its been ages since you stopped by.
Hello, Françoise! Ill come tomorrow with some groceries and vitamins I bought.
Thanks, dear. We have everything we need, I just wanted to see you again. Did Lisa call you?
A woman called, claimed to be Andrés aunt and said she wanted to visit. I told her it wasnt a good time.
She called me later, complaining that you were rude to her.
Françoise, how could I be rude? You know me.
Exactly, I know you well, the motherinlaw replied with irony.
Im driving right now. Well talk tomorrow.
Relations between Marie and her motherinlaw had never been smooth.
André grew up in a military family. His father, JeanPierre, was a strict man who drilled discipline into his son. When his father was around, André behaved impeccably. Yet the fathers frequent deployments meant long absences.
In those gaps André turned unruly. His mothers constant supervision irritated him. The more she overprotected him, the more he slipped: skipping classes, shunning sports. She never complained to his father, knowing the punishment would be severe, trying to shield her son.
Even as an adult, André remained under his mothers watchful eye. She called several times a day and would accidentally show up at his workplace.
All of Andrés friends were married, he was nearing thirty, and his mother grew anxious that her brilliant son was still single. She began hunting for a fiancée among the daughters of her friends, which only earned her sons jokes. Despite his charm, the prospective brides never lined up.
Then the longawaited day arrived. André announced he would introduce his fiancée to his parents over the weekend.
His father approved the choice, but his mother did not like the bride. Françoise was used to making all the family decisions, and the men obeyed her. Observing Maries confidence and the tenderness André showed her, Françoise saw her as a rival.
Marie never sought her motherinlaws approval, and whenever they clashed André stood by his wife.
They lived in the apartment André bought with his parents help before the wedding.
At first, the motherinlaw would pop in unannounced to check the place, but Marie repeatedly warned her:
Dont come without notice or when were not home, or well have to change the locks.
This apartment belongs to André and to us as well; we helped him buy it, so I can come whenever I want.
Explain what you intend to do here.
The motherinlaw was left speechless. Claiming she wanted to inspect cleanliness seemed both awkward and absurd. Marie continued:
I am now the mistress of this house as Andrés wife, and I expect my conditions to be respected. You have a key for emergencies, not for leisurely visits in our absence.
I am his mother; we raised him and gave him everything. You arrived in a home that was already prepared
Marie cut her off.
Thanks for raising him, but it was my husband who brought me into this home, and as his wife I am entitled to it. I wont accept any other conditions.
André backed his wife, which bruised his mothers ego. The young couple ignored her complaints. She sulked for a few weeks, then relented.
She stopped using her key to enter uninvited, only coming when Marie was present and after calling first. Each time Marie greeted her warmly, offering tea or a glass of wine.
Initially the motherinlaw would comment on the houses upkeep, but Marie, never taking offense, defused the remarks with jokes or offers of help.
Sorry, Ive been swamped with work. If it bothers you, feel free to arrange things; I wont mind, I just want to rest.
You havent prepared anything to eat, what are we supposed to have?
The fridge is full; whoevers hungry can cook. Help yourself.
Gradually their relationship softened; they even became friends, and the motherinlaw would bring treats.
Marie and André also visited the parents for meals and grocery runs. The father, though retired, still worked, while the motherinlaw craved attention.
What can I bring? Im driving, no need to tire you with bags.
Thus Marie would stop by, they would dine together, and she sent prepared food to her son so Marie wouldnt have to cook. Naturally, the conversation turned to the aunt.
What did AuntLise say?
She wanted to visit. I told her it wasnt a good time.
You did well. How did she get your number?
I have no idea.
She called me back. Shes my cousin. Weve barely spoken. Shes had a hard life, a divorce, a second unhappy marriage, now lives near Lyon, seems remarried, has a house, garden, animals. Her daughter wants to enter a Paris university this year.
What does that have to do with us?
She worries about her only child and wants to make sure someone will look after her.
So shes trying to place her daughter with us?
It would be delicate not to help family.
What do you mean by delicate? When did you last see them? André doesnt remember them. Do you have their address?
Without waiting for an answer, Marie added:
Lets not create unnecessary complications. I dont know them, never heard of that family.
After saying goodbye to her motherinlaw, Marie left. She told André about the call, but he barely reacted, and the matter faded into oblivion.
The week passed, Saturday arrived. Marie and André had no plans, so they decided to rest. Around noon, the doorbell rang.
Marie was cooking, André lounged on the couch.
Are you expecting anyone?
No! Open it, my hands are full.
Why? No ones due, grumbled André as he cracked the door.
Three figures stood there. André recognized the lady as AuntLise, though he had only seen her once as a child.
You didnt expect us, but were here, she said cheerfully, stepping in with bags. Her husband went to fetch more items.
We really werent expecting anyone today, Marie replied, quietly, glancing at her husband. She then invited the visitors in.
Well, dear guests, come in, she said with a hint of irony. I suppose youre AuntLise.
Yes, Im ÉlisabethBonnard, this is my daughter Chloé and my husband Marc. Dont worry, we wont stay long.
Marie let them freshen up after their journey, then ushered them to the table, noting that showing up unannounced was unusual.
We didnt expect you and have nothing prepared, so well make do with whats in the fridge.
We brought everything ourselves, gifts, homemade items, everything we grew.
AuntLise unpacked, laying out cheeses, charcuterie, smoked delicacies that filled the kitchen with aroma. Another bag revealed honey, jam, dried fruit.
Thats a lot! We cant eat it all and we have no room to store it.
Share with your parents. Here its all industrial; there, its natural, no additives. The jams dont need refrigeration.
While they unloaded, André phoned his mother, who was already on her way home. AuntLise explained their purpose.
We didnt just want to meet the family. This year Chloé finishes high school and hopes to enter university. It seemed right to introduce ourselves to relatives; you never know when youll need help. Shell live in a student residence. Shes wonderful, brilliant.
The awkwardness faded. Élisabeths warmth won over André and Marc, and Andrés parents arrived soon after.
The meal turned convivial. Marie relaxed, smiling broadly. Everyone praised Élisabeths specialtiessmoked cheese, homemade ham, the charcuterieall delicious.
The unexpected visit turned into a pleasant family reunion. Stories were shared, childhood memories recalled, news of mutual acquaintances exchanged. Élisabeth nostalgically spoke of her hometown.
One day Ill have to go back; its been ages. Everyones moved to the city now.
The motherinlaw invited the cousins to stay with her, as the apartment was cramped. After discussion, they decided Chloé would stay with the young couple, while Élisabeth and her husband would spend the night at the motherinlaws house.
On Sunday, Marie and André showed Chloé around ParisEiffel Tower, Montmartre, ChampsÉlysées.
Monday morning, very early, AuntLise and her husband returned to pick up Chloé. Marie and André said goodbye to their guests and headed to work, beginning a new work week.
That evening, after work, Marie and André discussed the surprise visit.
They were charming; Im glad we met them. Why didnt you talk to them sooner?
No idea, ask my mother. I was in second grade when AuntLise and little Chloé first came.
They invited us. Perhaps we could visit them, drive to the coast in summer, stop by on the way, bring Chloé back to Paris afterward. I hope she gets into university.
Chloé was accepted, stayed a few days before moving to her residence, and visited occasionally. Marie and André had to postpone their seaside tripthe family was awaiting a happy event.
Why Should You Visit Me? I Can’t Even Remember Who You Are!
