Why are you coming to see me? I dont even remember you!
Why should I welcome you into our home? I dont even recall you!
Hello, Marie!
Hello! Marie answered, surprised. The callers number didnt appear, the voice was unfamiliar, yet they addressed her by name.
Its Aunt Lise from Lyon, Andrés aunt. We couldnt attend your wedding, but now that everythings settled we decided to drop by and meet the new family.
Marie was at a loss for words, completely taken off guard. She had never heard that André had an aunt in Lyon. More than a year had passed since their wedding, and that aunt had never been mentioned.
You must have the wrong number.
Are you really Marie?
Yes, but Ive never heard that André has an aunt in Lyon.
André Lefèvre 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?
We dont work and we dont take 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 intimidated and always stood up for her beliefs.
More guests, just what we needed. Ill ask André about this Lyon aunt when he gets back, she thought, resolute, and returned to her tasks.
That evening, her motherinlaw called.
Good morning, Marie! Its been ages since you visited.
Good morning, Françoise! Ill stop by tomorrow with some groceries and the vitamins I bought.
Thank you, dear. We have everything we need; we just wanted to see you again. Did Lisa call you?
A woman called, claiming to be Andrés aunt; she wants to see us. 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 sarcastically.
Im driving right now. Well talk tomorrow.
The relationship between Marie and her motherinlaw had never been smooth.
André grew up in a military family. His father, JeanPierre, was a strict disciplinarian who drilled his son. In his fathers presence André behaved impeccably, but his fathers frequent deployments left long gaps.
When his father was away, André became difficult to manage. His mothers constant supervision irritated him; the more she hovered, the more he rebelledskipping classes, avoiding sports. She never complained to his father, fearing harsh punishment, and tried to protect her son.
Even as an adult, André remained under his mothers watchful eye. She called several times a day and often happened to pick him up from work.
All Andrés friends were married, he was nearing thirty, and his mother grew anxious that her brilliant son was still single. She began scouting potential brides among her friends daughters, which only earned her sons teasing. Yet no suitor seemed interested in the handsome young man.
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, Françoise, who was used to making family decisions and had the mens obedience, was far from pleased. Watching Maries affection for her son, she saw her as a rival.
Marie was confident, never asked her motherinlaws opinion, and when disagreements arose André sided with his wife.
They lived in the apartment André bought with his parents help before the wedding. At first, his mother would drop by unannounced to check on the place, but Marie repeatedly warned her.
Dont come without warning or when were not home, or well have to change the locks.
This apartment belongs to André and to us. We helped him buy it, so I can come anytime.
Explain: whats your purpose, what do you intend to do?
The motherinlaw was at a loss. Claiming she wanted to inspect cleanliness felt both awkward and ridiculous. Marie pressed on.
I am now the mistress of this house as my husbands wife, and I demand my conditions be respected. You may have a key for emergencies, not for leisurely visits in our absence.
Im his mother; we raised and gave everything to our son. You arrived in a house that was already set up
Marie cut her off.
Thanks for raising him! But it was my husband who brought me here, and as his spouse I am at home. I wont accept any other terms.
André supported his wife, which bruised his mothers ego. The young couple ignored her complaints. She sulked for weeks, then gave in.
She stopped using her key to enter, only coming when Marie was present and after calling first. Each time Marie welcomed her warmly, offering tea or wine.
At first the motherinlaw made occasional remarks about household upkeep, but Marie, never taking offense, diffused the tension with jokes or offers of help.
Sorry, Ive been swamped with work. If it bothers you, feel free to sort it out; I wont mind, I just want to rest.
You havent prepared any food, what are you eating?
The fridge is full; whoever is hungry can cook. Help yourselves.
Gradually their relationship evolved; they even became friends, and the motherinlaw would visit with little treats.
Marie and André also visited the motherinlaw for dinner, bringing groceries. The father, though retired, still worked, while the motherinlaw craved attention.
What can I bring? Im driving, no need to lug bags.
Thus Marie would see her motherinlaw, theyd dine together, and she would send prepared food to her son so Marie wouldnt have to cook. Naturally, the conversation turned to the aunt.
What did Aunt Lise say?
She wants to visit. I told her it wasnt a good time.
Good call. How did she get your number?
I have no idea.
She called me back. Shes my cousin. We barely keep in touch. Shes had a rough life, a divorce, a second unhappy marriage, now lives near Lyon, apparently remarried, with a house, garden, animals. Her daughter wants to enter a Paris university this year.
What does that have to do with us?
She wants us to meet; shes worried about her only child and wants to ensure 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 was the last time you saw them? André doesnt remember them. Do you know their address?
Without waiting for an answer, Marie continued. Lets not create unnecessary complications. I dont know them and have 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.
A week passed, Saturday arrived. Marie and André had no plans, deciding to rest and sleep in. Around noon, someone knocked on the door.
Marie was busy in the kitchen, André lounging on the couch.
Are you expecting anyone?
No! Open it, my hands are full.
Why? No ones supposed to be here, grumbled André, opening the door a crack.
Three figures stood there. André recognized the woman as Aunt Lise, though faintly, having last seen her when he was a child.
You didnt expect us, but were here, she said cheerfully, carrying bags. The man went to fetch more items.
We really werent expecting anyone today, Marie said sadly, staying quiet for a moment, glancing at her husband. She then invited the guests in.
Well, dear guests, come in, she said with a hint of irony. I suppose youre Aunt Lise.
Yes, Im Élisabeth Bonnard, here with my daughter Chloé and my husband Marc. Dont worry, we wont stay long.
Marie let them freshen up after the journey, then seated them at the table, noting that showing up unannounced was impolite.
We didnt expect you and havent prepared anything, so lets make do with whats in the fridge.
We brought gifts, everything homemade, grown by us.
Aunt Lise unpacked her bags, revealing cheeses, charcuterie, smoked specialties that filled the kitchen with aroma. Another bag held honey, jam, dried fruits.
Why so much? We cant eat it all, and we have no room to store it.
Share with your parents. Here everything is industrial; there, its natural, no additives. The preserves dont need refrigeration.
While Marie and the guests emptied the bags, André called his mother, who was already on her way home. Aunt Lise clarified their purpose.
We didnt just want to meet the family. This year Chloé finishes high school and aims for 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.
Gradually the awkwardness faded. Élisabeth Bonnard was likable, André and Marc got along well. Andrés parents arrived, and the meal turned convivial. Marie relaxed, smiling broadly. Everyone praised Élisabeths smoked cheese, homemade ham, and charcuterieall delicious.
The unexpected visit turned into a pleasant family gathering. Stories were exchanged, youthful memories recalled, news of mutual acquaintances shared. Élisabeth nostalgically spoke of her hometown.
One day Ill have to return; its been ages. Everyones probably moved to the city by now.
The motherinlaw invited the cousins to stay with her, noting the house would be cramped. After discussion, they decided Chloé would stay with the younger people, while Élisabeth and her husband would spend the night at the motherinlaws.
On Sunday, Marie and André gave Chloé a tour of Paris, showing the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre, the ChampsÉlysées.
Early Monday morning, Aunt Lise and her husband returned to pick up Chloé. Marie and André said their goodbyes and headed to work, starting a new work week.
That evening, after work, they reflected on the surprise visit.
They were charming, Im glad we met them. Why didnt they talk to us earlier?
No idea; ask Mom. I was in CE2 when Aunt Lise and little Chloé came.
They invited us. Maybe we could visit them, drive to the sea in summer, stop by on the way, bring Chloé back to Paris later. 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 awaited a happy event.
Why Should I Meet You? I Don’t Even Remember Who You Are!
