Support your sister whos struggling, their mother reminded them after the divorce.
Dont you want to help her? Shes in trouble after the split, she chided.
The two sisters sat around their mothers round table, listening to her accusations.
Your Jules is a real spoiled brat! MadameDupont announced without mincing words. He works temporary jobs, yet all he brings home are peanuts!
Mom, three thousand euros isnt enough for you? the younger, Chloé, snapped.
It doesnt matter to me. What counts is that he can meet your needs, the mother replied, pursing her lips.
He does, the young woman muttered, a annoyed frown on her face.
I dont see it! Just yesterday you borrowed two hundred euros from me, MadameDupont reminded her. If he cant feed you, get a divorce! Find someone better! Besides, he seems a few bricks short.
Mom, I think youre overstepping, Charlotte interjected, defending her sister for the first time.
Im only stating facts! Hes a bit ginger and even lisped, MadameDupont scoffed, rolling her eyes. Honestly, Chloé, you deserve better. Before its too late, you should end it, she added, turning to the youngest.
Mom, Jules has a golden touch. It isnt about looks, Charlotte replied, noticing her mothers pressure on Chloé. If you measure everything in money, he owns an apartment, a car, and he loves Chloé. Its obvious!
MadameDupont glared at her eldest, thinking she was meddling in affairs that didnt concern her.
Youre single and almost fortystop giving advice, the mother retorted sharply, pushing Charlotte away. At forty youll take whatever comes
Chloé stayed silent, watching her mother and sister with an indifferent expression.
Youre bragging about him a studio in an old building, a car with no prestige nothing impressive! MadameDupont said disdainfully.
Chloé, what do you think? Charlotte asked her quiet sister. Any opinion?
I dont know, maybe Moms right, the young woman whispered, who had initially defended her husband but was now leaning toward her mothers view. He just told me I should look for a job
You see! MadameDupont crossed her arms over her belly. Were already there. Its scary to imagine what comes next!
And why shouldnt Chloé work? Few people can afford to do nothing. Im surprised Jules didnt push her to work earlier, Charlotte retorted.
Why are you defending her like that? the mother asked her daughter.
Because Im afraid that by pressuring her, youll ruin my sisters life, Charlotte explained calmly.
Its none of your business, MadameDupont roared at the elder. You give advice, but Chloé deserves better. If Jules truly loved her, hed do everything to make her happy. Lacking good looks, he has no money
Chloé, mouth open, listened to her mothers words.
MadameDuponts accusations took hold. Soon Chloé began to criticize Jules.
Are you happy with your salary? she asked her husband.
Its fine, why? he replied.
I dont think so, Chloé shook her head. You should look for another job.
Another? Im fine where I am, he answered, casual yet slightly uneasy.
Not me! she declared. A tiny flat, a modest car nothing I can be proud of in front of the neighbours
Its odd, you seemed content before, Jules said pensively. What changed?
Nothing, but my perspective shifted. Love once blinded me; now I see clearly, Chloé justified.
Fine, he replied indifferently, hoping shed stop.
Under MadameDuponts relentless influence, Chloé kept pressing Jules.
Listen, your dissatisfaction is getting on my nerves, he growled, teeth clenched. I hear you, but I cant do anything.
I want a husband who grows, not one who stagnates, she said sharply.
Sorry Im not enough! Jules replied coldly, heading toward the bedroom. Pack your bags!
Where am I supposed to go? Chloé asked, arching an eyebrow.
Somewhere with a nice flat and a luxury car, he replied curtly. Id never forgive myself if I spent my life with a goodfornothing like me. Im sure youll find someone who can cover you with gold and diamonds. I cant.
MadameDupont was the first to learn that Jules had kicked Chloé out.
What a scoundrel! Who would have thought he could do that? You shouldnt have married him, the mother fumed, hurling curses at her soninlaw.
I just asked him to improve and earn more, Chloé sobbed.
Anyway, you cant expect anything good from a brute. Dont worry, youll find someone better, and Jules will regret it and come crawling back to you, MadameDupont reassured her daughter.
Homeless and without a husband, Chloé moved into her mothers old bedroom.
What will you do now? Charlotte asked, responding to their mothers call.
Nothing, Chloé replied, staring at her phone.
About looking for a jobhave you thought about it? Charlotte hinted.
No. I see no point. Ill find a man richer than Jules, Chloé said confidently.
Why bother your sister? She needs rest after all shes been through, MadameDupont intervened, defending her younger daughter.
For nearly two months she supported her daughter, who remained reclined on the sofa.
Eventually she realized she couldnt manage alone and called Charlotte for help.
After work, Charlotte visited her mother, fearing an emergency.
You dont want to help your sister? MadameDupont asked sternly.
With what?
Not with what, but how, her mother corrected. Financially. Its hard for both of us.
Who forced you to fill Chloés head with divorce talk? Charlotte asked. Without your meddling, everything would be fine.
Oh! MadameDupont exclaimed, clutching her chest. How dare you say that? Jules is an idiot, a coward! He couldnt handle someone like Chloé and left. I want you to leave; I dont want to see you anymore! Instead of helping, you criticize us!
Chloé appeared then, standing in front of her sister.
Youre defending the man who betrayed me and threw me out?
Youre responsible! Stop listening to Mom
You think you can teach me life? Youre still single? Chloé snapped.
Charlotte shook her head, hearing the clash between her sister and mother, and walked toward the door.
She no longer wanted to argue with them, just as Chloé and MadameDupont stopped reaching out to her.
Support Your Sister in Need, Their Mother Urged Following the Divorce.
