Im sorry, love, for the harsh wordssaid Victors mother hurriedly. I didnt mean them maliciously. Perhaps youll drop by sometime? Victors still alone; ever since you left he hasnt found his path. Hes lost in video games
***
…Harriet and Victor had been together for almost two years. Harriet thought their relationship was serious: she often visited Victors family home, where she was received politely, though without much warmth. She believed they had a solid future. Victor, a bit carefree, was charming and could appear determined when he wanted to.
Their idyll shattered when Victor failed a crucial English exam. His negligence during the lockdownspending endless hours on games and neglecting his studiesthreatened his place at university.
In the midst of the crisis Harriet could no longer hold back and told Victors mother sharply:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; I want us to share everythinghousehold duties and earnings alike!
The words hung in the air, instantly putting their future into doubt.
Victors mother took it as a personal affront. She had spent her life caring for her husband and son, believing her role was to nurture, not to demand results. Now she expected Harriet to behave the same way.
Oh, really? She doesnt want to be a housemaid? A womans first duty is to keep the hearth warm! A man, meanwhile, is the head of the household!
Harriet stayed silent, unwilling to fuel the argument. After that, the doors of the family home ceased to open for her. Communication with Victor was reduced to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral places. He suffered from not being able to see her, but instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Harriet, we need to talk to my motherinsisted Victor over the phone. You have to explain that you dont actually feel that way. Im tired of hiding! Reconcile with my parents, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. This is your problem, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me and I love you. Thats the only way to fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart Harriet agreedlove drove her to the humiliating step of trying to reason with a strangers mother.
But things did not turn out as she expected
When Harriet arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
Victor, what is that girl doing here? he asked sharply.
Victor stammered. Harriet felt her face go pale. The question sounded as if she were an unknown visitor, not his sons girlfriend.
Dad, Harriet, we werebegan Victor, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes out.
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Victor, whos with you?
Ignoring Harriet, the father tossed:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Harriet understood she was not welcome. Hurt and humiliation triggered an instinctive reaction.
Im leaving, and you can stay, you pathetic, useless little man! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door.
A stunned Victor didnt even try to stop her.
Almost immediately Harriets phone rang. Victors voice carried no remorseonly rage:
Why did you say that?! You ruined everything!
What did I ruin? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he turned me into! You caused a scene! Now Mum is furious, and Dad wants me never to see you again!
He then said the final blow:
And the worst part? I wont be allowed to use the computer any more.
Harriet felt the pain turn into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are your problems. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
It was clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature youth looking for someone to blame. He offered her no protection.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. This is over! Harriet declared firmly.
She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys burden was his to bear, not hers.
A year later Harriet had recovered from the split and started a new life. She met a man, and after three months they were planning a wedding.
One afternoon she ran into Irene Alcott in a shop.
Harriet! My dear, hello! shouted Victors mother, rushing toward her.
Harriet winced:
Hello
Irene Alcott embraced her and bombarded her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? Im so sorry you and Victor broke up. Hes gone mad with his games! He wont work, always at the computer. When you were together he seemed responsible Come visit us!
Im sorry, Mrs. Alcott, Im busy. Work, home
Irene noticed a ring on Harriets finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
Harriets indifference deflated the wouldbe motherinlaw:
Ah, I see! So Victor left you, good. We dont need someone like you!
Harriet shrugged and turned away toward the shelves. In a way Irene was rightshe was glad she had left Victor in time. The regret was only that she had wasted years on him.
The experience taught Harriet that love cannot thrive when one partner refuses to grow, and that respecting oneself is the first step toward a healthier future.
