Please forgive me, Emma, for the harsh words, hurriedly protested the wouldbe motherinlaw. I didnt say them out of spite. Perhaps you could drop by sometime? Victor is still on his own; ever since you left he hasnt found his way. Hes lost himself in video games
***
Emma and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Emma their relationship felt serious: she often visited Victors family home, where she was received politely, though without any genuine warmth. She believed they had a solid future. Victor, though a bit frivolous, possessed charm and could project determination.
The idyll shattered when Victor failed a crucial English exam. His failure was the direct result of his negligence: during the lockdown he spent countless hours glued to his computer, abandoning his studies. The threat of expulsion loomed.
In the middle of that crisis Emma snapped at Victors mother:
I dont need a man who accomplishes nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; I want us to share both the chores and the earning of a living!
The words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt over their future.
Victors mother took the outburst as a personal insult. She had spent her whole life supporting and doting on her husband and son, believing her role was to care, not to demand results. Now she expected Emma to behave the same way.
Oh, look at that! She wont be a housewife. A womans first duty is to keep the hearth alive, and a man is the head of the family!
Emma kept silent, not wanting to fuel the argument. From that moment the door began to close on her. Communication with Victor dwindled to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral cafés. He suffered from not being able to see her, yet instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Emma, we have to talk to my mother, Victor insisted over the phone. You need to explain that you dont actually think that way. Im tired of hiding! Make peace with them, will you?
Why should I prove anything to your mother? She didnt raise me. These are your problems, not mine. Why should I bend?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix everything. If you dont, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart Emma agreedout of love she was prepared to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But things did not unfold as she imagined
When Emma arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended the stairs:
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
Victor froze. Emma felt her face go pale. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Emma, we wanted Victor began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes not welcome here!
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Victor, whos with you?
Ignoring Emma, his father sneered:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Emma realised she was not welcome. Hurt and shame surged, driving her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay here, you pathetic, goodfornothing son of a mother! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
Victor, stunned, didnt even try to stop her.
As soon as she stepped into the stairwell, her phone rang. Victors voice was not remorsefulonly fury:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just put me in the same category as a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who or where he placed me! You caused a scene! Now Mums furious, and Dad wants me to stay away from you!
He then delivered the final blow:
And you know the worst part? Hell never let me sit at my computer again.
Emma felt hurt turn into cold resolve.
You blame me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are yours to sort out, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself instead of making me the scapegoat.
It became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature lad looking for someone to blame. He hadnt protected her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. This is itwere done! she declared firmly.
She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys burdens were his cross, not hers.
A year later Emma had recovered from the split and started a new life. She met a new boyfriend; theyd been together three months, and talks of marriage were already underway.
One afternoon, while shopping, she ran into Mrs. Whitmore, Victors mother.
Emma! My dear, hello! Mrs. Whitmore shouted, rushing toward her.
Emma flinched.
Good afternoon
Mrs. Whitmore enveloped her in a hug, bombarding her with questions:
Its been ages! How have you been? Hows life treating you? Its such a shame you and Victor broke up. Hes gone off the deep end with his games! He refuses to work, glued to his computer. When you were together he seemed far more responsible Do come over sometime!
Im sorry, Mrs. Whitmore, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Whitmore glanced at the ring on Emmas finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The friendly façade slipped from the wouldbe motherinlaws face in an instant:
Ah, so thats why! Well, good riddance to Victor! We dont need someone like that!
Emma shrugged and turned toward the shelves. In a way Mrs. Whitmore was right: it was fortunate shed let Victor go early. Too bad shed wasted time on him
