Forgive me, dear Ethel, the wouldbe motherinlaw said hurriedly, I didnt mean those sharp words. I wasnt angry then. Perhaps youll drop by sometime? Victor is still alone after you left, lost in his video games, never finding a proper path.
Ethel and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Ethel, the relationship felt serious; she spent many evenings at the Bennett household, where she was received politely, if not warmly. She believed they had a solid future. Victor, though a bit carefree, had charm and could appear determined when needed.
The idyll shattered when Victor failed an important English exam. His negligence during the lockdown endless gaming sessions and abandoned studies threatened his expulsion.
In the heat of the crisis, Ethel didnt hold back. She turned to Victors mother and declared:
I wont have a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housemaid; I want us to share the chores and the earnings.
Her words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt over their plans.
Mrs. Bennett took the remark as a personal affront. Shed spent her whole life caring for her husband and son, believing a womans role was to look after the home, not to demand results. Now she expected Ethel to behave the same way.
Honestly, love, she retorted, a womans first duty is to keep the hearth burning! A man is the head of the family!
Ethel kept silent, not wanting to fuel the argument. From that point on, the door to the Bennett home was barely opened to her. Their communication dwindled to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral cafés. Victor suffered from not seeing her, but instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Ethel, we need to speak to my mother, Victor pressed over the phone. You have to explain that you dont really feel that way. Im tired of hiding. Make peace 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 over backward?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix things. If you dont, well lose each other forever.
With a heavy heart, Ethel agreed. For loves sake, she was ready to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother.
But things went far from what shed imagined.
When Ethel arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment, Mr. Bennett entered:
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he demanded.
Victor faltered. Ethel felt her cheeks go cold. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Ethel, we were Victor began, but his father cut him short:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room, Mrs. Bennett emerged:
Whos making all that noise? Victor, whos with you?
Without looking at Ethel, Mr. Bennett spat:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Ethel realized she was not welcome. Humiliation spurred her into instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic, goodfornothing lad! she snapped, storming out and slamming the door.
Victor, stunned, didnt even try to stop her.
Almost immediately, his phone rang. His voice was not remorseful, only furious:
Why did you say that?! Youve ruined everything!
What have I ruined? Your father just turned me into a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he turned me into! You caused a scene! Now Mum is fuming and Dad insists I never see you again!
Then he delivered the final blow:
And you know what the worst part is? Ill never get to sit at my computer again.
Ethel felt her hurt morph 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, not dragged me into it.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an immature lad, always hunting for someone to fault. He never defended her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. Were done. This is the end, Ethel said firmly. She blocked him on every platform. The breakup was abrupt but necessary. His familys burden was his to bear, not hers.
A year later, Ethel had recovered from the split and started a fresh chapter. She met a new boyfriend; after three months together, talks of marriage were already underway.
One afternoon, while shopping, she ran into Mrs. Whitaker Victors mother who rushed toward her.
Ethel dear! How lovely to see you!
Ethel startled.
Hello
Mrs. Whitaker enveloped her in a hug, bombarding her with questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? I heard you and Victor broke up. Hes gone mad with his games, wont work, spends all his time at the computer. When you were together, he seemed far more responsible Do come over sometime!
Sorry, Mrs. Whitaker, Im busy. Work, home
Mrs. Whitaker glanced at the ring on Ethels finger.
And this? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well tie the knot this summer.
The fauxmotherinlaws smile faded instantly.
So thats why! Good thing Victor left you! We dont need someone like you.
Ethel shrugged and turned toward the shelf. In a twisted way, Mrs. Whitaker was right: it was fortunate shed left Victor in time. The only regret was the wasted years.
