I’m sorry, Victor, for snapping at you earlier, rushes Emma, trying to smooth things over with the wouldbe motherinlaw. I didn’t mean it harshly. Maybe you could drop by sometime? Victors still on his own after you left, and he hasnt found his path yet. Hes just lost in video games
Emma and Victor have been together for almost two years. To Emma, the relationship feels serious: she often visits the Harper household, where shes received politely but without much warmth. She believes they have a solid future. Victor, though a bit carefree, is charming and knows how to focus when he wants to.
Their idyll shatters when Victor fails an important English exam. His negligencespending lockdown nights glued to his computer instead of studyingputs him at risk of being expelled.
In the heat of the crisis Emma cant hold back and tells Victors mother sharply:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient partner. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; we should share the chores and the earnings!
The words hang in the air, instantly casting doubt over their future.
Victors mother takes it as a personal affront. She has spent her whole life supporting her husband and son, believing her role is to care, not to demand results. Now she expects Emma to behave the same way.
Oh, really? She doesnt want to be a housewife? A proper woman guards the hearth, and a man is the head of the house! she retorts.
Emma stays silent, not wanting to inflame the argument. After that, the Harpers stop opening the door for her. Communication with Victor reduces to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral spots. He suffers from not seeing her, but instead of honesty he resorts to manipulation.
Emma, we need to talk to my mother, Victor insists over the phone. You have to explain that you dont actually 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?
Because you love me and I love you. Its the only way to fix this. If you dont, well lose each other forever
Against her better judgment, Emma agreesshe is willing to take the humiliating step of confronting a strangers mother for loves sake.
But things dont go as she expects.
When Emma arrives, Victor lets her into the hallway. At that moment his father comes down:
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he asks brusquely.
Victor freezes. Emma feels the color drain from her face. The question sounds as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Emma, we were Victor starts, but his father cuts him off:
I see who she is. Shes out!
From the living room his mother appears:
Whos making all that noise? Victor, whos with you?
The father, ignoring Emma, shouts:
The one whos been teaching you how to live.
Emma realises shes not welcome. Offended and humiliated, she reacts instinctively.
Im leaving, and you stay, you pathetic mamas boy! she hisses, storming out and slamming the door.
A stunned Victor doesnt even try to stop her.
Just as she steps onto the pavement, Emmas phone rings. Victors voice is not apologeticonly furious:
Why did you say that? Youve ruined everything!
What did I ruin? Your father just treated me like a callgirl!
It doesnt matter who he placed you as! You caused a scene! Now Mum is furious, and Dad wants me to never see you again!
He finishes with the line that finally breaks Emma:
And you know the worst part? I wont even get to sit at my computer any more.
Emma feels the sting of hurt turn into cold resolve.
Youre blaming me for not being able to play games? Your familys problems are your own. You should have dealt with them yourself, not used me as a scapegoat.
It becomes clear he hasnt changed. He remains an immature lad looking for someone to blame. He never protects her.
I cant put up with this any longer, Victor. Were done. This is the end! Emma says firmly.
She blocks him on every platform. The breakup is abrupt but necessary. His familys drama is his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later Emma has recovered from the split and starts a new life. She meets a new boyfriend; theyve been dating for three months and are already planning a wedding.
One afternoon she bumps into Irene Harper in a shop.
Emma! My dear, hello! the former motherinlaw exclaims, rushing toward her.
Emma startles:
Hello
Irene embraces her and fires off questions:
Its been ages! How are you? Hows life? I heard you and Victor broke up. Hes gone completely off the deep end with his gaming! He never wants a job, always glued to his screen. When you were together, he was so responsible Come over for tea sometime!
Im sorry, Irene, Im busy. Work, home
Irene notices a ring on Emmas finger:
Whats that? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the ceremony this summer.
The momentary friendliness evaporates from Irenes face:
Ah, so thats it! Good thing Victor dumped you! We dont need someone like you!
Emma shrugs and turns toward the aisles. In a way, Irene was right: its better she left him sooner. But its a pity she wasted time on him.
