Forgive me, dear, for those harsh words, the wouldbe motherinlaw said in a rush. I didnt mean them with malice. Perhaps youll pop round sometime? Victors still on his own, after parting from you he never quite found his path. He lives in video games
***
Poppy and Victor had been together for almost two years. To Poppy their bond seemed serious: she often visited Victors family home, where she was received politely, though without any real warmth. She imagined a sturdy future for them. Victor, though a bit frivolous, possessed charm and could appear determined.
Their idyll shattered when Victor flunked a crucial English exam. It was the result of his negligence: during the lockdown he spent endless hours on computer games, abandoning his studies. Expulsion loomed.
In the heat of the crisis Poppy could not hold back and, to Victors mother, she blurted:
I dont need a man who achieves nothing. I need a selfsufficient fellow. Im not going to be anyones housekeeper; I want us to share both the chores and the earnings!
Those words hung in the air, instantly casting doubt on their future.
Victors mother took them as a personal affront. She had spent her whole life caring for her husband and son, believing her role was to look after, not demand results. Now she expected Poppy to behave the same way.
Oh, the audacity! A woman who refuses to be a housekeeper? Every lady is first and foremost the keeper of the hearth, and the man, the head of the household!
Poppy fell silent, unwilling to fuel the quarrel. After that, the door stopped opening for her. Communication with Victor dwindled to secret messages, occasional calls, and brief meetings in neutral places. He suffered from the inability to see her, yet instead of honesty he resorted to manipulation.
Poppy, we need to talk to my mum, Victor insisted 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. Those 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 do this, well lose each other forever
With a heavy heart Poppy agreed for love she was ready to take a humiliating step: to try to explain herself to a strangers mother.
But things turned out far from what she imagined
When Poppy arrived, Victor let her into the hallway. At that moment his father descended:
Victor, whats that girl doing here? he demanded sharply.
Victor froze. Poppy felt the colour drain from her face. The question sounded as if she were a random acquaintance, not his beloved.
Dad, Poppy, we were Victor began, but his father cut him off:
I see who she is. Shes got to go!
From the living room his mother emerged:
Whos making all that racket? Victor, whos with you?
The father, ignoring Poppy, tossed out:
The very one who taught you how to live.
Poppy realised she was not welcome. Outrage and shame drove her to act on instinct.
Im leaving, and you stay! Pathetic, goodfornothing mothers boy! she hissed, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
Victor, stunned, made no effort to stop her.
Just as she stepped out of the building, her phone rang. Victors voice was not remorseful, only fury:
Why did you say that?! You ruined everything!
What did I ruin? Your father just turned me into a callgirl on his level!
Who cares where he placed me! You caused a scene! Now Mums in a fury, and Dad wants me to never see you again!
He then delivered the final blow:
And you know the worst part? I wont be allowed to sit at my computer any more.
Poppy felt hurt melt into cold resolve.
You blame me because you cant play your games? The problems in your family are yours to solve, not mine. You should have dealt with them yourself, not made me the scapegoat.
Everything became clear: he hadnt changed. He remained an infantile youth hunting for someone to blame. He never defended her.
I cant endure this any longer, Victor. Were done. This is the end, she said firmly.
She blocked him everywhere. The breakup was sharp but necessary. His familys troubles were his cross to bear, not hers.
A year later Poppy recovered from the split and began a new life. She met a new boyfriend; after three months they were already talking about marriage.
One afternoon, while browsing a shop, she unexpectedly ran into Irene Whitaker.
Poppy! My dear, hello! shouted Victors mother as she rushed over.
Poppy startled:
Hello
Irene Whitaker enveloped her in a hug and bombarded her with questions:
Its been ages! How have you been? How are things? Poppy, its dreadful you and Victor broke up. Hes gone completely mad with his games! He wont work, always glued to the screen. When you were together he seemed much more responsible Do come visit us!
Im sorry, Ms. Whitaker, Im busy. Work, home
Irene noticed a ring on Poppys finger:
And this? Are you married?
No, were only engaged. Well have the wedding this summer.
The fleeting friendliness evaporated from the wouldbe motherinlaws face:
Ah, that explains everything! Good thing Victor left you! We dont need someone like you!
Poppy shrugged and turned toward the shelves. One of Victors mothers statements had a grain of truth: it was indeed fortunate she had left him in time. The only regret was the time she had once spent on him.
