I refuse to be the servant of strangers, no matter who they are.
Im not here to be anyones maid, even if they claim a family name.
That evening, after a draining shift at the pharmacy, I shuffled into the elevator, longing only for a hot shower, a cozy pajama set, and a quiet cup of tea. Before I could even change, my husband, Théo, called out to me. His calm voice, without a hint of embarrassment, announced:
Get ready, Clairesomeones coming over tonight. My sister, Chloë, is staying with us for a few days!
An empty feeling settled inside me. It wasnt a request or a discussion; it was a stark realization that my time no longer belonged to me. I was stunned. Who was this Chœ? Why had nobody mentioned her? Oh right, his younger sister, a girl Id never met and with whom Id never even exchanged a text. All I knew were a few tidbitsshe grew up near Lyon, still in high school, described as modest and resourceful, the sort of traits you pick up on a farm. Hearing about someone is one thing; having them show up unannounced at your home is another.
Théo, as if nothing were amiss, chatted with her in the kitchen as I arrived. They were already sipping tea, and Chœ seemed completely at ease, as if she were in her own house. After dinner she began to wander through the apartment with barely concealed curiositytreating each room like a gallery, lingering especially in our bedroom, which clearly fascinated her. She even staged a quick photo shoot, laid out my cosmetics, and tried on a few of my jewelry pieces. I stood frozen.
Chœ, excuse me, but this is my personal space. You walked in without asking and youre touching my things. I dont like that, I said, calm yet firm.
She lowered her head, playing the innocent role:
I didnt know it would bother you I just wanted to see how you live.
I gave no reply and headed for a shower. When I finally went to bed, I noticed there wasnt a single tea bag lefttheyd been used up. No tea, no peace, and certainly no understanding. Before I drifted off, Théo added:
You might want to think about what we could do with Chœ this weekend. Shell get bored without company!
I let out a sigh. Why should I rearrange my plans for a girl Ive just met? I had a shopping day scheduled, a lunch and a stroll with my best friend, someone I hadnt seen in almost a year. And now? Cancel everything for a teenager whose own mother isnt even there?
The next morning, still mulling over breakfast, Chœ was already made up, wearing glittery jeans, phone in hand at the doorway.
So, shall we go? I wanted to hit the mall, maybe a restaurant after?
I looked at her and replied evenly:
Listen, Chœ, you have a phone with GPS. Heres a spare set of keysgo wherever you like. But please, dont bother me.
What?! she exclaimed, clearly shocked. I thought you and Théo would take me. I have no moneymom didnt give me anything, I was counting on you
We can wander around without spending. And if you get hungry, you know where the fridge is.
Silence followed. She sulked on a kitchen stool. I grabbed my things and left for the mall, simply because I no longer wanted to feel like a stranger in my own home.
That night the whole family arrived. Too late I realized it was a collective interrogation: why had I hurt poor Chœ, why did I refuse to give her money, why was I being selfish? No one let me speak. They all shouted. Chœ, in another room, played the victim, accusing me of cruelty.
I listened, then said:
Im not a servant. I owe nothing to anyone. Chœ is nothing to me. I didnt invite her. My salary barely covers my own expenses. If you care so much about your niece, organize yourselves as a family and fund her stay.
Théo stayed quiet. Only late at night, after everyone had left, did he murmur:
Youre right I didnt want to fall out with them.
The story ends here. Im not selfish; Im simply a woman who demands respect. And if anyone believes that family implies free labor and servitude, they should first look in the mirror and ask whether they have the right to invade someone elses life without permission.
