I refuse to be the servant of strangers, no matter what theyre called.
Im not here to be anyones maid, even if you mention a surname.
That evening, after a draining shift at the pharmacy, I shuffled into the elevator, dreaming of a hot shower, cozy pajamas, and a quiet cup of tea. Before I could even change, my husband, Théo, called out to me. His voice, calm and unruffled, announced:
Get ready, Claire, weve got visitors tonight. My sister, Chloé, is staying with us for a few days!
An emptiness settled inside me. It wasnt a request or a discussion, just a stark realization: my time no longer belonged to me. I was stunned. Who was this Chloé? Why hadnt anyone mentioned her? Oh right, the younger sister Id never met and with whom Id never exchanged a message. All I knew were a few tidbitsa country girl near Lyon, still in high school, apparently sensible and selfreliant, the kind you become on a farm. Hearing about someone is one thing; having them show up unannounced is another.
Théo, as if nothing had changed, was already chatting with her in the kitchen when I arrived. They were sipping tea, and Chloé seemed completely at ease, as if she were at home. After dinner she began to wander the apartment with barely concealed curiosity, treating each room like a gallery, lingering especially in our bedroom, which clearly delighted her. She even staged a mini photo shoot, spread out my cosmetics, and tried on a few of my jewelry. I stood frozen.
Chloé, excuse me, but this is my personal space. You walked in without asking and are touching my things. I dont like that, I said, calm yet firm.
She lowered her head, feigning innocence:
I didnt know it would bother you I just wanted to see how you live.
I said nothing and headed for a shower. When I finally lay down to sleep, I discovered every tea bag was gonetheyd finished them all. No tea, no peace, and certainly no understanding. Before I drifted off, Théo added,
Maybe you could think about what we could do with Chloé this weekend. Shell get bored without company!
I sighed. Why should I rearrange my plans for a girl I was meeting for the first time? I had a shopping trip, lunch, and a walk scheduled with my best friend, someone I hadnt seen in almost a year. And now I was expected to cancel everything for a teenager whose own mother hadnt accompanied her?
The next morning, still mulling over breakfast, Chloé was already made up, wearing glittery jeans, phone in hand at the doorway.
So, shall we go? I was thinking the mall, maybe a restaurant afterward?
I looked at her and replied evenly,
Listen, Chloé, you have a GPS on your phone. Heres a spare set of keysgo wherever you like. Just, please, dont disturb me.
What?!, she exclaimed, shocked. I thought you and Théo would come with me. I have no moneymom didnt give me any, I was counting on you
We can wander without spending. If youre hungry, the fridge is there.
Silence fell. She sulked in the kitchen, while I gathered my things and headed to the mall, simply because I no longer wanted to feel like a stranger in my own home.
That night the whole family arrived. I realized too late that it turned into a collective interrogation: why I had hurt poor Chloé, why I refused to give her money, why I was being called selfish. No one let me speak; everyone shouted. Chloé, from another room, played the victim, accusing me of cruelty.
I listened, then said,
I am not a servant. I owe nothing to anyone. Chloé is not my responsibility. I didnt invite her. My salary barely covers me. If you care so much about your niece, organize yourselves as a family and fund her stay.
Théo stayed silent. Only late at night, after everyone had left, did he murmur,
Youre right I didnt want to fall out with them.
The story ends. I am not selfish; I am simply a woman who demands respect. And if anyone believes that family equals free labor and servitude, they should first look in the mirror and ask whether its ever right to invade someone elses life without permission.
