I refuse to be the servant of strangers, no matter their name.
Im not here to be anyones maid, even if they have a family name.
That evening, after a draining shift at the pharmacy, I shuffled into the elevator hoping only for 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 was calm, unflinching, and he announced:
Get ready, Claire, weve got visitors tonight. My sisterChloéis staying with us for a few days!
A hollow feeling settled inside me. It wasnt a request or a discussion; it was a plain fact: my time was no longer my own. I was stunned. Which Chloé? Why hadnt anyone mentioned her? Oh right, the younger sister Id never met and with whom Id never exchanged a single message. All I knew were a few tidbitsa country girl from near Lyon, still in high school, apparently sensible and resourceful, the kind youd expect on a farm. Hearing about someone is one thing; having them show up unannounced is another.
Théo, as if nothing had happened, was already chatting with her in the kitchen when I arrived. They were sipping tea, and Chloé seemed perfectly at ease, as if she owned the place. After dinner she began to wander the apartment with barely concealed curiositytreating each room like a gallery, lingering especially in our bedroom, which clearly delighted her. She even staged a mini photoshoot, 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 youre touching my things. I dont like that, I said, calmly but firmly.
She lowered her head, playing the innocent:
I didnt realize it would bother you I just wanted to see how you live.
I said nothing and headed for a shower. When I finally got into bed I realized there was not a single tea bag lefttheyd been drunk all night. No tea, no peace, and certainly no understanding. Before I fell asleep Théo added:
You should think about what we could do with Chloé this weekend. Shell get bored without company!
I let out a sigh. Why should I rearrange my plans for a girl I was meeting for the first time? I had a shopping day, a 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 even accompanied her?
The next morning, still thinking about 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 afterwards?
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 bother me.
What?! she exclaimed, surprised. 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 you get hungry, you know where the fridge is.
She fell silent, sulking in the kitchen. I gathered my things and left for the mall, simply because I no longer wanted to feel like an outsider in my own home.
That night the whole family arrived. I realized too late that it was a collective interrogation: why I had hurt dear Chloé, why I refused to give her money, why I was being called selfish. No one let me speak. Everyone shouted. Chloé, in another room, played the martyr, victim of my alleged 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 among yourselves to fund her stay.
Théo stayed quiet. It wasnt until late at night, after everyone had left, that he whispered:
Youre right I didnt want to fall out with them.
The story ends. Im not selfishIm simply a woman demanding respect. And if anyone thinks family means entitlement and servitude, they should first look in the mirror and ask whether its right to invade anothers life without permission.
