I refuse to be the servant of strangers, no matter their name.
Im not here to be anyones housekeeper, even if you spell it out.
That night, after a draining shift at the pharmacy, I trudged to the elevator yearning 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 tone was calm, unembarrassed, and he announced:
Get ready, Claire, weve got guests tonight. My sister, Chloé, is staying for a few days!
A hollow feeling settled in 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, never even texted. All I knew were a few tidbits a country girl from near Lyon, still in high school, apparently sensible and selfreliant, the kind youd expect on a farm. Hearing about someone is one thing; having her show up unannounced is another.
Théo, as if nothing were amiss, was already chatting with her in the kitchen when I arrived. They were sipping tea, and Chloé seemed completely at ease, as if she owned the place. After dinner she began to roam the apartment with barely concealed curiosity drifting into each room like a museum tour, lingering especially in our bedroom, clearly fascinated. She even staged a quick photo shoot, spread out my cosmetics, and tried on a few of my earrings. 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 but firm.
She lowered her head, feigning innocence:
I didnt realize it would bother you I just wanted to see how you live.
I said nothing more and headed for the shower. When I finally got ready for bed I noticed the tea bags were gone theyd been completely used up. No tea, no peace, and certainly no understanding. Before I fell asleep, Théo added:
Maybe 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 Im meeting for the first time? I had a shopping day, lunch, and a walk scheduled with my best friend, someone I hadnt seen in almost a year. And now? Cancel everything for a teenager whom even her mother didnt accompany?
The next morning, still halfdreaming about breakfast, Chloé was already made up, wearing glittery jeans, phone in hand right by the door.
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 keys go wherever you like. Just please dont bother me.
What?! she gasped, stunned. I thought you and Théo would come with me. I have no money Mom didnt give any, I was counting on you
We can wander without spending. And if youre hungry, you know where the fridge is.
She fell silent, sulking in the kitchen. I grabbed my things and headed to the mall, simply because I no longer wanted to feel like an outsider in my own home.
That evening the whole family arrived. I realized too late that it turned into a collective interrogation: why Id hurt dear Chloé, why I wouldnt give her money, why I was selfish. No one let me speak. They all shouted. Chloé, in another room, played the victim of my alleged cruelty.
I listened, then said:
I am not a servant. I owe nothing to anyone. Chloé means nothing to me. I never invited her. My salary barely covers me. If you care about your niece, figure it out together as a family and 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 selfish; Im simply a woman demanding respect. And if anyone believes family equals free labor and servitude, they should first look in the mirror and ask whether its right to invade anothers life without permission.
