What’s wrong with you again?! How much longer can this go on?! I’ve had enough of everything! the woman’s voice emanating from behind the door of one of the apartments resonates throughout the entire stairwell.
At this moment, Doina and Matei are ascending the stairs. They halt abruptly, as though they have struck an invisible barrier. For a brief instant, their eyes lock, and in that fleeting exchange, words prove unnecessary. Both comprehend each other without uttering a sound: leaving now is the wiser choice. Exhaling in harmony, they pivot and quietly retreat from the building. Returning to the apartment today is clearly not on their agenda.
Who would choose to spend an evening listening to never-ending parental quarrels? Certainly not these two! The youngsters stride purposefully toward the neighboring entrance their grandmother Ecaterina resides there. In recent times, her home has transformed into their genuine haven. Whereas previously they visited only on weekends, now they seek refuge there nearly every night.
The environment in the family home has long since become utterly intolerable. The parents, seemingly oblivious to all else, shout at one another without pause. Worst of all, they more and more frequently attempt to pull the children into their disputes.
At times, the mother, wheeling around toward her daughter, insists demandingly:
Say it, am I not right? You agree with me, right?
At other times, the father, not awaiting a reply, addresses his son:
No, I am correct here! Verify it!
Doina and Matei remain silent. They have no desire to pick a side, no wish to become entangled in this perpetual conflict. They simply crave quiet, serenity, and warmth everything they discover at their grandmother’s place.
These kinds of episodes recur daily, akin to a scratched record that nobody dares to halt. The children have mastered the art of detecting the faint indicators: it’s about to erupt. Through the voice’s pitch, the abruptness of gestures, the manner in which the parents glance at each other all serve as cues that departure time has arrived. Which youngster enjoys residing in perpetual stress, where any dialogue can instantly escalate into a thunderous row?
The pair cannot grasp what precisely ignited this disaster. Their family was never flawless, like those portrayed in advertisements, yet previously the parents managed to reach agreements! Disputes occurred, naturally they are inevitable however, they concluded not with yelling but with composed discussions. Mom might scowl, dad might elevate his voice slightly, but within thirty minutes everything would be settled. All would gather at the table once more, sip tea, and deliberate on weekend plans.
Yet roughly two years ago, everything shifted… It was as if someone had stealthily substituted the former parents with different ones those who now discover pretexts for arguments in the most mundane matters. A soiled mug abandoned on the table? A trigger for an extended speech on carelessness and disrespect. A shirt suspended on the incorrect hook? A cause for biting comments regarding household order. A teaspoon overlooked in the sink? Nearly a felony meriting prolonged scrutiny!
One evening, Doina sits in the kitchen at her grandmother’s, absentmindedly swirling her tea with a spoon. She remains quiet for an extended period, observing the golden eddies in the cup, and then abruptly inquires with bitterness:
How is this even possible, grandma? Everything altered following their shared vacation. What transpired there?
Ecaterina pauses momentarily, places the cup on the saucer, and tenderly strokes Doina’s hand. She too only speculates about the origins of the family discord, and these speculations bring her no joy whatsoever.
Grown-ups will resolve it themselves, she responds gently, endeavoring to infuse confidence into her tone. Occasionally individuals require time to determine the best course of action.
Doina nods, yet skepticism lingers in her gaze. She realizes her grandmother conceals something, but refrains from pressing. What would be the use? As long as they regard her as a child, nothing significant will be shared with her.
We cannot endure these shouts any longer! Matei cries out with despair in his voice. Neither can we complete our lessons properly nor read a book! I can no longer recall when we gathered as a whole family at one table. If being together is so burdensome for them, let them separate it will simplify matters for everyone!
The words escape spontaneously, yet they encapsulate the entire reality of the recent months. Matei voices not solely his own sentiments he understands his sister experiences the identical emotions! Silence has long been absent from their residence: either mom utters something sharply or dad retorts irritably, and thus another squabble commences, with no place to conceal…
Matei Ecaterina becomes unsettled. She sets aside her knitting, examines her grandson closely, and gradually shakes her head. Have you considered what will occur if they divorce? You two will have to be divided. Are you prepared to live apart from Doina?
We will reside with you! Doina proclaims immediately, gazing at her grandmother with imploring eyes. We are already here almost constantly! You wouldn’t object, would you?
Ecaterina stands still. She comprehends the grandchildren’s emotions she observes how difficult it is for them, how weary they have grown from the ceaseless parental disputes. On one side, her grandchildren will indeed be secure in a tranquil, amicable setting where homework can be done without yelling, books read in quietude, and a sense of protection felt. She adores them boundlessly and stands ready to envelop them in care.
On the other side, what of their parents? How to clarify to them that the children no longer wish to dwell at home? Will they consent to this arrangement? And should they agree how might this impact their bonds with the children? Could the outcome of this venture result in a total severance of ties with the parents?
Let us not hurry, the woman utters after a profound sigh. I am always delighted to have you here, as you are aware. Yet let us first attempt to converse with your mother and father. Perhaps collectively we can discover a method to mend everything.
Do not fret, we will speak with them ourselves, Doina asserts with assurance, beaming joyfully. Grandmother has nearly consented, which is paramount! Just please do not deny us! We truly can no longer remain there! And it will be preferable for them to be apart otherwise, someday they might genuinely inflict harm upon one another! Yesterday I witnessed dad raise his hand toward mom He did not strike, truly! But he was on the brink.
Doina ceases speaking, recollecting that horrifying instant. She had entered the kitchen for a glass of water and stopped in the doorway: father stood sideways to mother, his arm suddenly surged upward, while mother instinctively crouched. Within a second father lowered his arm, yet that second elongated into eternity for Doina.
Grandma, agree! Matei backs his sister. He approaches nearer, grasps his grandmother’s hand, as if fearing she might refuse at this moment. We will assist you with all household tasks. Just do not send us back there. They pay us no attention whatsoever! Yesterday I approached dad and mentioned the parent meeting. Do you know his response? Go to mom! So I went. Guess what mom said?
Go to dad? Ecaterina inquires softly, already anticipating the reply.
Precisely! Matei chuckles wryly. Then they quarreled for another two hours over who would attend the meeting. They remained in separate rooms and shouted across the corridor. And I merely stood listening.
I requested a signature for the museum trip permission, Doina adds, dropping her gaze. Her fingers anxiously twist the cuff of her sleeve. Now I am the sole student in class not going. Neither signed the document. Instead, they resumed arguing mom yelled that it is dad’s responsibility, while dad insisted mom should manage school affairs.
Ecaterina gazes upon her grandchildren and perceives the depth of their exhaustion. In their eyes lies not juvenile weariness the sort accumulated over months when each day mirrors the last, when in place of familial warmth there are incessant quarrels, in place of support there is apathy.
It is always this way, Matei sighs, letting his shoulders slump. His voice carries fatigue, as though he has uttered this countless times. Every appeal from us becomes a pretext for fresh conflict. We do not even wish to return home. A few days ago we arrived at eleven at night and do you suppose they reprimanded us? No! They simply directed us to bed, without inquiring where we had been. Yet afterward they long accused each other of poor child-rearing.
The adolescents once more sigh simultaneously. In the past months they have earnestly contemplated that their parents’ divorce represents the sole escape from this predicament. Yet the prospect of separation from one another, which would unavoidably ensue from divorce, terrifies them. One would remain with mom, the other with dad, and the customary closeness would become infrequent weekend encounters.
They weigh possibilities, debating them in hushed tones during evenings when they remain alone in their room. On one occasion Matei jokingly proposed fleeing the home simply pack rucksacks and depart to wherever their gaze leads. He voiced this with a grin, attempting to ease the tension, but Doina unexpectedly regarded the notion seriously. Her eyes blazed momentarily, and then she murmured quietly: What if we truly leave? Even for a couple of days In that instant both grasped the family situation had grown so unbearable that even the idea of escape no longer seemed entirely insane.
And then it strikes them: grandmother! Why not relocate to her place? This notion emerges concurrently in both, as if their minds operate in sync. Doina articulates it first: How about we ask grandmother if we can live with her? She certainly will not argue or shout. And we will not have to endure these unending disputes Matei promptly continues: Yes! She is kind, always backs us. And her apartment is spacious sufficient room for us.
They commence envisioning mentally a fresh existence: serene breakfasts, the chance to complete lessons in quiet, evenings engaged in board games with grandmother. No yelling, no accusations, no necessity to retreat to their room to avoid a heated outburst. For the first time in a prolonged period, hope kindles in their hearts. Let the parents handle their own matters, and they at last attain tranquility this is what Doina and Matei ponder while picturing their life at grandmother’s…
Mom, dad, we need to have a serious discussion, the twins declare resolutely, positioned before their parents. They deliberately waited until evening when both were present, and enter the living room with determination. Doina grips Matei’s hand firmly this helps her maintain her composure. But first, promise to hear us out completely before voicing your views.
Mihai lifts his eyes from the phone in astonishment. Elena, who was sorting items on the sofa, straightens abruptly. Her face registers an expression as if the children have uttered something utterly inconceivable.
This is all due to your upbringing! she huffs, folding her arms across her chest. The children are already dictating terms to us! As though we must account to them!
Look who’s talking! the man erupts at once, setting aside the phone. I am always working, striving to support the family. You were constantly with them! And what have you taught them? Why do they now issue orders?
The twins glance at each other. They anticipated something of this sort the talk would swiftly veer into the familiar pattern of reciprocal accusations. Yet retreat is not an option.
Stop! Doina exclaims, nearly tearful. She advances a step, striving to articulate clearly and steadily, though her insides quiver. Matei and I have considered and concluded that you ought to divorce.
Silence descends upon the room instantly. Elena remains motionless with parted lips, while Mihai rises slowly from the sofa.
What news! the mother’s voice turns menacing. Doina, you are still too young to instruct adults on how to live! And what else have you decided? Perhaps you will also partition the apartment for us?
If you do not divorce, we will contact the guardianship authorities, Matei clasps his sister’s hand tightly, drawing strength from it. His tone remains steady, even if he himself does not entirely believe the seriousness of his words. And then, dad, you could lose your job. Your firm does not tolerate scandals, correct? You mentioned yourself that reputation means everything.
And you, mom, Doina proceeds, meeting her mother’s eyes directly, will lose the neighbors’ respect. They will cease speaking with you! Everyone knows how you yell at each other, and we will provide more specifics!
They are threatening us! Just look at them! Elena finally manages to say, turning her gaze from one child to the other. These are our children! How can you behave this way toward us?
We are not threatening, Matei states quietly yet assuredly. We merely want you to realize: this manner of living is untenable. We are exhausted! Exhausted from the shouting, from you not listening to us, from even simple requests devolving into conflicts.
You will divorce, separate, and we will live with grandmother, the children conclude in unison, as if rehearsed beforehand. This will benefit everyone: peace for us, an end to constant conflicts for you. We no longer wish to stand between you, caught in the crossfire.
The parents freeze. For the first time in a long while, they find themselves without a response. Typically in such discussions they would immediately begin debating, cutting each other off, assigning blame but now both appear struck dumb.
Their thirteen-year-old children are acting in a wholly unexpected manner! Doina and Matei stand adjacent, hands clasped, regarding their parents with firmness, devoid of usual shyness. And they speak of such grave matters that the adults have avoided contemplating.
The couple themselves have mulled over divorce repeatedly. Yet they were invariably deterred by one identical concern with whom would the children remain? Parting the twins seems inconceivable they share an extraordinary bond, always collaborate, bolster one another. The parents cannot envision tearing one from the other, compelling them to inhabit separate homes, meeting solely on weekends.
The possibility involving grandmother had not crossed their minds previously. For some reason this idea never surfaced likely because both were too immersed in their resentments and mutual grievances. But now, upon hearing the children’s suggestion, Mihai and Elena cannot help but ponder: what if this constitutes the solution? Grandmother loves her grandchildren, possesses a roomy apartment, always welcomes their visits Perhaps this truly will address at least a portion of the issues?
I will telephone my mother, Mihai finally utters between clenched teeth. His voice emerges muffled, as though the words require effort. If she consents
He fails to complete the sentence. Elena interrupts him sharply, and her voice carries a weariness that astonishes even her:
Then we will finally stop tormenting one another. Call her. I will be glad not to see your face daily anymore.
Her words linger in the air. She had not intended such sharpness, but after years of accumulated hurts and disillusionments, these words erupt unbidden.
And how delighted I will be! Mihai retorts, attempting to mask with irony the pain inflicted by his wife’s words.
No malice colors his tone merely a bitter smirk at the state to which their family life has devolved. He retrieves his phone and gradually dials his mother’s number. As the rings sound, both spouses avert their gazes, avoiding eye contact. They remain unaware of the conversation’s outcome, yet realize: the point of no return may already have been crossed…
On that day the Popescu family reaches a pivotal decision. It commences with an extended dialogue between Mihai and his mother. Ecaterina listens attentively, without interruption, merely posing clarifying questions from time to time.
When Mihai at last conveys everything fully, a pause ensues. Grandmother draws a deep breath and declares:
If you both recognize that this will be better for the children, I consent. They will be secure here, and I will look after them.
By evening the spouses convene in the kitchen for the first time in a long while without shouting or mutual reproaches. They sit facing each other and commence discussing particulars. Step by step, they converge on one point: divorce is the sole sensible resolution to the situation. The children will relocate to grandmother’s, and the parents will transfer funds to her monthly for their upkeep.
Nevertheless, no one plans to abandon the children to chance. Both father and mother vow to visit on weekends yet on alternate days, to reduce interactions between themselves.
I will come Saturday morning to take them on an outing, and you on Sunday, the man states wearily, to which his wife, still at that moment, nods in agreement. This will simplify things. The essential is that the children do not feel forsaken.
Their primary aim is to minimize contact and thus prevent fresh disputes. They concur not to speak of each other before the children, not to attempt pulling them to one side, not to resolve differences in their presence.
We remain their parents, Mihai says. And we must continue being so, even if we cease being spouses.
And as time demonstrates, the choice proves perfect. The children can finally unwind and commence living as typical teenagers. Doina joins a drawing circle she has long aspired to this, but previously lacked time owing to ongoing anxieties. Matei begins attending soccer, discovers new companions on the team. They once more spend time together: stroll through the city, visit the cinema, discuss school issues without dread that another scandal might erupt at any second.
Calm returns to their academics as well. Now they possess a peaceful spot for studying, no one interrupts with yells and arguments. Assignments are completed serenely, without anxiety, and this promptly influences their marks. Instructors observe the shifts: You have grown so focused, children! Maintain this!
Life gradually settles into a new rhythm not perfect, yet tranquil and foreseeable. The children no longer conceal themselves in their room, do not startle at loud voices, do not fret over every action. They merely exist as teenagers ought, fortunate to locate stability amid the toughest conditions…
Five years later, life for the Popescu family proceeds steadily and peacefully. Doina and Matei have long adapted to the new routine: education, clubs, gatherings with friends, cozy evenings with grandmother. The parents continue arriving alternately each on their designated day, bearing gifts and care, yet without mutual grievances. Over these years they have learned to interact with restraint and courtesy, free from prior anger flares.
The initial direct encounter between the former spouses transpires at the children’s graduation celebration. The school hosts a formal event, and both parents naturally attend. Initially they remain wary, occupying seats at opposite ends of the hall, but slowly the tension dissipates.
As dancing commences, Mihai unexpectedly approaches Elena:
Perhaps we could dance? Recall the old days.
She pauses briefly, then nods.
Following the event they sit for a lengthy period in the schoolyard, observing the graduates enjoying themselves by the fountain. Conversation arises naturally initially concerning the children, subsequently the past.
They converse extensively that evening, reminiscing about joyful episodes from their marriage and conducting themselves quite properly. They discuss not past hurts but the positive elements that once united them. The twins, observing their parents from a distance, cannot contain their joy. Nevertheless, it pained them to witness two of the dearest individuals treating each other almost as adversaries.
Yet suddenly, out of the blue, comes a shock. The following day Mihai and Elena invite the children to a café. Over tea, exchanging looks, they join hands, and Mihai announces with a broad grin:
Children, your mother and I have thought it over and decided to remarry. During these years we have understood that our feelings have not diminished! We still love each other and wish to reunite as a family.
His voice conveys joy, as though sharing the most wonderful news of his life. Elena glows, clearly anticipating a delighted response.
The twins look at each other their expressions cloud instantly. Doubt crosses Doina’s eyes, Matei tightens his fists beneath the table. The same mistakes again! What are their parents thinking? Can they coexist without arguments?
Are you serious? Doina manages to say.
Completely, Mihai replies with confidence. We have both transformed. Learned to listen to one another. And we want to offer our family another opportunity.
The children stay quiet. Conflicting emotions surge within: on one hand, they wish to trust that the parents have truly altered; on the other, they fear the recurrence of the suffering they once endured.
Yet Doina and Matei refrain from dissuading them. They do not even remark on this declaration, deeply disappointing the parents. Elena regards the children bewildered:
What, you are not pleased? We believed you would be happy for us.
But the twins merely exchange glances and shrug. What could they utter? Do not do this! Do not ruin your lives!? Words lodge in their throats. They do not wish to appear heartless, but neither can they feign that all is well.
The conversation falters until the meeting concludes. The parents attempt to describe their plans, the children nod politely, but their minds wander elsewhere. En route home Doina whispers to her brother:
I hope they know what they are doing.
Matei merely sighs in reply…
So, we are heading to Chișinău? Doina opens her laptop, preparing to peruse university sites. Farther from this chaos. I can already envision how this farce will conclude!
Naturally we are going, Matei states firmly, and his voice carries a maturity beyond his years. He passes a hand over his hair, as if shedding the weight of recent months. They will coexist peacefully for a month, at most two. Then it restarts: yells, door bangs, accusations… I refuse to remain a prisoner to their relationship any longer. I do not want to wonder each morning what mood they awoke in today and upon whom the next torrent of complaints will descend.
He rises and paces the room, mechanically gathering scattered textbooks. The same thought revolves in his mind: why do adults, who ought to exemplify wisdom and steadiness, act like erratic adolescents? Why, instead of addressing issues, do they repeatedly stumble over the same errors?
We must depart, he repeats, pausing at the window. Twilight descends gradually beyond the glass, tinting the city in gentle orange hues. Matei peers into the distance, as if seeking to glimpse his future there. Far away. Distant enough that their quarrels cannot reach us. Let them resolve their own matters. We are no longer their therapists, not go-betweens, not shock absorbers. We possess our own existence, our own aspirations, and I will not permit them to shatter it with yet another cycle of parental insanity.
When do we submit the applications? Doina inquires calmly.
Tomorrow, Matei responds without wavering. To ensure we do not reconsider.
The young woman nods silently, her attention fixed on the screen. Pages from capital university websites flicker across the display she has spent a week examining curricula, dormitory conditions, job prospects upon completion. In her notebook beside the laptop, lists expand: advantages and drawbacks of each choice, required papers, deadlines, admissions office contacts.
Primarily, to study undisturbed, without distraction from their disputes, she murmurs quietly, as if concluding her reflections. Fortunate that we will be so distant.
Precisely, Matei concurs, settling beside her. He leans his head slightly, scrutinizing the text on the screen. And when they begin disputing blame anew, we will not even hear it. Let them phone, complain, attempt to summon us for a family meeting we no longer engage in that. And their wish to grant the relationship a second chance, he smiles sardonically, represents their decision, not ours.
Elena and Mihai proceed with the second wedding after all. This time they deliberately forgo an elaborate celebration: they wish to avoid unnecessary expenses, do not desire to draw attention, and, truthfully, do not feel the need for anything extravagant. They restrict themselves to a simple ceremony at the civil registry and a dinner among the closest parents, a few friends, children.
In photographs from that day they appear genuinely content. They smile, clasp hands, regard each other with affection and warmth. Intertwined fingers, gentle looks, soft contacts are visible in the images. It appears all grievances have been erased, that years apart have proven beneficial, that now they know exactly what they desire, and only a bright future lies ahead. The children, viewing these images, cannot help but wonder: perhaps this time matters will indeed unfold differently?
But unfortunately, no. The initial weeks post-wedding pass remarkably serenely: the spouses endeavor to show greater attentiveness, utter thank you more frequently, refrain from nitpicking over trifles. Yet old patterns gradually reemerge. Already within a month, elevated voices resound once more in their apartment. Initially these are measured reproofs quiet yet barbed: You failed to tidy up after yourself again?, Why did you not inform me you would be delayed?, You could assist, given you are home.
Subsequently, open confrontations erupt. Disputes arise from minor issues: someone left damp towels in the bathroom, someone neglected to purchase bread, someone activated the television too loudly Words grow harsher, voices louder, intervals between quarrels briefer.
And after two months, as Matei foresaw, the situation reaches boiling point. One evening, a disagreement over who should purchase groceries escalates into a full tempest. Mihai, losing control, hurls a cup at the wall in fury it shatters with a resounding crash, fragments scattering across the kitchen. Elena, equally furious, seizes a plate from the table and hurls it forcefully to the floor. The clatter of shattering crockery reverberates throughout the apartment.
Following such episodes, the parents invariably attempt to reach the children by phone. Each time the exchange begins identically: one dials the number, scarcely recovered from the quarrel, and immediately unloads accumulated grievances.
Can you imagine what he said today? Elena breaks down in sobs when Doina answers. He does not even attempt to understand me!
Son, you must understand me, she has no self-control whatsoever, Mihai says agitatedly to Matei. I am trying, truly I am, but she appears to seek a pretext!
Yet Doina and Matei have learned to interrupt these monologues gently yet resolutely. They no longer participate in prolonged debates, do not attempt to determine right from wrong. Their replies are brief yet decisive.
Mom, I am in class now, I will call back later, Doina says calmly, checking the time: twenty minutes remain until the lecture begins, but she has no wish to hear another speech.
Dad, I have urgent work, let us discuss this on the weekend, Matei responds, without lifting his eyes from the laptop screen. He knows that if he allows the parent to vent, the conversation will extend for an hour, followed by the need to console them as well.
Later and on the weekend are consistently deferred. The children discover pretexts studies, side jobs, friend meetups and gradually calls from parents dwindle. Doina and Matei feel no guilt for this: they are simply safeguarding their nerves and time, aware they cannot alter the dynamics between their mother and father.
The twins indeed lead their own lives full, purposeful, remote from parental dramas. Each day now comprises their personal concerns, interests, and plans, rather than anticipation of another argument from the adjacent room.
Doina immerses herself in the study of psychology. She enjoys unraveling the workings of the human mind, why individuals behave in certain ways, how to aid those facing challenging circumstances. During her third year, she commences volunteering at a center assisting teenagers from troubled families. There she conducts group sessions, aids the youths in voicing their emotions, discovering solutions to complex problems. Doina discerns in these teenagers reflections of her own history and strives to provide them what she once lacked: attention, support, the sense that they are listened to.
Matei discovers his path in IT. From his initial years he becomes captivated by programming the logic of code fascinates him, along with the capacity to build functional systems and tackle intricate technical challenges. He dedicates considerable time to the computer, learns new programming languages, joins student hackathons. In his fourth year, his team secures third place in a regional contest for mobile application development this boosts his confidence and confirms he is on the correct path. Matei secures part-time employment at a small IT firm, where he swiftly proves himself a reliable and talented worker. Through real projects, he learns to collaborate with colleagues, manage time effectively, and devise solutions in unusual scenarios.
The twins begin charting their future without reference to parental conflicts. Doina aspires to establish her own practice, assisting families in achieving understanding. Matei contemplates his own enterprise. They deliberate plans over tea in a café, construct diagrams, note ideas in notebooks. And in these moments they sense: they have a foundation. A direction. A life belonging solely to them.
When Elena and Mihai attempt once more to involve them in their troubles phoning in tears, commencing to recount how dreadful everything is, how they fail to comprehend each other the twins respond with calm and firmness. They have previously discussed how to handle the conversation to avoid losing composure or assuming the habitual mediator role.
Enough, dear parents, resolve it yourselves, Doina declares firmly. You have your life, we have ours.
But you are our children! Elena weeps. You must support us!
If you acted normally, instead of like small children, we would support you, Matei states at once. You erred by remarrying, and persist in tormenting each other. You cannot coexist normally in the same space, so why continue to suffer? Divorce already and live apart.
These words may seem harsh, yet the brother and sister simply desire to live in peace.
