An hour before my son Julien proposed to the woman he thought he would love forever, she called me aside. Élise, dressed in a brilliant white attire, led me to a little side room. She wasn’t trembling. She didn’t seem scared. But her hands were as cold as porcelain.
— Please bring this to him on my behalf. after the event. Not before, and not while. after.
She pulled out a white gift and seemed almost calm. An envelope that would ruin all we had planned. I accepted it, shaken.
— Are you sure? Is it okay if I do it? I asked.
Yes. He must hear that in your speech. It will be clearer that way.
As she walked away, the train of her garment dropped behind her like a disappearing shadow.
I stood there for a while. I almost opened that letter. must verify that everything went smoothly. Still, I kept my promise.
I went to meet Julien after the ceremony, when they were officially married. He was still holding a glass and glowing from the joy of the moment.
— At Élise’s request, I delivered this to you.
He must have smiled since he thought it was a good note, a romantic surprise. He opened it without realizing.
I saw him read it. Once. But then again. His eyes went cold. His hand trembled slightly. Then, without a word, he set down his drink, pocketed the note, and left the room.
I followed him in confusion.
— Julien? Where are you going? What did she write?
He stopped with his back to me.
You knew, Mom? You knew this?
— What are you talking about? No! I’m positive I didn’t read it.
But he didn’t think I was real. Or maybe he wasn’t as strong. He got into the car and drove away. Not a word more.
As I stood there in shock, the applause kept echoing around the room.
But Élise continued to speak to the guests as if nothing had changed. Be calm. Surprisingly calm.
— Élise? I said as I approached her. What’s going on? Where are you, my son?
When she turned to face me, her eyes were stern but kind.
He must have known, Janine.
— What do you know?
She looked at me. No toxins. Don’t be upset.
What you’ve come to realize.
She smiled and walked away with a toast in her hand.
Later that evening, I sat alone in my kitchen and read the letter.
Julien
I know who Camille is. The hotel. the deleted mails. the nights you said you were working.
I wanted to give you a chance to tell me the truth. You refused to accept it.
You choose me to console yourself, not because you loved me.
You told me a lie, Julien. And I’m not worthy of that.
As a result, I dissolve our union. You paid for each component. Keep every memory intact.
But I leave with my honor untarnished.
– Élise
I fainted. Not because of the letter. but due to my son’s deception of her. Because he thought silence may undo what he had done.
I called him. Again. And again. Until he finally picked up.
— Mom? He spoke in a dry voice.
— Go back. Come get me. My perusal of her letter is now complete.
He appeared shortly thereafter. We said nothing. We went to a little café that stayed open late. He sank into one of the booths.
She had known for months. And she let everything happen. The setting, the food, the music… Everything, just to get the letter out of the way.
You hurt her, I muttered.
I was mistaken. A foolish mistake. Camille was nothing. Only a moment.
So why lie?
He didn’t answer.
I looked at him. looked carefully. My son. And it was the first time I didn’t recognize him.
The next day, Élise came to my house. She just said:
I wasn’t looking for revenge. This was how I let myself go.
Then she placed another envelope on my table.
Janine
I have no grudges against you. You couldn’t have known.
But before I departed, I had to tell the truth.
He was married. Not for me.
The remembrance will now rest on him. The burden will fall on him.
I leave light in my wake.
– Élise
Two days later, she disappeared.
No farewells. No address. All that arrived in the mail was a box. It contained her ring.
She had said everything. without shouting. No commotion.
And in her silence, everything disappeared.
