Chapter 4
While Mama Yossa dozes off on the sofa in the living room, Oriane is locked in her bedroom, her tears flowing freely. Deeply confused by her mother-in-law's behaviour, she struggles to understand this sudden change. Between sobs and prayers, all she can do is wait for her husband to return.
At seven in the evening, the long-awaited moment finally arrived. Bruno entered the house, exhausted, and drained by his day's work. His tired face bore the marks of a hard day's work. To his surprise, when he opened the door to his home, it was not his wife's face that greeted him, but that of his mother.
Mum, what are you doing here? he asked. Ah, my son, you're back? How was your day? she replied, taking the bag he was holding.
Puzzled by the lack of an answer to his question, Bruno persisted: "But Mum, I still don't understand why you're here! And where is my wife?"
The girl? She's in the bedroom, she replied nonchalantly. Hmm, Mum, I hope there's no problem, Bruno worried. Oh, I said it's nothing, can't I visit my dear son anymore? she asks, skilfully dodging the question.
Intrigued by this strange behaviour, Bruno sensed that something was wrong. He takes his mother's bags and takes her to the guest room. Once his mother is settled, he goes to his wife's bedroom to explain. But when he arrives, Oriane is asleep. He wakes her gently and asks about the situation.
Darling, you're finally home... I've missed you so much, she mumbles, her voice betraying her distress. Really? Why do you look so tired? It looks like you've been crying, he observes worriedly. +Yes, but it's nothing, I assure you," she tries to hide it. Is it because of Mum? She told me a lot of things, he guesses. I hope you didn't believe her! I haven't done anything wrong; she defends herself. Ah, don't worry about it! I know her character, let it go, he reassures her.
This moment of heartfelt exchange reveals the complexity of family relationships. Bruno's understanding and support underline the deep bond he shares with Oriane, offering her a ray of hope amid the turmoil caused by misunderstandings and the difficult dynamic with his mother.
As Oriane prepares to serve dinner, she is interrupted by Mami Yossa's arrival in the kitchen. The tension escalates and Oriane feels her blood boil at her mother-in-law's sharp words.
Ah, Mum, it's good you came down, I was just about to call you in for dinner," she tries to defuse the tense atmosphere. Is this how barren women behave? They have no respect. Are you trying to starve me?" she accuses, her venom poisoning the air. Who is barren? Me? Oriane is astonished, hurt by her mother-in-law's words. Yes! Now that the doctor has removed your womb? she insinuates maliciously. But mum, do you have to say that? he intervenes, trying to calm her down.
Overwhelmed by this brutal revelation, Oriane felt tears welling up in her eyes. She left the kitchen abruptly, leaving a heavy silence. Bruno followed her, but it was too late: the door was already locked.
On the other side of the door, Oriane cried bitterly, overcome by sadness and frustration. She feels alone in the world, torn between her love for Bruno and the venom of her mother-in-law. Despite Bruno's pleas, she chooses to remain alone in her pain and locks herself in her room. The next day, she finally opens the door when Bruno has gone to work. Her mother-in-law, always ready to provoke, continues to tease her, but Oriane remains calm, determined not to be overwhelmed by hurtful words. In the afternoon, an unexpected visitor knocks at the door: it's Lea, her best friend. But to her surprise, she seems overcome by grief. Oriane greeted her with care, but Lea, devastated, could not hold back her tears.
What's wrong? What happened? she asks worriedly. It's over, Oriane... He left me... I can't believe it... she sobs, her heart broken.
Oriane, unable to understand her friend's distress, takes her into the small living room to comfort her. Lea, unable to contain her grief, gives in to her sobs and lets out all her pain. As the evening progresses, Oriane realises that the vicious circle is now complete. Between her mother-in-law's pressure and her friend's heartbreak, she feels trapped in a whirlwind of emotions. But deep down she knows she must stay strong, for herself and for those she loves. War has been declared and only the strongest will survive.