My mother-in-law\u2019s face instantly turned pale. My father-in-law froze with the glass in his hand, the wine trembling, about to spill. The living room fell into such silence that the ticking of the old wall clock could be heard.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2026 understand French?\u201d she managed to whisper, as if desperately looking for an excuse.<\/p>\n
I gave a small smile.<\/p>\n
\u201cFluently. And for a long time. And I also understand when someone is trying to humiliate me.\u201d<\/p>\n
I turned toward the door and added:<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd yes, even though my parents don\u2019t live in a mansion like this, they respect their guests and don\u2019t mock them in French.\u201d<\/p>\n
I walked into the hallway, put my coat over my shoulders, and closed the heavy door behind me. Behind me, I heard my mother-in-law\u2019s nervous, panicked voice \u2014 but I no longer cared.<\/p>\n