Eleni married at the age of twenty, and by twenty-two, she gave birth to her first and only child. She never really cared much for kids. When her son arrived, Eleni and her husband Christos handed him over to his grandmothers care. Each month, they transferred a bit of money, and carried on enjoying life in Athens. Two years later, the grandmother passed away, so they had to bring their son back home. Eleni felt annoyed with her son, so she put him in nursery school to avoid seeing him too often, then sent him to kindergarten soon after.
When he started primary school, the other kids teased him mercilessly. He couldnt read or write properly. The teachers tried reaching out to his parents, but Eleni always claimed she had no time. One day, Christos finally showed up at the school. The teachers explained everything about their sons behaviour and troubles. Christos returned home from the meeting angry, and ended up punishing his son with Christos’ old army belt.
After graduating from school, Eleni sent her son to work at a textile factory in Piraeus. There, he met his future wife, Maria. Thanks to the factory management, the young couple received a small apartment. When Eleni became a grandmother, she showed no interest in her grandchildren. Occasionally, she sent moneyfifty euros here, thirty euros therewhen holidays or birthdays came around.
Eventually, Eleni reached retirement age and wanted to throw a big party. She called her son: Ive sent you some money to your card. Go with Maria, buy food, and get me a nice necklace. Well celebrate my retirement at your place. Yes, mum, he replied. He and Maria sent their kids to Maria’s parents in a village outside Thessaloniki so they wouldnt get in the way, and they started preparing for the festivities.
When everything was set, Eleni arrived. She seemed satisfied. Good, now head to the kitchen, she said. The guests are coming and need to be welcomed; well sit together after they leave. Her son and Maria did as told, and spent the evening in the kitchen while guests ate, drank tsipouro, and danced to laiko music all night.
After everyone left, Eleni entered the kitchen and said, Theres only one piece of baklava leftsplit it between yourselves. I feel unwell; were heading home now. No energy to sit with you. Her son felt deeply hurt.
A week later, Eleni called him: Son, Im going in for surgery at Evangelismos hospital. Bring me some things; Ill send you a list. No, Maria and I are leaving for vacation in Crete. Youll have to call dad. Kali tychi, bye. At last, Eleni understood that the world didnt revolve around her alone.
