“What is wrong with you again?! How much longer can this go on?! I’ve had enough of all this!” the woman’s voice coming from behind the door of one of the apartments echoes throughout the entire stairwell.
At this moment, Jitka and Matěj are climbing the stairs. They freeze instantly, as if they have run into an invisible wall. For a second their eyes meet and in this brief exchange of glances, no words are needed. Both understand each other without a single sound: it’s better to leave right now. Sighing in unison, they turn around and quietly head away from the building. Clearly, they have no intention of returning to the apartment today.
Who would want to spend the evening listening to endless parental arguments? Certainly not them! The kids stride confidently toward the neighboring entrance their grandmother Kateřina lives there. Lately, her apartment has become a true sanctuary for them. Whereas before they visited grandma only on weekends, now they seek refuge there almost every night.
The atmosphere in the parental home has long become something completely unbearable. The parents, as if forgetting about everything else, yell at each other nonstop. And worst of all, they increasingly try to pull the children into their disputes.
Sometimes the mother, turning sharply to her daughter, demands:
“Tell me, am I right? You agree with me, don’t you?”
Sometimes the father, not waiting for an answer, turns to his son:
“No, I’m right here! Back me up!”
Jitka and Matěj stay silent. They don’t want to take sides, don’t want to become part of this endless conflict. They simply want silence, peace, and warmth everything they find at their grandmother’s.
Such scenes repeat day after day, like a broken record that no one dares to stop. The children have learned to recognize the subtle signs that it’s about to start. By the tone of voice, the sharpness of movements, the way the parents glance at each other all become signals that it’s time to leave. Who among kids would enjoy living in constant tension, where any conversation can instantly turn into a loud scandal?
The kids can’t figure out what sparked this catastrophe. Their family was never perfect like in ads, but earlier the parents knew how to compromise! Arguments happened, sure they’re inevitable but they ended not with shouting but with calm talks. Mom might frown, dad might raise his voice slightly, but within half an hour everything was resolved. Everyone sat at the table again, drank tea, and discussed weekend plans.
About two years ago, everything changed… It was as if someone had secretly replaced the old parents with new ones those who now find reasons to argue over the smallest things. A dirty mug left on the table? A long lecture on carelessness and disrespect. A shirt hung on the wrong hook? Sarcastic comments about household order. A teaspoon forgotten in the sink? Almost a crime deserving minutes of discussion!
One evening Jitka sits in grandma’s kitchen, absentmindedly stirring her tea with a spoon. She stays silent for a long time, watching the amber swirls in the cup, then suddenly asks bitterly:
“How can this be, grandma? Everything changed after their vacation together. What happened there?”
Kateřina pauses for a moment, sets her cup on the saucer, and gently runs her hand over Jitka’s. She herself only guesses the reasons for the family rift, and these guesses don’t please her.
“Adults will sort it out themselves,” she replies softly, trying to sound confident. “Sometimes people need time to figure out the best way forward.”
Jitka nods, but doubt shows in her eyes. She knows grandma is hiding something, but doesn’t press. What’s the point? As long as they see her as a child, they won’t share anything serious.
“We can’t take these screams anymore!” Matěj exclaims desperately. “Can’t do homework properly or read a book! I can’t even remember the last time we sat together as a family at one table. If it’s so hard for them together, let them divorce it’ll be easier for everyone!”
The words spill out, but they hold all the truth of recent months. Matěj speaks for both he knows his sister feels the same! Silence has been absent from their home for a long time: mom says something sharp, dad replies irritably, and the squabble starts again with no place to hide…
“Matěj…” grandma says, flustered. She sets aside her knitting, looks closely at her grandson, and slowly shakes her head. “Have you thought about what happens if they divorce? You’ll have to be split up. Are you ready to live apart from Jitka?”
“We’ll live with you!” Jitka says right away, gazing at grandma with pleading eyes. “We’re already here most of the time! You wouldn’t mind, would you?”
Kateřina freezes. She understands her grandchildren’s feelings sees how hard it is for them, how exhausted they are from endless parental fights. On one hand, the kids will be safe here in a calm, friendly setting where they can do homework without yelling, read books in peace, and feel protected. She loves them dearly and is ready to care for them.
On the other hand, what about their parents? How to explain that the children don’t want to live at home anymore? Will they agree? And if they do how will it affect their relationship with the kids? Could this lead to a complete break with the parents?
“Let’s not rush,” the woman says with a deep sigh. “I’m always happy to have you here, you know that. But first, let’s try talking to your mom and dad. Maybe together we can find a way to fix things.”
“Don’t worry, we’ll talk to them ourselves,” Jitka states confidently, smiling happily. Grandma has nearly agreed, and that’s key! “Just don’t say no, please! We really can’t stay there anymore! It’ll be better for them apart otherwise they might really hurt each other one day! I saw dad raise his hand at mom yesterday… He didn’t hit, honestly! But he was close.”
Jitka falls silent, recalling that awful moment. She had gone to the kitchen for water and stopped in the doorway: dad stood half-turned to mom, his hand shooting up, and mom instinctively ducked. A second later he lowered it, but that second stretched into eternity for Jitka.
“Grandma, say yes!” Matěj supports his sister. He steps closer, takes grandma’s hand as if fearing she’ll refuse. “We’ll help you with everything around the house. Just don’t make us go back there. They don’t notice us at all! Yesterday I went to dad and told him about the parent-teacher meeting. Know what he said? ‘Ask your mom!’ So I did. Guess what mom said?”
“Go to dad?” Kateřina asks quietly, already knowing.
“Exactly!” Matěj laughs bitterly. “Then they argued for two more hours about who would go. Sat in separate rooms shouting across the hall. And I just stood there listening.”
“I asked them to sign a permission slip for a museum trip,” Jitka adds, eyes down. Her fingers fidget with her sleeve. “Now I’m the only one in class not going. Neither signed it. Instead they fought again mom yelling it’s dad’s job, dad insisting mom handles school stuff.”
Kateřina watches her grandchildren and sees their deep fatigue. It’s not childish tiredness the kind that builds over months when every day mirrors the last, family warmth replaced by constant fights, support by indifference.
“It’s always like this,” Matěj sighs, shoulders drooping. His voice sounds weary, as if repeated hundreds of times. “Any request from us becomes fuel for another fight. We don’t even want to go home. A couple days ago we got back at eleven think they scolded us? No! Just sent us to bed without asking where we’d been. Then they blamed each other for bad parenting for ages.”
The teens sigh together again. Lately they’ve seriously considered parents’ divorce as the only escape. But the idea of being separated from each other terrifies them inevitable after divorce. One would stay with mom, one with dad, closeness reduced to weekend visits.
They weigh options, whispering at night alone in their room. Once Matěj jokingly suggests running away grab backpacks and go wherever. He says it smiling to lighten the mood, but Jitka takes it seriously. Her eyes light up briefly, then she whispers: “What if we really leave? Even for a couple days…” Both realize then the home situation has grown so bad that escape doesn’t seem crazy.
Then it hits them: grandma! Why not move in with her? The idea comes to both at once, thinking as one. Jitka voices it first: “Let’s ask grandma to let us live here? She won’t yell or fight. We won’t have to hear these endless arguments…” Matěj jumps in: “Yes! She’s kind, always backs us. And her place is big enough.”
They imagine the new life: peaceful breakfasts, doing homework in quiet, evenings playing board games with grandma. No shouting, no blame, no hiding in rooms to avoid the heat. Hope sparks in their hearts for the first time in ages. Let parents sort their issues; they will find peace that’s what Jitka and Matěj picture living with grandma…
“Mom, dad, we need to have a serious talk,” the twins say firmly, standing before their parents. They waited until evening when both are home and enter the living room decisively. Jitka grips Matěj’s hand tightly it helps her stay confident. “But first promise to hear us out completely before giving your opinions.”
Michal looks up from his phone in surprise. Alena, sorting items on the sofa, straightens abruptly. Her face shows shock at the unthinkable words.
“This is your doing!” she huffs, arms crossed. “The kids are dictating terms! Like we owe them explanations!”
“And look who’s talking!” the man snaps, setting down his phone. “I’m always working to support us. You were home with them all the time! What did you teach them? Why are they ordering us around now?”
The twins glance at each other. They expected this the talk sliding into mutual accusations. But they can’t back down.
“Stop it!” Jitka cries, voice near tears. She steps forward, striving for clear, calm words despite shaking inside. “Matěj and I decided you should divorce.”
Silence falls instantly. Alena gapes, Michal rises slowly from the sofa.
“News to us!” mother’s voice turns menacing. “Jitka, you’re too young to advise adults on living! What else have you ‘decided’? Maybe split the apartment too?”
“If you don’t divorce, we’ll go to child services,” Matěj squeezes his sister’s hand for strength. His voice firm, though he barely believes his own words. “Then, dad, you might lose your job. Your company dislikes scandals, right? You said reputation is everything.”
“And you, mom,” Jitka continues, staring into her mother’s eyes, “neighbors will lose respect for you. Won’t even speak to you! Everyone hears your fights, we’ll add details!”
“They’re threatening us! Look at them!” Alena blurts, eyes darting between them. “Our own children! How can you treat us this way?”
“We’re not threatening,” Matěj says quietly yet surely. “We just want you to see: this can’t continue. We’re exhausted! Tired of the yelling, of you not listening, of simple asks becoming fights.”
“You’ll divorce and move out, we’ll live with grandma,” the children chorus, as rehearsed. “Better for all: us in peace, you without constant clashes. We won’t be caught between you anymore.”
Parents freeze. For once, no reply comes. Normally they’d argue, interrupt, blame but now both seem speechless.
Their thirteen-year-old twins act unexpectedly! Jitka and Matěj stand united, hands linked, gazing steadily without usual shyness. They discuss weighty matters adults avoid.
The couple has considered divorce often. But one question always stops them who gets the kids? Splitting twins is unthinkable they’re so close, do everything together, support each other. Parents can’t envision separating them into different homes, meeting only weekends.
Grandma option never crossed their minds before too caught in grievances. Now, hearing the kids, Michal and Alena wonder: could this be the solution? Grandma adores them, has a large apartment, welcomes them… Maybe it fixes some issues?
“I’ll call mom,” Michal grits out finally. Voice thick with effort. “If she agrees…”
Alena cuts in sharply, her tone weary enough to surprise even her:
“Then we’ll stop tormenting each other at last. Call her. I’ll be glad not to see your face daily.”
Words linger. She didn’t mean to be harsh, but years of hurt let them slip.
“I’ll be thrilled too!” Michal replies, masking pain with irony.
No anger, just bitter amusement at their life. He pulls out his phone, dials slowly. As rings sound, they avoid each other’s eyes. They don’t know the outcome, but sense the point of no return might be crossed…
That day the Vrán family reaches a pivotal decision. It starts with Michal’s long talk with his mother. Kateřina listens closely, not interrupting, asking questions now and then.
When Michal finishes, a pause. Grandma breathes deeply:
“If you both agree this is best for the children, I consent. They’ll be safe here, I’ll look after them.”
By evening the spouses meet in the kitchen first time without yelling or reproaches in ages. They sit across, discuss details. Step by step they conclude: divorce is the sensible exit. Kids move to grandma’s, parents send her money monthly for their upkeep.
No one abandons the children. Father and mother vow to visit weekends different days to limit their contact.
“I’ll come Saturday mornings, take them out, you Sunday,” the man says wearily, his wife nodding. “Simpler that way. Kids mustn’t feel abandoned.”
Goal: minimize contact to dodge new fights. They agree not to badmouth each other to kids, not pull them sides, not argue in front.
“We’re still their parents,” Michal says. “Must stay so even if no longer married.”
Time proves it ideal. Kids relax, live as regular teens. Jitka joins an art club long wanted, but worries left no time. Matěj takes up football, makes team friends. They spend time together: city walks, movies, school talks free of sudden scandals.
Studies stabilize. Quiet study space, no yells. Homework done calmly, grades improve. Teachers note: “You’ve become so focused, kids! Keep going!”
Life settles into calm, predictable rhythm not perfect but steady. Kids no longer hide, jump at voices, fret steps. They live as teens should, supported through tough times…
Now five years on, the Vrán family’s life runs steady and calm. Jitka and Matěj have adjusted to the routine: studies, activities, friend meetups, cozy grandma evenings. Parents visit alternately their days, with gifts and care, no complaints. They’ve learned restrained, polite talk without old anger flares.
First direct contact between ex-spouses happens at the kids’ school prom. The school hosts a formal event, both parents attend. Initially wary, sitting apart, but ice thaws gradually.
During dances, Michal approaches Alena:
“Care to dance? Remind us of old times.”
She pauses, then nods.
After, they sit long in the schoolyard, watching grads party by the fountain. Talk flows naturally kids first, then past.
They chat much, recall happy marriage moments, act properly. Focus on good times that bound them, not old hurts. Twins watch from distance, overjoyed. Yet it pained them seeing closest kin treat each other like foes.
But storm hits clear sky. Next day Michal and Alena invite kids to a café. Over tea, they clasp hands, Michal smiles wide:
“Kids, your mom and I decided to remarry. These years showed our love hasn’t died! We still care and want our family back.”
Voice joyful, sharing life’s best news. Alena glows, awaiting delight.
Twins look at each other faces cloud. Jitka’s eyes show doubt, Matěj fists tighten under table. Same mistakes! What’s in their heads? Can they live conflict-free?
“Serious?” Jitka manages.
“Absolutely,” Michal says sure. “We’ve both grown. Learned to listen. Giving family another try.”
Kids quiet. Mixed emotions swirl: hope parents truly changed, fear of past pain repeating.
Yet they don’t argue against. Don’t comment, hurting parents deeply. Alena looks bewildered:
“Aren’t you happy? We thought you’d rejoice.”
Twins shrug, glancing. What to say? “Don’t! You’ll regret”? Words choke. Don’t want cold, but can’t fake happiness.
Talk stalls till end. Parents share plans, kids nod politely, minds elsewhere. Homeward Jitka whispers to brother:
“Hope they know what they’re doing.”
Matěj sighs…
“So heading to Prague?” Jitka opens her laptop to check university sites. “Away from this chaos. I can guess how this farce ends!”
“Sure,” Matěj says firmly, voice maturely tired. He rakes hand through hair, shedding recent weight. “They’ll be fine a month, tops two. Then repeats: yells, slammed doors, blame… I won’t be hostage to their bond anymore. Don’t want mornings guessing their mood, whose turn for complaints.”
He rises, paces, gathers books mindlessly. Why do adults, meant as wisdom models, act like erratic teens? Why repeat errors instead of fixing?
“Must go,” he repeats at window. Dusk falls, tinting city orange. He gazes out, seeking future. “Far. Far enough their fights can’t touch us. Let them handle it. We’re not their shrinks, go-betweens, shields. Own life, dreams won’t let their madness wreck it.”
“When apply?” Jitka asks calmly.
“Tomorrow,” Matěj replies sure. “No backing out.”
She nods silently, eyes on screen. Sites of Prague unis flicker programs, dorms, jobs post-grad. Notebook lists: pros/cons, docs, deadlines, contacts.
“Study in peace, no distractions from their drama,” she says softly. “Good we’ll be distant.”
“Right,” Matěj agrees, sitting by. Leans to read. “When they bicker whos at fault, we won’t hear. Let them ring, gripe, summon to ‘family talks’ we’re out. Their ‘second chance’ idea,” he smirks sourly, “their pick, not ours.”
Alena and Michal hold the second wedding anyway. They skip big party this time: no extra costs, no spotlight, no need for grandeur. Modest registry office ceremony, then dinner with close ones family, friends, kids.
Photos show true happiness. Smiles, hand-holds, tender looks. Intertwined fingers, soft gazes, gentle touches visible. Grievances seem gone, separation years helped, now they know wants, bright future ahead. Kids viewing photos wonder: maybe different this time?
But no. First post-wedding weeks surprisingly peaceful: spouses attentive, thank often, skip nitpicks. Gradually old patterns return. After a month, raised voices resume. Start with quiet jabs: “Didn’t clean again?”, “Why no warning you’d be late?”, “Could help if home.”
Then open rows. Fights over nothing: wet towels left, bread forgotten, TV loud… Words cut, voices boom, calm gaps shrink.
Two months in, as Matěj foresaw, boils over. Evening grocery debate explodes. Michal, losing it, hurls cup at wall crashes loudly, pieces scatter. Alena grabs plate, smashes to floor. Shattering echoes.
Post-scenes, parents always phone kids. Same start: dial breathless post-fight, unload grievances.
“Imagine what he said today?” Alena weeps as Jitka answers. “Doesn’t try understanding me!”
“Son, understand, she can’t control herself,” Michal tells Matěj agitated. “I try hard, but she hunts excuses!”
But twins learned to gently yet firmly cut these. No long debates, no judging right/wrong. Answers brief, solid.
“Mom, in class now, call later,” Jitka says calm, clock shows twenty min to lecture but skips monologue.
“Dad, urgent work, weekend talk,” Matěj replies, screen fixed. Knows if let vent, hour plus, then calm down.
“Later” and “weekend” delay always. Excuses studies, job, pals parents’ calls dwindle. No guilt: guarding nerves, time, can’t fix parental mess.
Twins have own life full, purposeful, distant from dramas. Days now their cares, interests, plans, not waiting fights.
Jitka immerses in psychology studies. Likes unpacking human mind, why people do what, aiding the troubled. Third year, volunteers at teen help center from troubled homes. Leads groups, aids expressing feelings, finding solutions. Sees her past in them gives what she missed: attention, support, being heard.
Matěj turns to IT. Early on hooked on coding code logic, building systems, tough tech solves captivate. Hours on computer, new languages, student hackathons. Fourth year team third in regional mobile app contest boosts confidence, confirms path. Part-time at small IT firm, proves reliable. Real projects teach teamwork, time manage, creative solves.
Twins plan future ignoring parental rows. Jitka eyes own practice aiding families communicate. Matěj eyes business. Discuss over café tea, sketch schemes, note ideas. Feel support, path, life theirs.
When Alena and Michal try dragging them in again tearful call, bad news, no understanding twins respond calm, firm. Pre-planned to avoid snap or mediator role.
“Enough, parents, handle yourselves,” Jitka says strong. “Your life, ours.”
“But our kids!” Alena sobs. “Must back us!”
“If acted normal not like kids, we’d back,” Matěj states. “Mistake remarrying, keep tormenting. Can’t share space, why suffer? Divorce, separate.”
Words may seem harsh, yet… brother and sister seek calm life.
