Áron and Réka had been married for two years, and their relationship seemed to be full of love and harmony. But beneath the surface, there was one person who cast a shadow over their life: Áron’s mother, Irén.

Réka was a sensitive and empathetic woman, always striving to build good relationships with those around her. She especially wanted to win over her mother-in-law, believing that it was important for Áron’s family to accept her. However, no matter how hard she tried, Irén never seemed to smile genuinely at her. She never openly insulted her, but the distance in every gesture, every half-spoken word, was undeniable.

Every time they left Irén’s house after a visit, Réka felt the weight of the tension between them.

— Áron, please… tell me I’m not the only one who feels this way. Your mother… she simply hates me, — she said softly.

Áron would sigh, irritated.

— Are we really going over this again? My mom doesn’t hate you, she’s just… a bit reserved. You know how hard it was for her to raise us after dad died.

— I know she’s had a tough life. But that doesn’t excuse her constant snide remarks. I once overheard her talking to your grandmother about me. She called me a “pathetic good-for-nothing”…

Áron tried to change the subject, weary of the same old arguments. But Réka couldn’t shake the feeling. The doubt lingered inside her, like a small shard that couldn’t be removed.

One day, as they prepared for another visit to Irén’s, Réka made a decision—one she never thought she’d have to make. She secretly hid a small recorder in Irén’s kitchen, tucked between the dish towels—an unlikely place where no one would find it. She’d bought it years ago for university, but now it had a new purpose: to uncover the truth.

She didn’t say anything to Áron on their way home that day. That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. The next morning, she came up with an excuse and went back to help with some household chores—really, she was just going back for the recorder.

When she arrived, it was exactly where she had left it. Her hands shook as she took it, clutching it tightly before heading home.

Later that evening, when Áron returned, Réka was sitting at the table, almost motionless.

— Áron… we need to listen to something, — she said quietly.

Áron looked at her with confusion before noticing the recorder in her hand.

— What’s this? Don’t tell me… Réka, did you eavesdrop on my mother?

— Just listen to it. Please.

At first, the recording captured only the normal sounds of the kitchen—water running, the clinking of silverware, soft conversation. Then, Irén’s voice filled the room.

— I don’t know what my son saw in her… This woman doesn’t know anything. She’s as awkward as her mother. Everyone in that family is hopeless… I thought my son would do better than settling down with someone like her, — she muttered during a phone call. — I thought he deserved more than this… pathetic woman.

Réka stopped the recording, her eyes wide, her voice trembling as she looked at Áron.

— Now do you understand why this hurts so much? — she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Áron didn’t know what to say. He was stunned by his mother’s words, but he was equally shocked by how far Réka had gone to uncover the truth. He felt conflicted, frustrated, but couldn’t quite place who he was angry with.

— This isn’t right, Réka… It shouldn’t have come to this.

— Not right? Was it not wrong what she said? Are you just upset that I recorded it?

— I… I just… this is hard for both of us. Maybe my mom was just upset.

— Then she should be ashamed of herself. But if you won’t stand by me, then our whole marriage is up for question. Because I won’t keep humiliating myself like this anymore!

Tears filled Réka’s eyes as she left the room, leaving Áron in silence. He knew that something irreversible had happened, something that couldn’t be undone.

That evening, he called his mother. He explained what had happened and told her that she needed to apologize.

— What?! I should apologize? That little snake recorded me in my own home?! — Irén shouted. — This is a crime! I’ll report her, Áron! This woman is sick! And you… you’re defending her?

— Mom… enough! You know this isn’t normal anymore!

— Of course! Because now you’re not my son, but her puppet!

The phone abruptly hung up. Áron tried calling again, but she wouldn’t answer.

The next day, he went to her house in person, but Irén refused to open the door. She knew why he had come and didn’t want to hear it. She had made up her mind: Réka would no longer be allowed in her home. She even started screening Áron’s calls.

Áron slowly realized that his mother would never change. And now, he had to choose: his past or his future?

From that point on, he started visiting his parents’ house less and less. And when he did, Réka never accompanied him.

The recorder had only been a tool, but the truth it uncovered had changed everything.