Liesel and Matthias stopped dead on the stairs when the shouting from behind an apartment door rang through the entire stairwell. What on earth is wrong with you again?! How long is this supposed to go on?! Ive had it up to here! The womans voice carried so far that the neighbors probably paused their afternoon coffee and cake to listen in.
Right then the twins were heading up. They froze as if theyd walked into an invisible wall. For a split second their eyes met, and no words were necessary. Both understood at once: better to turn around quietly. They let out matching sighs, spun on their heels and slipped away from the building. Going home tonight was clearly off the table.
Who in their right mind would spend the evening listening to their parents endless bickering? Certainly not them. The two marched straight to the neighboring entrance where their grandmother Gertrud lived. Lately her place had become their unofficial refuge. What used to be weekend visits had turned into almost nightly escapes.
The mood at home had long since become impossible. Their parents seemed to have forgotten the rest of the world and yelled at each other without pause. The worst part was how often they tried to drag the children into the middle of it.
One moment Sabine would whip around toward her daughter and demand, Tell me Im right. You agree with me, dont you?
The next, Michael wouldnt even wait for an answer and turn to his son: No, Im the one whos right here. Confirm it!
Liesel and Matthias stayed silent. They had no interest in choosing sides or becoming part of the never-ending battle. All they wanted was quiet, calm and a bit of warmththe very things they found at Oma Gertruds.
The same scenes played out day after day, like a scratched record nobody dared to lift the needle from. The twins had learned to spot the warning signs from a mile off: the tone of voice, the sharp movements, the way their parents glanced at each other. Those were the signals to disappear. Who enjoys living in a house where every conversation can turn into a shouting match in two seconds flat?
They still couldnt figure out what had set off the whole disaster. Their family had never been the picture-perfect version from commercials, but the parents used to know how to talk things through. Arguments happened, of coursenothing unusual therebut they usually ended with reasonable conversations instead of volume competitions. Sabine might frown, Michael might raise his voice a notch, yet half an hour later everyone was back at the table drinking coffee and planning the weekend.
Roughly two years ago everything flipped. It felt as though someone had quietly swapped the old parents for new ones who could find a reason to fight in the tiniest details. A coffee mug left on the table? Instant lecture on carelessness and disrespect. A shirt hung on the wrong hook? Sarcastic remarks about how the house was falling apart. A spoon forgotten in the sink? Practically a federal offense requiring a full inquiry.
One evening Liesel sat in her grandmothers kitchen, stirring her coffee without really thinking. She watched the little whirlpools in the cup for a long time before asking with a sigh, How did it even get this far, Oma? Everything changed after their vacation together. What actually happened there?
Gertrud paused, set her cup on the saucer and gently laid a hand on Liesels arm. She herself could only guess at the reasons for the rift, and those guesses werent exactly cheerful.
Grown-ups will sort themselves out, she answered softly, trying to sound sure of herself. Sometimes people just need time to work out whats best.
Liesel nodded, but her eyes stayed doubtful. She knew her grandmother was holding something back, yet she didnt push. What was the point? As long as they were still considered children, nobody would share anything serious anyway.
We cant stand the yelling anymore! Matthias burst out. I cant finish homework or even read a book in peace. I dont remember the last time we all sat at the table together. If its so awful for them to be in the same room, they should just split upeveryone would breathe easier!
The words tumbled out on their own, but they carried the truth of the past months. Matthias was speaking for both of them; he knew his sister felt exactly the same. Silence had been missing from the house for ages: either Sabine snapped at something or Michael answered with irritation, and the next thing you knew the fight was on with nowhere to hide.
Matthias Gertrud looked startled. She put down her knitting, studied her grandson and slowly shook her head. Have you thought about what happens if they actually divorce? You two would have to be divided. Are you ready to live apart from Liesel?
Well move in with you! Liesel said at once, giving her grandmother the full pleading look. Were already here most of the time anyway. You wouldnt mind, would you?
Gertrud went still. She understood exactly how worn out the twins wereshe saw how the constant arguments had drained them. On the one hand, they would be safe here in a calm, friendly place where homework could happen without shouting and books could be read in actual quiet. She loved them fiercely and was ready to wrap them in all the care she had.
On the other hand, what about their parents? How would she explain that the children no longer wanted to live at home? Would Michael and Sabine even agree? And if they did, how would that change the relationship with their own kids? Could this whole plan end up driving a permanent wedge?
Lets not rush into anything, Gertrud said after a deep breath. You know Im always glad to have you here. But first we should try talking to your mother and father. Maybe together we can find a way to straighten things out.
Dont worry, well handle the conversation ourselves, Liesel announced with a hopeful smile. Oma was almost convinced, and that was the important part. Just please dont say no! We really cant stay there anymore. It would be better for them to live apartotherwise one day they might actually hurt each other. I saw Dad raise his hand toward Mom yesterday He didnt hit her, I swear! But he came close.
Liesel fell quiet, remembering the frightening moment. She had only gone into the kitchen for a glass of water and had stopped in the doorway: her father half-turned toward her mother, his hand suddenly lifting, her mother instinctively ducking. A second later he lowered it, yet that single second had stretched into something endless for Liesel.
Oma, just say yes! Matthias pressed, stepping closer and taking his grandmothers hand as though she might still refuse. Well help with everything around the house. Only dont send us back. They barely notice we exist. Yesterday I told Dad about the parent-teacher evening. Guess what he said? Ask your mother! So I did. Want to know what she answered?
Ask your father? Gertrud asked quietly, already knowing.
Exactly! Matthias gave a bitter little laugh. Then they spent the next two hours arguing about who should go. Sat in separate rooms yelling down the hallway while I just stood there listening.
And I asked them to sign the form for the museum trip, Liesel added, eyes on the floor, fingers twisting the edge of her sleeve. Now Im the only one in class who wont be going. Neither of them signed it. Instead they started fighting againMom shouting that it was Dads job, Dad insisting Mom should handle school matters.
Gertrud watched her grandchildren and saw how deeply tired they were. This wasnt ordinary teenage exhaustion; it was the kind that piled up month after month when every day felt the same, when family warmth had been replaced by constant noise and indifference had taken the place of support.
Its always like this, Matthias sighed, shoulders sagging. His voice sounded worn, as though he had said the same thing a hundred times already. Every single request from us turns into fresh ammunition. We dont even want to come home anymore. A couple of evenings ago we got back at eleven and do you think anyone scolded us? Nothey just told us to go to bed without asking where wed been. Then they spent ages blaming each other for raising us badly.
The teenagers sighed in unison once more. Lately they had seriously wondered whether divorce was the only real escape. Yet the thought of being separated from each other terrified them. One would end up with Mom, the other with Dad, and their usual closeness would shrink to occasional weekend visits.
They had talked through every possibility in whispers in their room. Once Matthias had joked about simply running awaygrabbing backpacks and heading wherever their feet took them. He said it with a grin to lighten the mood, but Liesel had taken the idea seriously for a moment. Her eyes lit up, then she said quietly, What if we actually did it? Even just for a few days In that instant both realized the situation at home had grown so heavy that even the thought of running away no longer felt completely insane.
Then the obvious solution appeared: Oma! Why not just move in with her? The idea struck them at the same moment. Liesel said it first: Lets ask if we can live here. She never yells. We wouldnt have to listen to the fighting anymore Matthias jumped in right away: Yes! Shes kind and always on our side. And her apartment is big enough.
They began picturing the new life: quiet breakfasts with fresh Brötchen, homework done without interruptions, evenings playing board games with Oma. No raised voices, no accusations, no need to hide behind a closed door. For the first time in ages a small spark of hope flickered. Let the parents sort out their own mess; the twins would finally have some peacethat was what they kept imagining as they thought about living with their grandmother.
Mom, Dad, we need to talk, the twins said firmly, standing in front of their parents. They had waited until both were home in the evening and walked straight into the living room. Liesel kept a tight grip on Matthiass hand; it made staying steady easier. But first you have to promise youll listen all the way through before you say anything.
Michael looked up from his phone, eyebrows raised. Sabine, who had been folding laundry on the sofa, straightened so quickly she nearly dropped a shirt. Both wore the expression of people who had just heard something completely unreasonable.
This is your doing! Sabine snorted, folding her arms. The children are already giving us ultimatums! As though we have to justify ourselves to them!
And look whos talking! Michael shot back at once, tossing the phone aside. Im out working all day to keep this family going. Youve been with them the whole time! What exactly did you teach them? Why are they suddenly in charge?
The twins glanced at each other. They had expected the conversation to slide straight into the usual blame game. Still, they couldnt back down now.
Stop it! Liesel said, her voice tight. She stepped forward, forcing herself to speak clearly even though her insides were shaking. Matthias and I have decided you two should get a divorce.
The room went completely quiet. Sabines mouth stayed open; Michael rose slowly from the sofa.
Well, thats a headline, Sabines voice came out sharp. Liesel, youre still far too young to tell adults how to run their lives! And what else have you two decided? Maybe youd like to split the apartment while youre at it?
If you dont divorce, well go to the Jugendamt, Matthias said, squeezing his sisters hand for courage. His tone was steady, even if he only half believed he was actually saying the words out loud. And then, Dad, you could lose your job. Your company doesnt exactly love public scandals, does it? Youve said yourself that reputation matters.
And you, Mom, Liesel continued, meeting her mothers eyes, the neighbors will stop talking to you. Everyone already knows how loudly you two shout at each other, and we can fill in the rest of the details.
Theyre threatening us! Look at them! Sabine finally managed, staring from one child to the other. These are our children! How can you treat us this way?
Were not threatening, Matthias answered quietly but clearly. We just want you to understand that this cant go on. Were exhausted. Tired of the yelling, of being ignored, of every simple request exploding into a fight.
Youll get divorced, youll move apart, and well live with Oma, the twins finished together, exactly as they had practiced. Itll be better for everyone: we get peace, you get rid of the constant arguments. We dont want to stand between you anymore.
The parents simply stared. For once they had no immediate comeback. Normally these talks turned into overlapping accusations within seconds, but right now both seemed unable to find any words at all.
Their thirteen-year-old children were behaving in a way no one had expected. Liesel and Matthias stood shoulder to shoulder, holding hands, looking at their parents with steady eyes instead of the usual hesitation. And they were discussing things the adults themselves had tried to avoid thinking about.
Michael and Sabine had considered divorce more than once. What always stopped them was the same question: who would the children live with? Splitting the twins felt unthinkablethey were so close, always together, always backing each other up. The parents couldnt picture one living in one apartment, the other in a different one, seeing each other only on weekends.
The idea of Omas place had never crossed their minds before. They had been too wrapped up in their own grievances to consider it. Now, hearing the childrens proposal, both found themselves wondering whether this might actually be the answer. Gertrud adored the grandchildren, her apartment was spacious, she was always happy to see them Maybe this really could fix at least some of the problems.
Ill call my mother, Michael said at last through his teeth. His voice sounded rough, as if each word cost effort. If she agrees
He never finished. Sabine cut in, and the exhaustion in her voice surprised even her:
Then we can finally stop torturing each other. Go ahead and call. Ill be glad not to see your face every single day.
The words hung there. She hadnt meant to sound so blunt, but years of stored-up hurt had simply pushed them out.
And Ill be overjoyed! Michael answered, hiding the sting behind a touch of irony.
There was no real anger in his tone, only a weary half-smile at what their marriage had become. He took out his phone and dialed slowly. While the rings sounded, both parents looked in opposite directions, avoiding each others eyes. They didnt yet know where the conversation would lead, but they sensed the point of no return might already be behind them.
That day the Weber family reached a turning point. It began with a long talk between Michael and his mother. Gertrud listened without interrupting, only asking the occasional quiet question.
When Michael had finished explaining everything, a silence settled. Oma drew a deep breath and said, If both of you truly believe this is better for the children, then I agree. Theyll be safe here, and Ill look after them.
By evening the couple sat in the kitchen together for the first time in ages without raised voices or accusations. They faced each other across the table and went through the details one by one. Step by step they arrived at the same conclusion: divorce was the only reasonable way forward. The children would move in with their grandmother, and both parents would send her money each month for their support.
Nobody planned to abandon the twins. Both Michael and Sabine promised to visit on weekendson different days, to keep contact between themselves to a minimum.
Ill come Saturday mornings and take them out, you can come Sundays, Michael said wearily. His still-wife nodded in agreement. That should keep things simpler. The important thing is they dont feel left behind.
Their main goal was to reduce contact and avoid fresh arguments. They agreed not to speak badly about each other in front of the children, not to compete for their loyalty, and not to settle scores when the kids were around.
Were still their parents, Michael reminded her. That doesnt change just because were no longer married.
As it turned out, the arrangement worked surprisingly well. The children could finally relax and live like normal teenagers. Liesel joined an art group she had wanted to try for ages but had never had the calm for. Matthias started playing football and made new friends on the team. The two began spending ordinary time together againwalking through the city, going to the cinema, talking about school without worrying that a fight would erupt at any moment.
Schoolwork also became steadier. They now had a quiet place to study, free from shouting. Homework got done without drama, and the improvement showed up quickly in their grades. Teachers even commented, You two have become so focused lately. Keep it going!
Life settled into a new, calmer rhythmnot perfect, but steady and predictable. The twins stopped hiding in their room or jumping at loud voices. They simply lived the way teenagers are supposed to, having found a bit of solid ground when they needed it most.
Five years later the Weber household ran at a steady, quiet pace. Liesel and Matthias had settled into the new routine: classes, clubs, time with friends, cozy evenings with Oma. Their parents still visited on alternate weekends, bringing small gifts and attention but without the old complaints. Over the years they had learned to speak to each other politely and briefly, without the sudden flares of anger.
The first real meeting between the former couple happened at the twins graduation celebration. The school had organized a formal evening, and both parents came, of course. At first they kept their distance, sitting on opposite sides of the hall, but gradually the awkwardness eased.
When the dancing began, Michael walked over to Sabine. Care to dance? For old times sake.
She hesitated, then nodded.
Afterward they sat for a long while in the school courtyard, watching the graduates laughing by the fountain. Conversation started naturallyfirst about the children, then about the past.
They talked for hours that night, remembering the good parts of their marriage and behaving with real dignity. They focused on what had once connected them rather than old wounds. From across the room the twins watched and felt quietly relieved. It still hurt to see two people who had once been so close treat each other like near-strangers.
Then, out of nowhere, everything shifted again. The very next day Michael and Sabine invited the children to a café. Over coffee they looked at each other, took each others hands, and Michael announced with a big smile, Kids, your mother and I have decided to remarry. These last years have shown us our feelings never really went away. We still love each other and want to try being a family again.
His voice sounded genuinely happy, as though he were sharing the best news possible. Sabine beamed, clearly expecting cheers.
The twins exchanged a glance, their faces darkening at once. Liesels eyes filled with doubt; Matthiass hands tightened under the table. The same pattern, all over again. What were their parents thinking? Could they really live together without the old explosions?
Are you serious? Liesel managed.
Completely, Michael answered with confidence. Weve both changed. Weve learned to listen. We want to give our family another chance.
The children stayed quiet. Conflicting feelings churned inside them: part of them wanted to believe the parents had truly grown, while another part feared the same pain returning.
They didnt argue against the plan. They didnt even comment, which clearly disappointed their parents. Sabine looked at them, confused. Arent you happy? We thought youd be glad for us.
The twins simply shrugged at each other. What could they say? Please dont do this again? The words wouldnt come. They didnt want to seem heartless, but pretending everything was wonderful felt impossible too.
The rest of the visit passed in awkward small talk. The parents described their plans; the children nodded politely while their thoughts wandered. On the way home Liesel said quietly to her brother, I hope they know what theyre doing.
Matthias only sighed.
So were applying to universities in Berlin? Liesel opened her laptop and started browsing program pages. Far enough away from this circus. I can already picture how round two is going to play out.
Absolutely, Matthias said firmly, sounding older than his years. He ran a hand through his hair as if trying to shake off the weight of recent months. Theyll manage to be civil for a month, maybe two. Then itll start exactly the same wayshouting, slamming doors, accusations. Im done being caught in the middle of their relationship. I dont want to wake up every morning wondering what mood theyre in and whose turn it is to catch the next wave of complaints.
He stood and paced the room, gathering scattered books without thinking. The same question kept circling: why do adults, who are supposed to model wisdom and steadiness, keep acting like moody teenagers? Why do they keep stepping on the exact same rake instead of actually solving anything?
We need to leave, he repeated, stopping at the window. Outside, the evening light was turning the city soft orange. Matthias gazed out as though trying to spot his own future somewhere in the distance. Far enough that their arguments cant reach us. Let them handle their own mess. Were not their counselors, their referees or their punching bags anymore. We have our own lives and dreams, and Im not letting another round of parental chaos wreck them.
When are we sending the applications? Liesel asked calmly.
Tomorrow, Matthias answered without hesitation. Before we can talk ourselves out of it.
She nodded silently, eyes on the screen. Pages from Berlin universities scrolled pastshe had spent the last week comparing courses, dormitory options and job prospects after graduation. Her notebook beside the laptop was filling with lists of pros and cons, deadlines and contact details.
The main thing is studying in peace without their drama in the background, she said quietly. Itll be good to be that far away.
Exactly, Matthias agreed, sitting down next to her. He leaned in to read the screen. When they start the next round of figuring out whos to blame, we wont even hear it. Let them call and complain and try to drag us into family summitswere out. And this whole second chance idea, he added with a short, dry laugh, thats their decision, not ours.
Sabine and Michael went through with the second wedding after all. This time they skipped any big celebration. They wanted to avoid extra costs and attention, and frankly they didnt feel like making a spectacle. They kept it to a simple ceremony at the Standesamt followed by dinner with just the closest peopleparents, a few friends and the children.
In the photos they looked genuinely happy, smiling and holding hands with real warmth. Their fingers were laced together, their expressions soft. It seemed as though every old hurt had been forgotten, that the time apart had helped, and that only good things lay ahead. Looking at the pictures, the twins couldnt help wondering whether this time might actually be different.
But of course it wasnt. The first weeks after the wedding were surprisingly peaceful. The couple tried to be more attentive, said thank you more often and let small things slide. Gradually, though, the old habits crept back. After barely a month the raised voices returned. At first they were quiet but pointed comments: Did you really leave that there again?, You could have told me youd be late, You might have helped since you were home anyway.
Then the open fights started. Arguments flared over nothingwet towels in the bathroom, forgotten bread, the television too loud. Words sharpened, voices climbed, the gaps between fights shrank.
Two months in, exactly as Matthias had predicted, things boiled over. One evening a simple disagreement about who should shop for groceries exploded. Michael, losing his temper, hurled a cup against the wall; it shattered loudly, pieces scattering across the kitchen. Sabine, equally furious, grabbed a plate and smashed it on the floor. The sound of breaking crockery echoed through the apartment.
After every such scene the parents inevitably called the children. Each conversation began the same way: one of them would dial while still breathing hard and immediately unload every fresh grievance.
Can you believe what he said to me today? Sabine would sob as soon as Liesel answered. He doesnt even try to understand!
Son, you have to see my sideshe has no control over herself, Michael would tell Matthias in an agitated rush. Im trying, really, but she looks for reasons to fight!
Liesel and Matthias had learned to cut these calls short, kindly but firmly. They no longer let themselves be pulled into long debates about who was right. Their replies stayed short and steady.
Mom, Im in a lecture right now, Ill call you later, Liesel would say, glancing at the clock even though she still had twenty minutes to spare.
Dad, Ive got urgent worklets talk about this at the weekend, Matthias would answer without looking up from his laptop. He knew that letting a parent vent would eat an hour and then require extra soothing afterward.
Later and at the weekend kept getting pushed back. The twins found excusesstudies, part-time jobs, friendsand gradually the calls grew rarer. They felt no guilt; they were simply protecting their own peace, knowing they couldnt fix what was happening between their parents.
The twins truly had their own lives nowfull, purposeful and far removed from the old dramas. Their days revolved around their own plans and interests rather than waiting for the next explosion down the hall.
Liesel had thrown herself into psychology. She enjoyed understanding how peoples minds worked, why they behaved the way they did, and how to help those in difficult situations. In her third year she began volunteering at a center for teenagers from troubled homes. She ran group sessions, helped the kids name their feelings and find ways through tough spots. She often recognized pieces of her own past in them and tried to offer the attention and support she had once needed herself.
Matthias had discovered a real passion for IT. From his first semesters he had been drawn to the clean logic of code, the satisfaction of building systems that actually worked. He spent hours at the computer learning new languages, took part in student hackathons, and in his fourth year his team placed third in a regional app-development contest. That success boosted his confidence. He also took a part-time job at a small tech company where he quickly proved reliable. Working on real projects taught him how to collaborate, manage time and handle unexpected problems.
Together the twins began making plans that had nothing to do with their parents fights. Liesel dreamed of opening her own practice helping families communicate better. Matthias considered starting his own small business one day. They discussed ideas over coffee in cafés, sketched rough plans and filled notebooks with possibilities. In those moments they felt they had solid ground under their feeta path that was finally their own.
When Sabine and Michael tried once more to pull them back into the dramacalling in tears to complain about each otherthe twins answered calmly and clearly. They had already agreed on how to handle these calls without slipping back into the old mediator role.
Thats enough, you two, Liesel said firmly. You have your life, we have ours. Sort it out yourselves.
But youre our children! Sabine cried. Youre supposed to support us!
If you acted like adults instead of children, we might, Matthias replied at once. You chose to remarry and youre still making each other miserable. If you cant share the same space without fighting, why keep torturing yourselves? Just divorce properly and move apart already.
The words might have sounded harsh, yet the brother and sister only wanted the chance to live without being pulled back into the same old storm.
