Cici and uncle George

Cici met Uncle George in Lipova, during one of her visits to my mother… He lived with his mother and stepfather, Uncle Emil, who made me cry every time I saw him. It was a crazy love. George was one of the golden boys of the city — partying, drinking, playing cards… the whole package. He was a handsome man, with fine features, big blue eyes and black hair… Even in the early months of their relationship they broke up and got back together two or three times. My mother told me that Cici would run to her every time she split with George… and every time, George would come to their house — the Maticas house — and serenade her to win her back. After a few of these episodes they decided to marry. George’s mother warned Cici: “Don’t marry him… my son is crazy.” Cici didn’t listen… and she didn’t pay attention to the thin lips and those slightly exophthalmic blue eyes… He had a bad temper and outbursts of cruelty — not physical, but verbal — and he was manipulative… all of this alternating with periods when he was charming and exceedingly generous… The first major conflict came when Uncle Emil wanted to support Cici in enrolling in law school. George wouldn’t allow it, out of jealousy… She had a sharp mind, an excellent memory, and — as she later proved — a rare talent for legal matters. She became a secretary working for notaries… and later set up the administrative system for multiple notary offices in the city… remaining a secretary her whole life… thanks to Uncle George. Carmen, their only daughter, was deeply loved by both parents but witnessed their fights throughout her entire childhood. I once witnessed a fight triggered by a dispute over what they had eaten in Constanța… snails or clams… my God… I was terrified… Carmen didn’t react at all in the moment. She was always calm, composed, always well-behaved. That’s why I was shocked when I saw her outburst… She went to her room and started throwing clothes and pillows, screaming in silence… This was her life…