Whats wrong with you this time?! How many more times do we have to do this?! Im completely worn out by it all! the womans voice carried from behind an apartment door and rang through the whole stairwell.
Right then Aino and Matti were climbing the stairs and froze mid-step, as though they had walked into an invisible wall. For a moment their eyes met, and that brief look said everything without a single word. Both knew at once: better to leave now. They let out a matching sigh, turned around, and slipped quietly away from the building. Clearly neither had any plans to head back to their own apartment that evening.
Who in their right mind would choose to spend the night listening to nonstop parental shouting matches? Definitely not these two! The twins strode off toward the next entrance, where their grandmother Kaisa Korhonen lived. Lately her place had become their reliable hideout. What used to be occasional weekend visits had turned into almost every night.
The mood at home had long since become impossible to bear. The parents seemed to have forgotten the rest of the world and just kept yelling at each other. The worst part was how often they tried to pull the children into the middle of it.
Sometimes the mother would spin toward her daughter and demand:
Tell me Im right, wont you agree with me?
Other times the father, without waiting, would turn to his son:
No, Im the one whos right here! Say it!
Aino and Matti stayed quiet. They had no interest in choosing sides or becoming part of the endless back-and-forth. All they wanted was a bit of calm, silence, and warmth exactly what they found at grandmas.
These scenes kept repeating like a record that refused to stop, and no one seemed willing to lift the needle. The kids had learned to read the early signals: a certain sharpness in the voice, jerky movements, the way the parents glanced at each other. All of it meant it was time to disappear. What child wants to live in that kind of tension, where any ordinary chat can turn into a full-blown row in seconds?
The twins still couldnt work out what had set off the whole mess. Their family had never been the glossy version from commercials, but the parents used to manage to talk things through. Fights happened now and then whose household doesnt have them? yet they usually ended in quiet conversations rather than raised voices. Mom might look cross, dad might speak a little louder, but half an hour later it was settled. Everyone would sit down, drink coffee, and go over weekend plans.
Roughly two years earlier everything had flipped. It felt as if someone had quietly swapped the old parents for new ones who could turn the smallest thing into an argument. A mug left on the table? Long speech about carelessness and disrespect. A shirt on the wrong hook? Sarcastic remarks about keeping the place tidy. A spoon forgotten in the sink? Treated like a serious offense needing a full inquiry!
One evening Aino sat at grandmas kitchen table, absently stirring her coffee. She stayed quiet for a while, watching the liquid swirl, then asked with a sigh:
How did it get like this, grandma? Everything changed after their holiday together. What actually happened?
Kaisa Korhonen paused, set her cup down, and gently touched Ainos hand. She had her own quiet guesses about the trouble, and none of them cheered her up.
Grown-ups will work it out, she answered softly, keeping her voice steady. Sometimes people just need a little time to decide whats best.
Aino nodded, though her eyes still held doubt. She sensed grandma was keeping something back, but she didnt push. What good would it do? As long as they saw her as a child, nothing serious would be shared.
We cant stand the shouting anymore! Matti burst out. We cant do homework or even read without interruption! I cant remember the last time we all ate together. If they find being together so difficult, they should just separate it would be easier on everyone!
The words came out on their own, but they carried the truth of recent months. Matti was speaking for both of them; he knew his sister felt exactly the same. The house had been without peace for ages: either mom would snap or dad would answer sharply, and the argument would start again with nowhere to escape.
Matti grandma said, startled. She put her knitting aside, studied her grandson, and slowly shook her head. Have you thought about what happens if they split up? You two would be divided. Are you ready to live apart from Aino?
Well stay with you! Aino said at once, giving her grandmother pleading looks. Were already here almost every night! You wouldnt mind, would you?
Kaisa Korhonen went still. She understood how worn out the twins were and how much the constant fighting had drained them. On one hand, they would be safe and comfortable with her a quiet space for homework, books read in peace, a sense of being looked after. She loved them fiercely and was ready to give them that.
On the other hand, what about their parents? How would she explain that the children no longer wanted to live at home? Would the parents even agree? If they did, how would it change the relationship between parents and children? Could it end up driving a permanent wedge?
Lets not decide anything in a hurry, she said after a long breath. You know Im always glad to have you here. But first lets try speaking with your mother and father. Maybe together we can find a way to improve things.
Dont worry, well talk to them ourselves, Aino announced, smiling with relief. Grandma was nearly convinced, and that mattered most! Just please dont turn us down! We honestly cant manage there anymore! It would be better for them apart otherwise they might really hurt each other one day! Yesterday I saw dad raise his hand toward mom He didnt hit her, truly! But he was right on the edge.
Aino stopped, remembering the frightening moment. She had gone to the kitchen for water and paused in the doorway: her father half-turned toward her mother, his hand suddenly lifting, her mother instinctively flinching. A second later the hand dropped, but that second had stretched endlessly for Aino.
Grandma, please say yes! Matti backed his sister up. He moved closer and took her hand, almost as if he feared she might refuse. Well help with everything around the house. Just dont make us go back. They barely notice us! Yesterday I told dad about the parent-teacher meeting. Know what he said? Ask your mother! So I did. Guess what she answered?
Ask your father? Kaisa Korhonen asked quietly, already sure of the reply.
Spot on! Matti gave a short, bitter laugh. Then they spent another two hours arguing over who should go. Sat in separate rooms shouting down the hallway while I just stood there.
I asked them both to sign a form for a museum trip, Aino added, eyes down. Her fingers twisted the edge of her sleeve. Now Im the only one in my class who wont go. Neither signed it. Instead they started fighting again mom insisted it was dads job, and dad said mom should handle school matters.
Kaisa watched her grandchildren and saw how deeply tired they were. This wasnt ordinary childhood exhaustion; it was the kind that piles up month after month when every day feels the same, when warmth is replaced by shouting and support by indifference.
Its always the same, Matti said, shoulders dropping. His voice sounded drained, as though he had repeated the words hundreds of times. Any request we make turns into another argument. We dont even want to come home. A few nights ago we got in at eleven and you think they scolded us? No, they just sent us straight to bed without asking where we had been. Then they spent ages blaming each other for poor parenting.
The teens sighed at the same moment. Lately they had been seriously wondering whether divorce was the only escape. Yet the thought of being separated scared them. One would live with mom, the other with dad, and the closeness they had always known would shrink to weekend visits.
They went over the possibilities in low voices at night in their room. Once Matti jokingly suggested running away simply packing bags and heading off. He said it with a grin to ease the tension, but Aino took the idea seriously. Her eyes brightened for a second, then she said quietly, What if we actually left? Even for a couple of days In that instant both understood the situation at home had grown so heavy that even running away no longer felt completely mad.
Then the thought struck them: grandma! Why not ask to move in with her? The idea appeared in both minds at once. Aino spoke first: Lets ask grandma if we can live here? She wont yell or argue. We wont have to listen to those fights anymore Matti added at once: Yes! Shes kind and always backs us. Her apartment is big enough.
They began picturing the new life: quiet breakfasts, homework done in peace, evenings playing board games with grandma. No shouting, no accusations, no need to hide away to stay out of the line of fire. For the first time in ages a small spark of hope appeared. Let the parents sort out their own problems; the twins would finally have some stillness that was what they kept thinking as they imagined life at grandmas
*************************
Mom, dad, we need to talk seriously, the twins said firmly, standing in front of their parents. They had waited until both were home and walked straight into the living room. Aino kept a tight hold on Mattis hand; it helped her feel steadier. But first promise youll listen all the way through before you say anything.
Mikko looked up from his phone, surprised. Satu, who had been folding clothes on the sofa, sat up straight. Both parents looked as though the children had said something completely unthinkable.
This is your fault! she huffed, folding her arms. The children are already setting conditions for us! As if we owe them explanations!
Look whos talking! Mikko shot back, putting his phone down. Im always working to keep this family going. Youve been home with them the whole time! What exactly have you taught them? Why are they giving orders now?
The twins glanced at each other. They had expected the conversation to slide straight into the usual blame game. Still, they couldnt back away.
Thats enough! Aino said, her voice close to breaking. She stepped forward and tried to sound clear and calm even though everything inside was shaking. Matti and I have decided you should get divorced.
The room went completely quiet. Satu froze with her mouth open, and Mikko rose slowly from the sofa.
Well, thats a surprise! her voice turned sharp. Aino, youre still too young to tell adults how to run their lives! And what else have you decided? Maybe youll split the apartment for us too?
If you dont divorce, well contact child services, Matti said, gripping his sisters hand for support. His voice stayed steady even though he wasnt entirely sure he believed his own words. Then, dad, you could lose your job. Your company doesnt like public scandals, does it? Youve said yourself that reputation matters.
And you, mom, Aino went on, meeting her mothers eyes, the neighbors will stop respecting you. They wont even speak to you! Everyone already knows how loudly you argue, and we can fill in the rest!
Theyre threatening us! Look at them! Satu finally got out, shifting her gaze between the two children. These are our own children! How can you speak to us this way?
Were not threatening, Matti answered quietly but clearly. We just want you to see that this cant go on. Were exhausted! Tired of the shouting, of being ignored, of every small request turning into a fight.
Youll divorce and move apart, and well live with grandma, the twins finished together, as though they had practiced. It will be better for everyone: peace for us, no more constant arguments for you. We dont want to stand between you any longer.
The parents stood motionless. For the first time in a long while they had no immediate reply. Normally they would have started arguing and interrupting each other right away, but now both seemed unable to speak.
Their thirteen-year-old children were behaving in a way no one had expected. Aino and Matti stood side by side, hands linked, looking at their parents with steady eyes and none of the usual hesitation. They were discussing matters the adults themselves had tried to avoid.
The couple had considered divorce more than once. What always stopped them was the same question: who would the children live with? Splitting the twins felt impossible; they were so close, did everything together, and supported each other. The parents could not picture separating them into different homes and seeing them only on weekends.
The idea of grandmas place had never occurred to them before. Somehow it had never crossed their minds, perhaps because they had been too busy nursing their own grievances. Now, hearing the suggestion, Mikko and Satu found themselves wondering whether this might actually help. Grandma adored the grandchildren, had plenty of space, and was always happy to see them. Maybe this could ease at least some of the strain?
Ill call my mother, Mikko said at last through clenched teeth. His voice was rough, as if the words cost effort. If she agrees
He never finished. Satu cut in, and the tiredness in her tone surprised even her:
Then we can finally stop tormenting each other. Call her. Ill be glad not to see your face every single day.
The words hung in the air. She had not meant to sound so blunt, but years of stored-up hurt had pushed them out.
And Ill be just as glad! Mikko answered, trying to cover the sting with a wry note.
There was no real anger in his voice, only a bitter half-smile at what their life together had become. He took out his phone and slowly dialed his mothers number. While the rings sounded, both spouses looked in different directions, avoiding each others eyes. They did not yet know where the conversation would lead, but they sensed that some line might already have been crossed
**************************
That day the Korhonen family reached a turning point. It began with a long talk between Mikko and his mother. Kaisa listened without interrupting, asking only a few careful questions now and then.
When Mikko had finished, a quiet moment passed. Grandma drew a deep breath and said:
If you both believe this will be better for the children, then I agree. They will be safe here, and I will look after them.
By evening the couple sat in the kitchen the first time in ages without raised voices or accusations. They faced each other and began going over the details. Little by little they reached the same conclusion: divorce was the only reasonable step. The children would move to grandmas, and the parents would send money each month for their upkeep.
Neither planned to abandon the children. Both promised to visit on weekends, but on separate days so they would not cross paths.
Ill come Saturday morning and take them out, and you can come Sunday, Mikko said wearily, and Satu nodded in agreement. That will keep things simpler. The important thing is that the children dont feel left behind.
Their main aim was to reduce contact and avoid fresh arguments. They agreed not to speak badly of each other in front of the children, not to try to win them over, and not to settle scores when the twins were present.
We are still their parents, Mikko said. And we need to keep being parents even if we are no longer married.
As time went on, the choice proved to be the right one. The children could finally relax and live like ordinary teenagers. Aino joined an art club she had wanted to try for years but had never had the chance because of the constant worry. Matti began playing football and made new friends on the team. They started spending time together again: walking through town, going to films, talking about school without the fear that a fight would erupt at any moment.
Their schoolwork also settled. They now had a quiet place to study, free from shouting. Homework was finished calmly, and the improvement showed quickly in their marks. Teachers noticed and remarked, You two have become so focused keep it going!
Life gradually found a new, steady rhythm not perfect, but calm and predictable. The children no longer hid in their room, startled at loud voices, or worried about every small thing. They simply lived the way teenagers should when they have found some steadiness in difficult circumstances
************************
Five years later the Korhonen familys days moved along at a steady, quiet pace. Aino and Matti had grown used to the new pattern: school, clubs, time with friends, and warm evenings with grandma. Their parents still visited on different days, each bringing small gifts and attention but no old complaints. Over the years they had learned to speak to each other calmly and politely, without the sudden flashes of anger.
The first real meeting between the former couple happened at the childrens graduation evening. The school held a celebration, and both parents attended. At first they kept their distance, sitting at opposite sides of the hall, but the stiffness slowly eased.
When the dancing began, Mikko walked over to Satu:
Care to dance? For old times sake.
She hesitated, then nodded.
Afterward they sat for a long while in the schoolyard, watching the graduates laughing by the fountain. The conversation started by itself first about the children, then about the past.
They talked late into the night, recalling the good times from their marriage and behaving with real decency. They spoke of what had once brought them together rather than old hurts. The twins, watching from a distance, felt quietly pleased. It had been painful to see their two closest people treat each other almost like strangers.
Then, without warning, everything shifted again. The next day Mikko and Satu asked the children to meet them at a café. Over coffee they looked at each other, took hands, and Mikko announced with a wide smile:
Kids, your mother and I have decided to get married again. Over these years weve understood that our feelings never went away. We still love each other and want to try being a family once more.
His voice sounded bright, as if he were sharing wonderful news. Satu smiled, clearly hoping for an excited response.
The twins exchanged a glance, and their faces clouded at once. Doubt showed in Ainos eyes; Mattis hands tightened under the table. Here we go again, stepping onto the same old path! What were the parents thinking? Could they really share a home without the same old clashes?
Are you serious? Aino managed to say.
Completely, Mikko answered with confidence. Weve both changed. Weve learned to listen. We want to give our family another chance.
The children stayed silent. Mixed feelings churned inside them: part of them wanted to believe the parents had truly changed, yet another part feared the old pain returning.
Even so, Aino and Matti did not try to argue against the idea. They offered no comment at all, which hurt the parents deeply. Satu looked at them, puzzled:
Arent you happy? We thought you would be glad for us.
The twins simply looked at each other and shrugged. What could they say? Dont do this youll only make yourselves miserable again? The words stayed stuck. They did not want to seem heartless, yet they could not pretend everything would be fine.
The rest of the meeting felt awkward. The parents tried to describe their plans; the children nodded politely, but their thoughts were elsewhere. On the way home Aino said quietly to her brother:
I hope they know what theyre doing.
Matti only sighed
****************************
So were heading to Helsinki? Aino opened her laptop and began checking university pages. Far enough from this whole mess. I can already picture how this circus will end!
Of course we are, Matti said firmly, sounding older than his years. He ran a hand through his hair as if trying to shake off the weight of the past months. Theyll manage to stay calm for a month, maybe two. Then it will be the same again: shouting, doors slamming, accusations I dont want to be trapped in their relationship any longer. I dont want to wake up every morning wondering what mood theyre in and whose turn it is to catch the next round of complaints.
He stood and walked around the room, gathering scattered books without really thinking. The same question kept turning in his mind: why do adults, who are supposed to show sense and steadiness, behave like unpredictable teenagers? Why do they keep repeating the same mistakes instead of solving their problems?
We need to leave, he repeated, stopping by the window. Outside the light was fading, turning the city soft orange. Matti looked out as though trying to glimpse what lay ahead. Far away. Far enough that their arguments cant reach us. Let them deal with their own issues. Were not their counselors, not their go-betweens, not their shields. We have our own lives and our own dreams, and I wont let another round of parental chaos ruin them.
When are we sending the applications? Aino asked calmly.
Tomorrow, Matti replied without pausing. That way we wont have time to change our minds.
She nodded without looking away from the screen. Pages from Helsinki university sites scrolled past; she had spent weeks reading about programs, housing, and future job chances. Her notebook beside the laptop was filling with lists of pros and cons, deadlines, and contact details.
The main thing is to study without their arguments pulling us in, she said quietly. It will be good to be that far away.
Exactly, Matti agreed, sitting next to her. He leaned in to read the screen. When they start blaming each other again, we wont even hear it. Let them call and complain and try to pull us into another family discussion were staying out of it. And their wish to give the relationship another chance he gave a small, wry smile is their decision, not ours.
*************************
Satu and Mikko went through with the second wedding after all. This time they chose something small on purpose: no big expense, no extra attention, and honestly they did not feel like making a grand event of it. They kept it to a simple ceremony at the registry office and a quiet dinner with close family parents, a few friends, and the children.
In the photos the couple looked genuinely content. They smiled, held hands, and looked at each other with real warmth. Their linked fingers and gentle glances were clear in every shot. It seemed as though all the old hurts had been set aside, the time apart had helped, and they now knew exactly what they wanted. Looking at the pictures, the twins wondered whether this time might truly be different.
But it was not. The first weeks after the wedding were surprisingly peaceful; the couple tried to be kinder, said thank you more often, and let small things pass. Gradually the old patterns returned. After only a month the raised voices were back. At first they were quiet but pointed: Did you leave that there again?, Why didnt you say youd be late?, You could help since youre home anyway.
Then the open fights started. Arguments broke out over nothing: wet towels left in the bathroom, forgotten bread, the television turned up too loud. Words grew sharper, voices louder, and the quiet gaps between clashes grew shorter.
Two months later, just as Matti had predicted, things reached a breaking point. One evening an argument about who should shop for groceries turned into a storm. Mikko, losing patience, threw a mug at the wall; it shattered loudly and pieces scattered across the kitchen. Satu, just as angry, grabbed a plate and smashed it on the floor. The sound of breaking crockery echoed through the apartment.
After scenes like that the parents always tried to reach the children. Each call began the same way: one of them dialed while still catching breath and immediately poured out the latest grievances.
You wont believe what he said today, Satu would say, voice breaking, when Aino answered. He doesnt even try to understand me!
Son, you have to see my side, she has no control over herself, Mikko would tell Matti anxiously. Im trying, I really am, but she seems to look for reasons!
Aino and Matti had learned to cut these calls short, gently but firmly. They no longer let themselves be drawn into long discussions or attempts to decide who was right. Their answers stayed short and clear.
Mom, Im in the middle of class, Ill call you later, Aino would say evenly, glancing at the clock; she had twenty minutes before her lecture but did not want to listen to another long complaint.
Dad, Ive got work to finish, lets talk at the weekend, Matti would answer without looking away from his laptop. He knew that once a parent started venting, the call could last an hour and then he would have to calm them down afterward.
Later and at the weekend were always postponed. The children found reasons studies, part-time work, time with friends and the calls from their parents slowly grew less frequent. Aino and Matti felt no guilt; they were simply guarding their own peace and time, knowing they could not change what went on between their mother and father.
The twins truly had lives of their own now busy, purposeful, and far from parental storms. Each day was filled with their own concerns, interests, and plans rather than waiting for the next argument next door.
Aino had thrown herself into psychology studies. She liked learning 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 that supported teenagers from troubled homes. There she ran small groups, helped the young people name their feelings, and looked for practical ways forward. Aino recognized pieces of her own past in the teenagers she met and tried to offer them the attention and support she had once missed.
Matti had found his place in IT. From early on he had been drawn to programming the clean logic of code, the chance to build systems that actually worked, the challenge of solving tricky technical problems. He spent hours at the computer, learned new languages, and took part in student competitions. In his fourth year his team placed third in a regional contest for mobile applications; the result gave him confidence and confirmed he was moving in the right direction. He took a part-time job at a small IT firm and quickly showed he was reliable and capable. Working on real projects taught him how to cooperate with colleagues, manage his time, and handle unexpected situations.
The twins began making plans for the future without looking over their shoulders at their parents arguments. Aino hoped to open her own practice one day and help families communicate better. Matti thought about starting his own small company. They discussed ideas over coffee in cafés, sketched out possibilities, and wrote notes in their books. In those moments they felt they had something solid beneath them: a direction and a life that belonged only to them.
When Satu and Mikko tried once more to draw them in calling in tears to complain about how badly things were going and how little they understood each other the twins answered calmly and directly. They had already agreed on how to handle the conversation so they would not slip back into their old roles as mediators.
Thats enough, dear parents, Aino said firmly. You have your life, we have ours.
But youre our children! Satu sobbed. Youre supposed to support us!
If you behaved like adults instead of like children, we would support you, Matti replied at once. You made a mistake by remarrying, and you keep hurting each other. You cant live peacefully in the same space, so why keep torturing one another? Just divorce properly and move apart.
The words might have sounded harsh, yet the brother and sister only wanted to live in peace
