“You’re living well, so you should help your family!”
“Emma, are you home?”
“No, I’m on my way. What’s up?”
“We need to talk. How long will you be?”
“About half an hour. Is everything alright, Mum?”
“You’ll find out later.”
This conversation took place between Emma and her mother, Margaret Stevens.
Emma barely had a chance to change clothes and sort out her groceries before the doorbell rang.
“Mum, what’s going on?”
Margaret Stevens glanced around the flat suspiciously before coming in.
“I see you’ve got a new television.”
“Yes, that’s right.”
“You’re living comfortably,” her mother remarked as she headed to the kitchen.
“Tea, coffee?”
“I’ll pass. I’m here for a reason.”
However, at that moment, Margaret noticed some expensive salami and a heap of fruit.
“I see you’re living well. Look at everything you’ve bought.”
“Yes, Mum. We can afford it.”
“Well, your dad and I worked our whole lives at the factory, and you, building a business, got lucky!”
Indeed, Emma and her husband, Paul, had built their business from scratch. They had no help or capital for initial investments.
They achieved everything through their efforts, taking risks by getting a loan. There was a danger they could have gone under and been left in debt. At that time, no one supported their young family. Later, people started saying they ended up living better than the other family members.
From her mother’s tone, Emma knew she couldn’t expect anything good from her. It was either another request or a complaint.
“I wanted to talk to you about your sister, Sarah. She’s been working for peanuts for months, you know, as a sales assistant.”
“Yes, I’m aware,” Emma nodded.
“Well, I thought it might be good if you gave her a job in your company.”
“What do you mean?” Emma was puzzled.
“Exactly that. Don’t you need staff?”
“No, our team is complete.”
Margaret gave her daughter a disapproving look.
“So, there aren’t any spots?”
“As I said, we don’t have any open positions.”
However, this didn’t deter her mother, who insisted.
“You know, it seems to me that you just don’t want to help your sister. You’re making excuses.”
Emma knew exactly why her mother had brought this up. It was nothing new.
Since childhood, Sarah had been their mother’s favorite. Margaret made sure she had the best of everything.
Sarah had grown accustomed to being given everything, unlike Emma, who worked hard for what she wanted.
Their parents worked hard, but it was impossible to get Sarah to work. Eventually, she had to, as pension money wasn’t enough to live on.
Without education or experience, no one wanted her. Unlike Emma, who had juggled work and university since 18.
Gradually, Emma and her husband worked towards starting their own business. Sarah, on the other hand, was dissatisfied but unwilling to change anything herself.
She preferred others—her mother or sister—to do things for her. Margaret, for her part, believed Emma was obligated to help her younger sister and stuck to her stance.
“Mum, I’ve explained already.”
“Sure, it’s easier to hire strangers than to help your own.”
Emma and Paul had one steadfast rule—to avoid hiring relatives or friends. They had learned this lesson the hard way when familiarity led to slacking off. Business and personal relationships don’t mix well, and this includes family.
It wasn’t only about business. Emma and Sarah’s relationship hadn’t been good since childhood.
The division started when their mother began favouring Sarah.
What exactly did she expect from that approach?
“Mum, I said I’m not able to help. I’m not firing anyone to hire Sarah.”
“You’re a selfish one! What can be expected from the well-off?”
Margaret turned and headed for the door. Despite her display of attitude, she took the bag of groceries.
Emma didn’t stop her, knowing it would be futile and taken as a sign of weakness.
That evening, Paul returned home and noticed Emma had been crying.
“Emma, what’s wrong?”
“Mum came over.”
“Ah, was she asking about Sarah again?”
“Yes.”
Paul hugged Emma tightly, showing his support.
“I hope you didn’t let her words get to you?”
“No, I’m used to her antics by now,” Emma shook her head.
“That’s right. You know once you give in, they’ll never stop.”
“Yes, I know, but it still hurts.”
Just then, Emma’s phone rang, and Sarah’s number appeared on the screen.
“I’m listening,” she answered flatly.
“I don’t get it, are you that stingy?”
“What do you mean, Sarah?”
Emma initially thought Sarah was talking about a job, but it turned out differently.
“I saw Mum brought back some salami and fruit. Couldn’t you have given more? You’re earning well, aren’t you?”
Emma sighed deeply and responded, “What makes you think I owe you anything?”
“Because I’m your sister, and you should be helping me.”
“No, dear, I don’t owe you anything, nor do you owe me. We all lead our lives and manage our own finances. If you want more, look for your own way. Don’t wait for handouts.”
Emma thought Sarah would hang up in anger, but she had more to say.
“Of course, it’s easy for you to talk with your business and ready-made success. What about me?”
“Then build your own business! What’s stopping you? Go for it!”
Emma no longer wanted to hear any reproach. She realized her sister and mother were incorrigible. Arguing with them was wasted effort.
Ultimately, it’s important to value those who value you, and not try to please someone just because they’re family.
