My brother drove his wife to despair – and then the unthinkable happened
My brother was my role model.
Since childhood, I looked up to my older brother, Jack.
He was my mentor, protector, and the example I aspired to.
When I was about to get married, he said:
“Remember one thing, brother. Never let your wife know how much money you have. Give women the freedom, and they’ll empty your pockets. Keep her on a tight leash and don’t let her get carried away!”
I thought he was overreacting then.
But Jack was five years older than me, already married, and I figured he knew what he was talking about.
Luckily, my wife, Emily, wasn’t like that.
She didn’t chase after brands, didn’t ask for expensive gifts, and didn’t dream of a life of luxury.
Over time, our lives diverged – our wives didn’t get along, and Jack was busy with his business.
I played in an orchestra, while he owned farms and fields.
Every time I met him, I braced for criticism.
Jack always found something to rebuke me for.
Money was more important than family
My brother constantly lectured me:
“You’re reckless! Why do you live paycheck to paycheck? Why do you let your wife spend money on silly things?”
I didn’t argue, but his words stung.
After these conversations, I tried to save, but soon forgot – I lived as I always did.
Jack had a daughter – Anna.
He kept her under strict control.
No pocket money, no fashionable clothes, no makeup.
The girl grew up under tight rules.
Sometimes she visited us, and Emily and I would secretly give her a little money.
At 16, Anna ran away from home just to escape her father’s control.
Jack even claimed it was the “right” thing – like it was his own fault for not keeping her safe.
But the most frightful thing I saw later…
A holiday that turned into torment
Two years ago, we decided to take a family trip to the seaside.
And I saw it all.
My brother was literally tormenting his wife over every penny spent.
“Another coffee? Can’t you have it at home?
Pizza? Are you crazy? That’s extortionate!
Kids want ice cream? Let them drink water!”
He watched every expense, every pound, and every receipt.
Walking the promenade with him was impossible.
My kids, like all others, wanted candy floss, balloons, and souvenirs…
But Jack just frowned and muttered:
“You’ll bankrupt your parents, you know?”
Even though he had much more money than I did.
He was just scared to spend it.
Emily couldn’t take it and said:
“Let’s stay here for a couple more days. Without them.”
I agreed.
Jack left with his wife at night.
He was in a hurry – an agricultural auction awaited him.
But the next morning, I got a call…
They had crashed.
I’ve changed forever since then
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Since then, I’m a different person.
I no longer save for “old age.”
I don’t think about the cost of a cup of coffee.
I buy my kids gifts, beautiful things for my wife, and nice suits for myself.
Yes, money is important.
But what’s the point if you hoard it and don’t live?
It’s foolish to cling to money as if you’ll take it with you to the grave.
The main thing is not to lose the ones you love.
Because you can’t buy them.
Not for any amount of money.
