The Bride Forgot How to Say “Thank You”
“Linda, is there anything to eat at your place?” Jane asked quickly as she rushed by. “I’m absolutely starving. It’s a nightmare, honestly. And I’m in such a hurry today. It’s a celebration, after all—Mother’s Day. The girls are waiting for me; we’re heading to the club tonight.”
“Yes, it’s a special day, you’re right. Our day. This is for you, dear. Congratulations,” Linda said, handing Jane a charming little box with a bracelet inside. Jane had been dreaming about it for years but hadn’t had the chance to buy it herself. Her entire paycheck always slipped away in a blink of an eye, whether it was for a new stylish jacket, hair extensions, or an evening out with friends. Why deny herself little joys?
Linda knew about Jane’s wish and wanted to make her happy. They were family, after all. Besides, Linda had always longed for a daughter along with her grown-up son. When Mark brought Jane, his girlfriend, home, Linda’s wish seemed to come true. Linda loved her wholeheartedly and spoiled her terribly.
Linda cherished this delicate young woman not because Jane was extraordinarily kind or exceptionally sweet, but because Linda had a big heart. She adored her son, so she loved everyone and everything connected to him. Jane had been seeing him for three years, and Linda, being a good future mother-in-law, was determined to make her feel at home as part of the family.
But she didn’t account for one thing: people can be self-serving and quickly become accustomed to good things. When you do a lot for them, they start to believe it’s how things should be. They forget to express gratitude and eventually come to see it as normal and mundane to receive everything on a silver platter.
This happened with Jane. From the first day she met Linda, Linda decided to make sure she was comfortable in the family. Linda, along with her husband, Dave, Mark’s father, had recently moved to a beautiful house in the countryside. A few weeks after getting to know each other, they offered Jane to stay the night with them.
From that day on, Jane consistently stayed in Mark’s room, no longer asking for permission from either her boyfriend or his family, as if it was a given. No one really opposed it, but occasionally, Mark’s parents, of course, wanted some alone time or time with just their son, their family.
But that was no longer an option. Jane found comfort there, quite unlike her cramped flat with her mum and grandmother. The house had a perfected interior, all the amenities for a comfortable life. The fridge was always stocked with food to suit any taste. Delicious, fresh meals were always ready, with no cleaning required. Linda, a devoted homemaker, happily took care of everything.
Moreover, Jane was always included, whether traveling to visit friends in a nearby town. Linda’s friend, Emma, warmly welcomed the family every time, with a delightful dinner, comfortable beds, and enjoyable company. Naturally, the same hospitality extended to Jane. She was part of the family.
Emma’s family liked Jane, and she enjoyed staying with them. She would be fed, entertained, and taken out, living a fairy tale of sorts.
In the three years with Mark’s family, Jane went to the seaside for free occasions, though she earned a decent income. She explored various countryside resorts without spending a penny or offering any contribution. She never even bought groceries or simple treats for tea.
From the outside, it seemed Jane found great comfort and convenience in this generous, kind-hearted family. Yet Linda, Dave, or Mark never had a bad thought about her. Jane was always friendly, spontaneous, and open. No evil thoughts crossed Linda’s mind until that fateful day, Mother’s Day.
On that day, Linda and her best friend Emma decided to celebrate together. Emma came to visit Linda in town, and they booked a luxurious hotel room. The package included access to the pool, a spa treatment, and a relaxing massage in honor of the occasion. They could even invite a few guests, free of charge, until 11 p.m.
The friends were having a great time, sipping champagne, laughing heartily, and chatting about everything under the sun. The idyll was interrupted by Jane, surprisingly. “Hello, Linda. Mark mentioned you’re at the spa today? Can I join you briefly?”
Linda hesitated. It seemed two adult women, lifelong friends, deserved a rare evening alone, escaping the endless daily grind and leaving behind husbands and children (Emma had three, a fair few). They were fine and comfortable enough as is, enjoying themselves. But turning Jane away felt awkward or improper.
“Well, alright, come over,” Linda stammered hesitantly.
“Are we expecting someone else?” Emma inquired.
“Yes, Janie is joining us briefly.”
“Oh, well. I had a gift prepared for her. I’ll hand it over personally then.”
“I brought mine too. I intended to give it at home… Ah, never mind.”
Within fifteen minutes, Jane was at the door. “Wow, this place is fabulous! It’s so beautiful. Is the spa open? I’ll be quick; I haven’t much time,” Jane exclaimed, donning a white robe and heading for some relaxation.
Emma and Linda exchanged bewildered looks, shrugged, and resumed their chat. Meanwhile, a lavish dinner ordered from the restaurant was delivered to the room, featuring oysters, mussels, gourmet fruits, and sweets, along with fish, caviar, and a luxurious array. On their special day, they denied themselves nothing.
Enjoying the exquisite dinner when Jane returned to the room. “Wow, what’s this? Looks delicious, mmm…” she said, joining them without hesitation.
Linda and Emma tensed a bit but concealed it. Linda tried to lighten the mood, presenting Jane with her gift. “Oh, wow. Just what I wanted!” Jane replied indistinctly, while finishing another oyster.
Emma then congratulated Jane and tenderly kissed her cheek.
In response, silence. No thanks, no reciprocated well-wishes. It felt like the day was solely about her.
“Alright, I need to dash. The girls have been waiting, and I still need to pop home to wash my hair and change.”
“Really, Jane? Are you aware Mark is waiting at home for you? Sure, you worked today, didn’t see each other during the day, but now?” Linda inquired.
“He mentioned that. But as I said, my friends are waiting. They’ve reserved a club table. I want to relax with them tonight.”
“He prepared dinner for you. And a gift. You’ll love it, I assure you.”
Linda and her son coordinated the gift earlier. She bought the bracelet, and Mark, saving up for months, purchased matching earrings. Jane never dreamed of it. Yet, how coldly she responded to her gift upset Linda. Either Jane hoped for something else, or she simply forgot how to be grateful.
More likely the latter, as Mark’s family spoiled her to the extent she took everything for granted. “Jane, spare some time for Mark. He prepared for your visit.” Linda couldn’t help saying. “He’ll take you to the club and pick you up afterward.”
“Oh, it’s fine. I’ll be back in the morning. Friends invited us for quad biking tomorrow. I’ve been wanting that for ages.”
“And dinner? The gift?”
“He can eat the dinner, and I’ll collect the gift tomorrow, no big deal.”
Jane disappeared as swiftly as she arrived. She didn’t wish Linda or Emma a happy Mother’s Day, brought no gifts, and departed to party further. Not to the loved ones waiting, but to where she fancied indulging herself that evening. At that moment, many things fell into their rightful places.
The room fell silent.
“Linda, I mean, I don’t want to suggest anything, but…”
“Yes, I understand. And realize I’m largely to blame. I offered too much to this girl. So much, she forgot how to say ‘Thank You.’ Yet she mastered the art of using people.”
The friends decided not to spoil their evening dwelling on shameless Jane.
But Mark faced a very serious talk with his mother the following morning.
