My brother drove his wife to despairthen the unthinkable happened.
My brother was my role model. Since childhood, Id always looked up to my older brother, James. He was my mentor, my protector, the standard I measured myself against.
When I married, he told me:
“Remember this, little brother. Never let your wife know how much you earn. If you give her an inch, shell take a mile. Keep her on a tight leashdont let her spend recklessly!”
At the time, it struck me as harsh. But James was five years older, already married, and I assumed he knew best.
Luckily, my wife, Sophie, wasnt like that. She didnt chase designer labels, demand expensive gifts, or dream of luxury.
Over time, James and I drifted apartour wives didnt get along, and he was consumed by his business. I played in an orchestra; he owned farmland. Every time we met, I braced for criticism. James always found a way to lecture me.
“Money Over Family”
Hed say:
“Youre irresponsible! Why live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife waste money on nonsense?”
I never argued, but his words stung. After those talks, Id try savingthen forget and carry on as usual.
James had a daughter, Emily. He kept her under lock and key. No pocket money, no trendy clothes, no makeup. She grew up starved of freedom. Sometimes she visited us, and Sophie and I slipped her a few pounds in secret.
At sixteen, Emily ran awayjust to escape her fathers grip. James shrugged it off. “Serves her right,” he muttered. “She shouldnt have been so reckless.”
But the worst was yet to come.
A Holiday Turned Nightmare
Two years ago, we planned a family trip to the seaside. And I saw everything.
James hounded his wife over every penny.
“More coffee? Couldnt you wait till were home?”
“Pizza? Are you mad? Thats daylight robbery!”
“Ice cream? Let them drink water!”
He tracked every receipt, every pence, like a miser guarding treasure.
Walking with him along the pier was unbearable. My kids, like any others, wanted candy floss, balloons, souvenirsbut James just scowled and grumbled,
“Do you want to bankrupt your parents?”
Though he had far more money than I did. He was just terrified to spend it.
Sophie finally snapped:
“Lets stay. Without them.”
I agreed.
James and his wife left that night. He was in a hurrysome farm equipment auction.
By morning, I got the call.
Thered been an accident.
Changed Forever
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Now, Im a different man.
I dont hoard for “later.”
I dont flinch at the price of a coffee.
I buy gifts for my children, fine things for Sophie, sharp suits for myself.
Yes, money matters.
But whats the point of stacking it like firewood if you never light the flame?
Its madness to clutch at wealth like you can take it beyond the grave.
The only thing that matters is not losing the ones you love.
Because theyre irreplaceable.
No matter the money.
