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, William. To me, he was a mentor, a protector, and the man I wanted to become.
When I got married, he told me:
“Remember one thing, 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 waste your money.”
At the time, it seemed harsh. But William was five years older, already married, and I assumed he knew best.
Luckily, my wife, Eleanor, wasnt like that. She never chased designer labels, demanded expensive gifts, or dreamed of luxury.
Over time, William and I drifted apart. Our wives didnt get along, and he was always buried in his business. I played in an orchestra; he owned farms and land. Every time we met, I braced for a lecture.
*Money Over Family*
William never missed a chance to scold me:
“Youre reckless! Why live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife fritter money away on nonsense?”
I never argued, but his words stung. After each talk, Id try to savethen forget and carry on as usual.
William had a daughter, Sophie. He kept her under lock and keyno pocket money, no trendy clothes, no makeup. She grew up under his thumb. Sometimes shed visit us, and Eleanor and I slipped her a few pounds in secret.
At sixteen, Sophie ran awayjust to escape him. William even called it “her own fault.” Said she wasnt disciplined enough. But the worst was yet to come.
*A Holiday Turned Nightmare*
Two years ago, we went on a family trip to the seaside. Thats when I saw it firsthand.
William hounded his wife over every penny.
“Another coffee? Cant you wait till were home?”
“Pizza? Are you mad? Thats daylight robbery!”
“Ice cream for the kids? Let them drink water!”
He tracked every receipt, every pound spent. A stroll along the pier was torture. My kids, like any others, wanted candy floss, balloons, souvenirsbut William just scowled.
“Youll bankrupt your parents. Is that what you want?”
And this from a man far richer than me. He just couldnt bear to part with his money.
Eleanor finally snapped.
“Lets stay a few more days. Without them.”
I agreed.
William left with his wife that nightrushing to a 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 that day.
Now? Im a different man. I dont hoard cash for “later.” I dont fret over the cost of a coffee. I buy gifts for my kids, pretty things for Eleanor, sharp suits for myself.
Yes, money matters. But whats the point if you never live?
Its madness to clutch your wealth like you can take it to the grave.
The real treasure is the people you love.
Because once theyre gone, no amount of money brings them back.
