I have been married for a decade now. My husband and I live together in our home, which were still paying off on the mortgage. We havent dared to start a family just yet. Wed like to get ourselves settled properly first. I have a brother as well. He is married and lives with his wife in a tiny one-bedroom flat. My brother juggles two jobs and, on top of that, a part-time position. His wife doesnt workshe simply has children with the speed of a rabbit. They already have three, shes expecting a fourth, and shes determined to have a fifth.
Besides the children, theyve racked up debts for various household appliances. My husband and I often lend them a hand, sometimes financially, other times bringing over food. Occasionally, my brothers wife boldly demands things rather than politely asking.
At such moments, we must pull her back down to earth and refuse. Naturally, she and my brother take offense, but within a few weeks they reappear with another request. Since you and your husband havent any childrenand soon well have fouryou ought to give us your flat, she insists.
Where would we go? I replied, baffled by the absurdity of the suggestion. Back to your one-bedroom flat? She retorted confidently, Just let tenants in! You can let your flat and move into your own old place. You mean, we pay our mortgage and your rent? Of course, yes. When will you vacate the flat? When will you leave? You belong in an institution, not a family home. Get out of my flat. Fine, she declared as she left, then Ill get rid of the baby, and it will be your fault.
And she did just that, later that same day, without telling anyone, and three months along. The doctors barely managed to save her. At two in the morning, my brother stormed into the hospital and hurled accusations at me. My husband quickly seized him, wanted to know what had happened, and I explained. In his frustration, my husband dunked my brothers head in cold water to calm him, then threw him out of our home.
Ever since that night, I have not had a brother.
