I’ve been married for a decade now. My husband and I live together in a two-bedroom home under mortgage. Were still chipping away at paying it off. We havent dared to start a family yet; we want to be settled before taking that step. I have a brotherhis names Jonathanand hes married as well. They live in a cramped one-bedroom flat. Jonathan works two jobs, plus a part-time gig on top of that. His wife, Lorraine, doesnt work her focus is solely on having children at an astonishing pace. They already have three youngsters, and Lorraine is pregnant again, planning for a fifth before the fourth even arrives.
Not only do they have a growing brood, but theyve also racked up loans for all sorts of household appliances. My husband, Thomas, and I help them oftensometimes financially, other times by dropping off groceries. There are moments Lorraine has the audacity to demand things outright, rather than politely ask. When that happens, we have to tug her back to reality and decline. Naturally, she and Jonathan take offence, but after a few weeks, theyre back with another request.
Lorraine once insisted, Since you and Thomas havent any children, and well soon have four, you should give us your flat. I was absolutely floored. Where exactly are we meant to go? Your one-bedroom place? I replied, stunned by her nonsense. Well rent it out, and you two will rent yours, she said, sounding utterly sure of herself. So, you want us to keep paying our mortgage and fork out rent for you? Well, obviously. When do you think youll vacate? she pressed.
Honestly, Lorraine, you belong not in a home but in a psychiatric ward, I snapped. Get out of my flat. Well, then Ill leave and get rid of the baby, she warned, storming out. And she didsecretly, that very day, three months pregnant. The doctors barely managed to save her. Then, at two in the morning, Jonathan turned up at the hospital, hurling accusations at me. Thomas swiftly restrained him and asked for the story. I told him everything. Thomas dunked Jonathans head under cold water a few times to cool him off and then shoved him out into the night.
Since that night, I no longer have a brother. Reflecting on it now, I wonder if well ever bridge the gap. But honestly, Im uncertain I want to.
