My husband and I were absolutely over the moon when we learned our son was getting married. Before the big day, we secretly confided in him that we planned to gift him a flat. Oliver was practically beside himself with excitement when he heard the news. All his mates knew within hoursclearly word travels faster than broadband these days. As we rushed about preparing for the wedding, disaster suddenly struck.
Our daughter landed in hospital straight from her office, taken ill out of the blue. My husband and I dashed there immediately. The tests revealed she had a tumour and needed surgeryposthaste. Naturally, we required a hefty sum of money and we needed it yesterday. It’s a good thing we caught it when we did.
Buying a flat for our son was now off the cards. We focused on scraping together enough for the operation. Thankfully, our family and friends came through, unable to turn a blind eye to our troubles. Everyone helped with whatever they could spare. Several insisted we neednt return it. Together, we managed to pool enough for her surgery.
But Oliver stunned us with what he said next.
So, what about my flat? You promised me! Youre ruining my life.
After Oliver uttered those words, I nearly fainted. How could he? How could he be so self-absorbed? Shes his sister for goodness sakethey grew up together. Did he really put his wedding and her hospital stay on equal footing? I was utterly lost for words. But our son wasnt done.
Why does she get everything and I get nothing?
Id had enough. I exploded (in a very British sort of way). I told him I no longer wanted to see him. He packed up his things and decamped to his fiancées place. We didnt speak for a fortnight.
Meanwhile, our daughter underwent surgery and thankfully, all went swimmingly. She was discharged a few weeks later. We kept Olivers behaviour under wrapsno sense upsetting her further. And Oliver? Not a peep from him. He didnt even bother to ask about his sister. Apparently, property meant more to him than familya truth thats harder to swallow than overcooked peas.
