You never did manage to raise your children properly. Look at Simons son, Nicholas
At first, Emily couldnt understand why her mother had started picking on her. Not so long ago, everything had seemed fine, especially when she was a child. Her mother would set her up as an example for her big brother, always so proud.
They didnt live lavishly, but never went without. Everything necessary was provided, and if the family wanted something major, theyd save for it. They even had a carnot new, but it ran well enough, and if something needed fixing, her father would take care of it himself.
After secondary school, her brother Simon went on to university in London. That required a lot of moneytuition, a flat, food
Emily could see her parents were struggling, penny-pinching wherever they could. She knew her turn was coming; she and Simon were only two years apart.
We cant afford to send another one to London. Theres a university right hereapply there, her mother had told her.
So Emily enrolled locally and found work at once. At first, she was a weekend courier, then a waitress at the café down the road. She studied hard on a scholarship, bought her own clothes and even contributed to groceries for the house from time to time.
Well done, love, youre such a help at home. You study and work. Simon simply cant work at the moment, his course load is much heavier, the expectations in London are something else. Hes exhausted.
Im exhausted too, staying up at all hours to finish my essays, Emily would reply.
Its not the same kind of tiredness. At home, its different, you see.
Eventually, Simon graduated and started searching for jobs. There was no point going back to their little town; the prospects were all in the capital. Trouble was, none of the jobs matched his requirements. Work was available, but his demands were too high. Their parents kept helping him.
He just needs a foot in the door. Once hes set up, things will take off.
But things didnt take off, not really. Simon took a job, and then out of the blue, married his bosss daughtershed fallen pregnant.
The birth of their son sealed Simons placehe was well settled. His in-laws bought them a flat, his father-in-law gave him a promotion and a nice pay raise. Hed lucked out. Their parents breathed easier.
Emily, meanwhile, married a good man, but not the bosss son, and their flat was earned through years of hard worknot in London, either.
Their daughter was born, and then the twinstwo boys. Theyd expected a second child, but got a third at once. Life was hard but they didnt complain. The children grew and went to school.
After thirty-five years of marriage, Emilys parents decided to celebrate. Theyd missed their twenty-fifth anniversary, and the thirtieth toothere was always something more urgent to spend money on. Now, they resolved to mark the occasion.
Simon came with his son; his wife was busy, but sent a gifta gift certificate for kitchen appliances. She strongly recommended a dishwasher.
Simon insisted on the gift being opened first; they chose a dishwasher together, and he installed it himself. All evening, their mother beamed with pride, showing it off to the guests. No need for washing up after the banquetthe machine would handle it.
The gift from Emilys familya holiday for two, meant as a second honeymoonfaded into the background in the excitement over Simons present, even though the getaway had cost a small fortune.
Her parents went on holiday and even thanked Emily for it, but pointed out that shed spent the money foolishly. A trip was over in a week; the dishwasher would last for years.
After that, it started: every chance her mother got, she slipped in something about her successful son. Her son lives in London, that makes him someone important. Hes built a career, got a flat, a wife, a childthe lot!
And just one childnot three clamouring for attention. Why did you have three anyway? It might be easy now, but just wait. Now, Simon
Simons got a flat filled with the latest gadgets. The vacuum cleans itself, the lights turn on and off by themselves, dishes get done for him, cooked meals are delivered, and a cleaner comes round
Mum, I do everything myself. My husband and the children help out.
Well, Simon
Simon
Your brother
Time passed. Emilys children grew up. None of them went to university in London, but all graduated with top marks from the local one. Their mother commented on this as well.
You never did manage to raise your children properly. Now, look at Simons son, Nicholas
Mum, we have lovely children, but you dont know everything about Nicholas! When we visited, I noticed things straight awayeverything isnt as perfect as you imagine.
Dont speak illif nothings come of you, theres no hope for your children. Just breeding more poverty!
Yes, Mum, nothings come of megood job, just not in London. Husbands successful, but apparently not the right sort. Kids with top degreesbut only locally! Flat nicely done up, just dont have a housekeeper. We do still use the light switches and the dishwasher ourselves.
We help you, just not in the right way! Your Simon cant even send you money for medication; hes got too many expenses!
Hes made something of himself, and youre nobody!
One day, Simon turned up at his parents house. His mother thought it was just a visit, but hed come for good. His wife had filed for divorce, his father-in-laws company had let him go, and he had serious trouble with his son.
Back in their own hometown, there was no work to match his experience in London; the wages were a pittance by comparison.
Emily, weve decided Simon needs to start his own business. Hes ready. He cant just work as an ordinary engineer after everything hes accomplished, their mother said pointedly.
Fine. Then do it.
We need your help. We need moneya loan. You dont need much; youre not in London.
Well, Simon isnt in London anymore either. Time to come down to earth.
You might not need anything, but he does, he
Mum, we help our children, and we help you. Not much, but each gets something. We need a new car and a few other things.
The car can wait. Money for Simon is more important.
I know, MumSimons always been more important. As soon as he set off for London, that was that. No, I never wanted to study in London, but you wouldnt help me, even here.
The house left by your parents was spent on Simons London education and upkeep. The house from Dads side travelled to London tooSimon, a man of status, needed a car.
And when I asked, just for a loan for a pushchair for the twinsnothing. You thought wed gone to visit him in London? Stayed in his place? We never did; just dropped off parcels from you. We stayed in a hotel. His wife never liked us. Were just from the shires!
Hes divorced now, and he needs help. He doesnt even have a flat.
His cars gone too, smashed uphis sons doing.
Lets not dwell on his problemslets just help.
No, Mum! Theres work here, and the pay is decent. Oh, not by his standardshed find it paltry. But its enough for us.
So what am I supposed to give him? Pennies? Money for a business, then a car, then a flat No, Mum! Itd be unseemly for a man so successful to take money from his penniless provincial sister, whos never amounted to anything!
How dare you speak to me like that?
Its alright, Mum. Ive realisedSimons the only one who became someone. Now hes living with you; let him help you. Its his turn.
Emily! Youre forcing us to sell the flat. Do you realise what youre making us do?
Really? Im forcing you? Just make sure you save enough for at least one room for yourselves.
So her parents sold their flat, bought a poky, run-down studio, and handed the rest of the money to Simon, who headed back to London. Whats he supposed to do in their little town, anyway?
Business never happened, but to their mother, Simon was still someone. She pointed again at Emilys failings, asking her for helpshe needed repairs for the new flat. Emily chipped in but refused to fund the renovations.
I know that flat will go to my brother, so he can take care of it. Hes the big man around here!
Simons money soon ran dry, and he came back home again. It was cramped in the little flat, but nothing could be done.
A fold-out bed in the kitchenfor all his time making something of himself. As it turned out, their parents had backed the wrong horse, as they sayfell for their own fantasy.
What do you think? Share your thoughts below, and dont forget to like this post!
