The Bride Forgot How to Say “Thank You”
“Kate, do you have anything to eat around here?” Emily asked hurriedly as she rushed by. “I’m starving and in such a hurry. I need to get everything done today. It’s Women’s Day, after all. The girls are waiting for me—we’re going clubbing tonight.”
“Yes, it’s a special day. Our day. Here, this is for you, dear. Congratulations,” Kate handed Emily a small, charming box containing a bracelet Emily had dreamed of having for years.
She could never buy it herself, as her entire paycheck seemed to disappear in the blink of an eye. Whether it was buying a new trendy jacket, getting hair extensions, or joining her friends for a night out, she couldn’t possibly deny herself these small pleasures. Kate knew about Emily’s desire and was exceptionally keen to make her happy. Emily was practically like family. Besides, Kate had always dreamed of having a daughter in addition to her adult son. So when Alex brought Emily to their home, her wish seemed to come true. Kate adored her and spoiled her lavishly.
Kate’s affection for Emily wasn’t because she was exceptionally special, kind, or sweet. Kate was just that kind of person—she loved her son dearly and extended that love to everything and everyone related to him. Emily had been dating him for three years, and Kate, anticipating her future role as mother-in-law, made efforts to embrace her as part of the family.
Yet there was one thing she hadn’t accounted for: people can be self-interested, and they easily get used to comfort. If you do too much for them, they start believing it’s how things ought to be. They forget to express gratitude and eventually consider it ordinary to receive everything on a silver platter.
This happened with Emily. From the first day Kate met her, she decided to make her feel welcome and comfortable in their family. Kate and her husband, Mike, Alex’s father, had recently moved to a beautiful home in the countryside. A few weeks after they met, she invited Emily to stay the night.
Ever since, Emily had been staying in Alex’s room without seeking permission—neither from her boyfriend nor his family—as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Nobody seemed to object, yet occasionally the parents of this grown son wished for some privacy, or at least the chance to enjoy time alone as a family of three.
Emily found the house much more comfortable than the cramped flat she shared with her mother and grandmother. The renovations were top-notch, and all the comforts of life were within reach. The fridge was always stocked with a variety of foods and delicious meals, eliminating her need to cook or clean. Kate, like a true matron, took care of everything with pleasure.
Emily was included in everything—from family outings to visits with friends in the neighboring town. Kate’s friend, Sarah, always greeted their family warmly with delicious dinners, a cozy bed, and cheerful activities. Naturally, Emily reaped these benefits too, treated as part of the family.
Everyone in Sarah’s family adored Emily as well. She enjoyed the hospitality: good food, plenty of drinks, fun excursions. Her life was a fairy tale. Over the three years she became part of Alex’s family, Emily also enjoyed beach vacations twice without spending a dime, despite her good salary, and frequented local resorts without ever contributing or even offering.
Furthermore, she never bought groceries, not even a simple cake for tea time. One might think she was just enjoying the generous, hospitable family.
Kate, her husband, and Alex never entertained negative thoughts about her. Emily was lively, spontaneous, and open. Yet disturbing revelations came on that fateful Women’s Day.
Award-winning relaxation was planned for the two best friends, who booked a luxurious hotel suite complete with pool, spa access, and a celebratory massage. They could even invite guests until eleven at night. Kate and Sarah were thoroughly enjoying their time, sipping champagne, laughing heartily, and sharing their secrets.
Their idyll was interrupted by the last person they expected—Emily. Surprisingly so.
“Hello, Kate. Alex mentioned you’re enjoying the spa today. Mind if I pop over for a bit?” Emily called.
Kate hesitated, feeling that the two women, best friends, deserved some exclusive time together, free from the mundanity of day-to-day life, leaving behind husbands and children (and Sarah had three!). Why should they invite anyone else?
“Well, alright, come over,” Kate murmured reluctantly.
“Are we expecting someone else?” Sarah inquired with surprise.
“Yes. Emily will stop by for a short visit.”
“Really? Ok. I prepared a gift for her, planning to give it to you for her, but now I can do it in person.”
“I have mine too. I thought it’d be better at home… but never mind.”
Within fifteen minutes, Emily was at the suite’s threshold.
“Oh, it’s fantastic here! So beautiful. Is the spa open? I need to relax, I’m on a tight schedule.”
Emily slipped into a white robe and headed for leisure and pampering without delay. Sarah and Kate exchanged surprised glances but shrugged it off to resume their vibrant conversation. Meanwhile, their ordered dinner arrived, complete with oysters, mussels, select fruits and desserts, fish, and caviar—splendid indulgence for their occasion.
While the friends relished their wonderful dinner, Emily returned to the suite.
“What’s going on here? Looks delicious, mmm,” she declared, helping herself without preamble.
Kate and Sarah tensed slightly, but kept it to themselves.
Kate decided to lighten the mood by handing Emily her gift.
“Oh, cool. That’s exactly what I wanted!” she mumbled, swallowing another oyster.
Sarah also congratulated Emily and kissed her cheek softly.
Silence followed—Emily barely mustered a thank-you, with no reciprocation or well-wishes. It seemed as though Women’s Day was solely her affair.
“Right, I have to run. My girls are waiting, and I need to swing by home, wash my hair, and change.”
“Emily, are you even aware that Alex is waiting for you at home? Sure, you worked today and missed each other, but now? Didn’t he tell you?”
“He did, but my friends have already reserved a table at the club. I’m joining them.”
“He cooked dinner and got a gift for you. You’ll love it, just wait and see.”
Kate had arranged with her son about the present in advance: she bought the bracelet, and Alex, after months of saving, got the matching earrings. Such a gesture was beyond anything Emily dared dream of. But witnessing her lukewarm reaction to the present left Kate heartbroken. Was Emily expecting something else, or did she merely forget gratitude?
More likely, it was the latter. Alex’s family had spoiled her to the extent where she took every favor for granted.
“Emily, spend some time with Alex. He was looking forward to seeing you,” Kate couldn’t help but implore. “He’ll drive you to the club and pick you up afterward.”
“It’s fine. I’ll see him in the morning. We’re going quad biking with friends tomorrow. I’ve been wanting to try that.”
“And dinner? The present?”
“He can eat the dinner himself; I’ll get the present tomorrow.”
Emily left as swiftly as she had arrived. She neither congratulated nor gave gifts to Kate and Sarah, instead choosing to continue her fun with friends over sharing time with someone she claimed to love.
A heavy silence descended.
“Kate, I don’t want to overstep, but…”
“Yes. I understand. And I know it’s largely my fault. I showered this girl with so much goodness that she forgot how to say ‘Thank you.’ But she’s mastered taking advantage of people.”
The friends decided not to let thoughts and chats about shameless Emily mar their evening.
A very serious conversation awaited Alex the following morning with his mother.
