June 12th
Margaret raised her two daughters on her own after their father passed away when they were very young. She never remarried, always worried that a new husband might not be good for her girls. And between choosing marriage or her children, she always chose her daughters.
The eldest, Evelyn, married young and later became the mother to a daughter named Sophie. Evelyn soon moved into her husbands flat, but the marriage didnt last. Within a few years, with Sophie still a toddler, Evelyn returned to Margarets home.
Her younger sister, Alice, resented Evelyns return. She suspected her sister had come back only to push her out and claim the flat for herself. The truth, though, was very differentEvelyns health had taken a turn for the worse, and shed been diagnosed with cancer. Margaret took care of Sophie through all this chaos.
Alice had married as well and had two children of her own. Margarets elderly aunt graciously offered her flat, and without much hesitation, Margaret transferred it to Alice. She firmly told Alice that if anything happened, shed never have any claim on her original home.
Evelyn passed away when Sophie was seventeen. Not long after, Margaret herself fell seriously ill. One afternoon, Alice came to her and rather bluntly asked, So, when youre gone, who gets your flat?
Margaret replied, What do you mean, who? Of course, Sophie will have it. Shes aloneher mother is gone, and her fathers nowhere in her life. She cant be left out in the cold.
Alice shouted, But shes just your granddaughter and Im your daughterand I have two children myself! Sophiell grow up and buy her own flat. Give my flat back now!
Margaret answered, No. We agreed on this years ago.
Well, then Ill never set foot in this place again, Alice yelled.
Alice couldnt care less if Sophie was struggling with schoolwork or managing a frail grandmother. From the moment Margaret refused her request for the flat, Alice cut off all contact with her mother.
Looking back, I realise how important it is to honour our promises and care for those who need us most, rather than letting envy or greed dictate our relationships.
