Theodore hesitated as he looked at his phone screen. His mother had called several times, and he knew the conversation would once again be unpleasant. Most likely, she would ask for help for his younger brother, Alex—whether it was money or some other favor. Theodore sighed deeply. He had long understood that he was always the unwanted one in the family.
Since childhood, he had tried to please his mother: studied well, got into the University of London on a scholarship to avoid burdening the family financially. He moved into the dormitory, just to stay away from her disdainful looks. All his efforts went unnoticed—his mother’s love belonged only to Alex. Theodore remembered how she would tenderly hug his younger brother, while he received only coldness and constant reproaches.
— I should have gotten rid of you when I had the chance, — she once snapped in a fit of anger. — I never loved your father, and I shouldn’t have given birth to you.
Theodore tried to ignore those words, finding solace in his studies and books. They were his only refuge; they couldn’t betray or hurt him. After graduating from university, he found a job and started an independent life. But then his mother suddenly remembered him. At first, she asked him to help Alex with his studies, later—with money. Theodore was happy to finally hear words of appreciation, something he had never experienced in childhood. He gave everything to his family—even when he lacked the basics for himself.
— You’re just a puppet, — his childhood friend Emily once said. — Your mother is just using you.
Emily was the only person who sincerely cared about Theodore. Her family treated him better than his own mother did. She made him question: was it really worth it? Had he received anything in return besides constant exhaustion and reproaches?
When Emily’s father was hospitalized and urgently needed heart surgery, she turned to Theodore in desperation. Without hesitation, he decided to help. He requested an interest-free loan from his workplace, knowing that helping this family was a genuine way to show his gratitude for their kindness.
The surgery was successful. Theodore felt proud that he had made the right decision. But when his mother appeared again with her demands, he finally found the strength to say no.
— Take Alex’s blame upon yourself, — she begged, explaining that Alex had injured someone and was facing prison time. — His wife is pregnant, and you’re alone anyway. No one will miss you.
Theodore looked at his mother and felt only emptiness. Her tears and manipulations no longer fooled him. He realized that all this time, he had been just a convenient tool.
— Mom, you’re right, — he said quietly. — No one will miss me, but I won’t let you control my life anymore.
His mother grew furious, cursing him, but Theodore remained calm. He was no longer afraid of her words. Now, he had a new family—Emily and her loved ones. They accepted him for who he was.
Soon, Emily’s father recovered. With tears in her eyes, she thanked Theodore for his help and offered to repay the money, but he only smiled.
— If you agree to go on a date with me, you can pay it back, — he joked.
— A date? — she asked in surprise.
— I’ve loved you for a long time. I was just afraid to tell you, — Theodore admitted.
Emily burst into tears of joy and hugged him. Finally, he realized that he had made the right choice—choosing the people who truly valued him.
Theodore no longer had any doubts—his life was just beginning, and something real and sincere was waiting for him ahead.
