“You’re living well, so you should help your family!”
“Are you home, Sophie?”
“No, I’m on my way. What’s up?”
“We need to talk. When will you be back?”
“About half an hour. What’s happened, Mom?”
“You’ll find out later.”
This was the exchange between Sophie and her mother, Valerie.
Sophie barely had time to change and unpack her groceries before the doorbell rang.
“Mom, what’s going on?”
Valerie glanced around the apartment suspiciously before walking in.
“I see you’ve got a new TV.”
“Yeah.”
“Living the good life,” her mother remarked as she stepped into the kitchen.
“Tea or coffee?”
“I’ll manage. I’m here for a reason.”
But right at that moment, Valerie spotted the fancy salami and heaps of fruit.
“See? You’re living in style. Look at all these groceries.”
“Yes, Mom. We can afford it.”
“Indeed, your dad and I slaved away in factories all our lives, and you have your little business. Luck’s on your side!”
Sophie and her husband Paul indeed had their own business, which they started from scratch. No one helped or loaned them money for the initial investment.
Everything they achieved was through their own hard work. They took a gamble and got a loan, risking everything. At the time, no one offered support, but later, they were criticized for living better than other family members.
Sophie knew from her mother’s demeanor that their conversation wouldn’t end pleasantly. It was either another request or a complaint.
“I wanted to talk about your sister, Gail. She’s been working for peanuts for months now. You know she’s a sales assistant, right?”
“Yes, I know,” Sophie nodded.
“Well, I’ve been thinking. Wouldn’t it be great if you could find her a spot at your company?”
“In what way?” Sophie was puzzled.
“Literally. You need employees, don’t you?”
“No, we’ve already filled our positions.”
Valerie gave her daughter a reproachful look.
“So, no openings at all?”
“I’m telling you, there aren’t any vacancies.”
However, this argument didn’t deter her mother, who kept pressing.
“You know, it seems you just don’t want to help your sister. That’s why you’re making excuses.”
Sophie understood her mother’s motives well. This wasn’t the first time.
Valerie always favored Gail, the younger daughter, pampering her with the best.
Gail became accustomed to having things handed to her, unlike Sophie, who strove to earn everything and build a better life.
While their parents worked, Gail couldn’t be persuaded to work. Later, she had no choice because living solely on a pension wasn’t feasible.
Without a degree or experience, she struggled to find good opportunities. Sophie, on the other hand, worked from the age of 18 while earning her degree.
Gradually, Sophie aimed to start her own business with her husband and live comfortably. Gail, however, remained dissatisfied and unwilling to change.
It was easier if someone else did it for her—her mom or sister, for example. Valerie still believed that Sophie was obliged to help Gail, so she insisted.
“Mom, I’ve already explained everything.”
“It seems you’d rather hire strangers than help your own.”
Sophie and Paul had a firm rule: no hiring relatives or friends. Why? Because they tended to slack off.
They’d made that mistake once and vowed not to repeat it. Mixing business with personal relationships was unwise, even with relatives.
But it wasn’t the only reason Sophie was hesitant to help Gail. Their relationship had been rocky since childhood.
From early on, their mother showed favoritism towards Gail, setting the siblings on opposing paths.
Given her treatment of Sophie, what did Valerie expect?
“Mom, I can’t help. I’m not firing anyone to make room for Gail.”
“You’re such a selfish person, truly! What can we expect from wealthy folks like you? You can’t understand simple people like us.”
Valerie turned to leave, taking the grocery bag with her. Sophie didn’t stop her, knowing it would be futile. Her mother would see it as a weakness.
That evening, when Paul returned home, he noticed Sophie’s tear-stained face.
“Sophie, what’s wrong?”
“Mom stopped by.”
“Let me guess, she asked about your sister again?”
“Yes.”
Paul hugged Sophie tightly, offering his support.
“I hope you didn’t take her words to heart?”
“No, I’m used to her antics by now,” Sophie shook her head.
“That’s right. You know that giving in once means they’ll keep expecting it.”
“Yes, I know, but it still hurts.”
Just then, the phone rang, and Gail’s number appeared on the screen.
“Hello,” Sophie answered indifferently.
“I don’t get it, are you really that stingy?”
“What do you mean, Gail?”
At first, Sophie thought she was talking about the job, but it was something else.
“I saw Mom with the salami and fruit. Why did you give so little? You could have been more generous. After all, you earn well.”
Sophie sighed heavily and replied:
“And why do you think I owe you anything?”
“Because I’m your sister, and you’re supposed to help me.”
“No, dear. I owe you nothing, just like you owe me nothing. We each live our own lives and manage with what we have. If you want more, go find it. Don’t wait for handouts.”
Sophie expected Gail to hang up angrily, but she had more to say.
“Of course, it’s easy for you to say, with your business and all. What about me?”
“Then start your own business, what’s stopping you? Go on, give it a shot!”
Sophie didn’t want to hear any more accusations. She knew her sister and mother were set in their ways. Trying to prove her point to them was exhausting.
Indeed, it’s better to appreciate those who value you and not cater to others merely because they’re family.
