My Brother Drove His Wife to Despair – Then the Unthinkable Happened
Growing up, my older brother, John, was my role model.
He was like a mentor, protector, and someone I always aspired to be.
Before my own wedding, he advised me:
“Remember one thing, mate. Never let your wife know how much money you have. Give women free rein – and they’ll empty your pockets. Keep her in check, don’t let her run wild!”
Back then, I thought he was overreacting.
But John was five years older, already married, so I figured he knew what he was talking about.
Thankfully, my wife, Emma, wasn’t like that.
She didn’t chase after brands, demand expensive gifts, or dream of a lavish lifestyle.
However, over time, John and I grew apart – our wives didn’t like each other, and he was preoccupied with his business.
I played in an orchestra, and he owned farms and fields.
Every time we met, I braced myself for his reprimands.
John always had something to criticize me for.
Money was more important than family
Constantly, John would nag:
“You’re irresponsible! Why do you live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife spend money on all sorts of nonsense?”
I never argued back, but his words hurt.
After those conversations, I tried to save, but soon forgot and lived as I always did.
John had a daughter – Annie.
He was overly strict with her.
No pocket money, no fashionable clothes, no makeup.
The girl grew up with strict discipline.
Occasionally, she visited us – and Emma and I secretly slipped her some money.
At 16, Annie ran away from home – just to escape her father’s control.
John even thought that was “right” – blaming himself for not protecting her.
But the worst was yet to come…
A holiday that became torture
Two years ago, our families decided to vacation by the sea.
And that’s when I saw everything.
My brother would torment his wife over every penny.
“Coffee again? Can’t you drink it at home?”
“Pizza? Are you mad? It costs a fortune!”
“Ice cream for the kids? They can have water!”
John kept a tight grip on every expenditure, every pound, every receipt.
Strolling along the boardwalk with him was impossible.
Like all kids, mine wanted candyfloss, balloons, souvenirs…
But John just frowned and grumbled:
“You’re bankrupting your parents, don’t you see?”
Even though he had far more money than I did.
He was just afraid to spend it.
Emma couldn’t take it anymore and suggested:
“Let’s stay here a few more days. Without them.”
I agreed.
John left with his wife that night.
He was in a rush – he wanted to make it to a farm equipment auction.
But that morning, I got a call…
They’d had an accident.
I was forever changed after this
Turns out, he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Since then, I’ve been a different person.
I no longer save for “old age”.
I no longer worry about the cost of a cup of coffee.
I buy gifts for the kids, beautiful things for my wife, nice suits for myself.
Yes, money is necessary.
But what’s the point of hoarding it if you’re not living?
It’s foolish to hold onto money as if you can take it with you when you die.
The most important thing is not losing those you love.
Because you can’t buy them.
Not for any amount of money.
