You know, Emily and I dont really talk much, even though we both live in the same city. Id heard from some mutual friends that she was going through a rough patch, so I thought Id pop by and offer my support. Emily told me shed lost her job, her husband was picking up odd jobs here and there, and they were really struggling with their bills and looking after their little boy. My heart just went out to my sister, and I honestly wanted to do whatever I could to help out. Still, when I got home that night, I felt weighed downproper heavy-hearted.
The next day, I gathered up anything I could spareclothes, kitchen things, you name itand brought them round to Emilys. From then on, it wasnt just me; loads of our family started chipping in. Some brought warm jumpers and coats, and the neighbours even donated shoes that were almost as good as new for the kids. We all started buying them foodbasics really, like bread, potatoes, biscuits, fruit. We pulled together to make sure Emily and her lot had what they needed. Emilys husband never seemed to be around much, so I just assumed he was working every hour God sends to keep the family afloat.
One morning, I decided to visit Emily before work instead of in the evening. Thats when I spotted this massive, shiny car parked right in front of their house. You could tell straight away it cost a bomb. Emilys husband came out, jumped in the car, and drove off. I couldnt help myselfI went straight to Emily and asked her what on earth was going on with the car. She told me theyd taken out a loan and were paying it off bit by bit.
That honestly shocked me, so I just came out with it: So youre telling me your cupboards are nearly bare, youve leaned on all of us for support, but meanwhile youve taken out credit to drive around in a luxury car? We thought you were up against it, but it feels like youve been getting by on our help while keeping up appearances with this car. Thats when it became painfully clear that all the help wed been giving wasnt being used in the way wed thought.
From that day, I decided to take a step back from Emily, and I told the rest of the family the truth about what was really going on. They deserved to know where their help had gone for all those months.
