The Bride Forgot to Say “Thank You”
“Emma, is there anything to eat at your place?” asked Lucy in a rush. “I’m absolutely famished, it’s dreadful. And I’m in quite a hurry. I need to fit everything in today. After all, it’s Mother’s Day. The girls are waiting for me, and we’re planning a night out at the club.”
“Yes, it is our special day. Here you go, dear. Congratulations,” said Emma, handing Lucy a lovely little box with the bracelet she’d been dreaming of for years.
Lucy could never buy it for herself. Her entire paycheck vanished faster than you could blink. Either she needed a new stylish jacket urgently or had to have her hair done, or her friends would call her out. How could she deny herself these little pleasures? Emma knew about Lucy’s wish and was incredibly eager to make her happy. Emma felt like Lucy was family. Besides, Emma always wanted a daughter, in addition to her grown-up son. So when Alex brought Lucy, his girlfriend, home, it felt like Emma’s wish had come true. She loved Lucy with all her heart and spoiled her a great deal…
Emma adored this fragile young woman, not because Lucy was particularly special or especially kind, but simply because she herself was generous. Emma loved her son deeply, which extended to everyone and everything connected to him. Lucy and Alex had been dating for three years. As a good future mother-in-law, Emma tried to embrace Lucy as part of the family.
What she didn’t foresee was how quickly people come to expect good things. When you frequently do nice things for people, they start to think they deserve it all the time. They forget to say thank you, and soon, they assume it’s entirely normal and expected to receive everything handed to them on a silver platter. This is how things unfolded with Lucy.
From the very first day, Emma decided she’d do everything to ensure Lucy felt at home and comfortable in their family. Emma and her husband, David, Alex’s father, had recently moved to a lovely home outside the city. A few weeks after they met, Emma invited Lucy to stay over the night…
From then on, Lucy essentially lived in Alex’s room, no longer asking for permission from her boyfriend or his family, as if it were entirely natural. Nobody seemed to mind, but naturally, there were times when the parents of a grown son wanted to spend time alone together, or just with their son, as a family. But that opportunity no longer existed.
Living in that house was far more comfortable for Lucy than sharing a small apartment with her mum and grandmother. Why not? The house was beautifully renovated, offering all amenities for a comfortable life. The fridge was always stocked with food for any taste. Delicious, fresh meals were always ready. She didn’t even have to clean. Emma, a true lady of the house, handled everything with pleasure.
They always included Lucy in their outings, too, even visits to friends in nearby towns. Emma’s friend Clara always welcomed Emma’s family warmly with delicious dinners, soft, clean beds, and delightful leisure activities. Naturally, all of this was extended to Lucy as well. She was part of the family.
Clara’s family also grew fond of Lucy. She enjoyed being there, where she’d always be fed and entertained as if it were a fairy tale life. During the three years Lucy was part of Alex’s family, she even went on two trips to the seaside—all expenses covered—despite having a well-paying job herself. She visited countryside retreats without ever offering a penny. She never bought groceries, not even a simple cake for tea.
In short, it might have seemed that Lucy found it convenient to be with such a kind, generous, and hospitable family. Nobody—not Emma, her husband, nor Alex—ever entertained negative thoughts about Lucy. She was always cheerful, spontaneous, and open. No unpleasant thoughts ever crossed Emma’s mind until that fateful day—Mother’s Day.
On that day, two best friends planned to celebrate together. Clara came to the city to see Emma. They booked a luxurious suite in an expensive hotel. Their stay included access to the pool, a spa complex, and even massages in honor of the day. They could invite a few guests, but only until 11 PM.
The friends had a splendid time, drinking champagne and laughing heartily, chatting about everything under the sun. Their camaraderie was interrupted by… who else? Of course, it was Lucy. Surprisingly enough, that was the case.
“Emma, hello. Alex told me you’re at the spa today? Can I join you briefly?” Lucy asked.
Emma was initially taken aback. It seemed the two grown women, best friends, deserved a little time alone. After all, they had escaped the endless domestic routine on this wonderful day, leaving husbands and children behind (Clara, for instance, had three). Why would they need anyone else? They were quite content, having fun and relaxing.
But refusing Lucy felt a bit awkward. “Alright then, come on over,” Emma said hesitantly.
“Are we expecting someone?” Clara asked, surprised.
“Yes. Lucy will drop by for a short while.”
“Oh, really. Well, alright. I actually have a gift for her. I intended to give it to you, but I suppose I’ll give it to her in person.”
“I have mine with me too. I thought of giving it back home, but why not now.”
Within fifteen minutes, Lucy was at the door of their suite. “Oh, everything here is so exquisite! It’s gorgeous. Is the spa open? I’ll go; I don’t have much time.” Lucy donned a white robe and immediately set off to relax and enjoy herself.
Clara and Emma exchanged surprised glances, shrugged, and resumed their conversation. Meanwhile, their ordered dinner arrived from the restaurant. It was lavish, with oysters, mussels, select fruits, and sweets. Fish, caviar—the works. On such a day, why hold back?
As the friends enjoyed their delightful meal, Lucy returned to the suite.
“So, what’s here? This looks delicious,” she said, joining the group unceremoniously.
Again, Emma and Clara tensed slightly but didn’t show it. Emma decided to ease the atmosphere by giving Lucy her gift.
“Oh, wow. This is exactly what I wanted!” she mumbled while eating another oyster. Clara also congratulated Lucy and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek.
But there was silence in return. Not a real thank you, nor congratulations. It felt as though Mother’s Day was solely hers.
“Alright, I have to run now. The girls are waiting, and I need to swing by home, wash my hair, and change clothes.”
“Really, Lucy? Do you even know Alex is waiting for you at home? Sure, you were at work today; you didn’t see each other during the day. But now? Didn’t he mention it?”
“He did. But I told him my friends have reserved a table at the club. I want to have a night out with them.”
“But he made dinner for you and has a present. You’ll love it, you’ll see.”
Emma and her son planned the gift together. She bought the bracelet, and Alex saved up for a few months for earrings to match. Lucy never even dreamt of such a gift. But seeing her lukewarm response to Emma’s present, Emma was undoubtedly disappointed. Either Lucy expected something different, or she’d simply forgotten how to be grateful.
Most likely, it was the latter. Alex’s family had likely spoiled her so much that she took everything they did for her for granted.
“Lucy, please spend some time with Alex. He prepared everything and waited for you,” Emma implored. “He can drive you to the club later and pick you up.”
“It’s no big deal. I’ll come over in the morning. Our friends invited us to ride ATVs tomorrow. I’ve wanted to go for ages.”
“And the dinner? The present?”
“He can eat the dinner himself, and I’ll pick up the present tomorrow, whatever.”
Lucy disappeared as swiftly as she’d arrived. She hadn’t congratulated either Emma or Clara on the occasion, nor did she bring anything for them. She chose to go off and have fun elsewhere—where her heart desired, not where her beloved awaited. At that moment, many things became clear.
A silence lingered in the room.
“Emma, I don’t want to overstep, but…”
“Yes, I understood. I realize I bear much of the responsibility. I’ve been too generous with this young woman. So much so, that she’s forgotten how to say ‘thank you.’ Yet she’s become quite adept at using people.”
The friends decided not to let thoughts of inconsiderate Lucy spoil their evening.
The following morning, Alex faced a very serious conversation with his mother…
