We Have Two Children, But Our Hearts Belong to Just One.

Author Emily TaylorReading 2 minViews 3

We have two kids, but we only love one. Ive always known that Mum and Dad liked my sister, Poppy, more than they liked me. They proved it again when they gave her and her two little ones a room in the family house and told me to pack up because, With your remoteworking gig you can afford a flat of your own.

While Poppy was at university, my parents trailed her around like doting schoolmums, running every errand with the deans office, stepping in when she had a meeting, and now theyre looking after her tots. They never lifted a finger for me, and now they want me out.

Dad says, since Im a bloke I should be able to sort myself out, yet somehow my sisters husband, Robert, isnt expected to support the clan even though hes older than me.

During the squabble about moving, I was daft enough to claim I had just as much right to the flat as Poppy and that I deserved a share too. Mum snapped that my dad and she still live there, called me a pig for bringing up splitting the property, and Poppy shouted that I was trying to boot her and the kids out.

Legally theres no hope Im pretty sure Mum and Dad will draft a will tomorrow and cut me out.

Can a family really fall apart over a flat? Im still their child, but they treat me like a stranger. So why have two kids at all, I wonder, when I seem to have become completely dispensable?

A Parent’s Heart: A Story Thank You for Your Support, Likes, Kindness, Feedback on My Stories, Subscriptions, and a Huge Thanks from Me and My Five Lovely Cats for All Your Generous Donations. Please Share Your Favourite Stories on Social Media—It’s Always a Joy for the Author! “Why are you looking so glum this morning? Not even a smile. Come on, let’s have breakfast.” Her husband walked into the kitchen with a sleepy stretch—finally, a Sunday morning. The bacon and eggs were sizzling on the hob, while his wife poured tea. She plonked more than half the eggs onto his plate and handed him some bread— “Eat up, go on!” “What did I do wrong, Natasha?” Arkady asked gently. “We both did wrong, raising the kids like we did,” Natasha replied, sitting down beside him but barely touching her own food. “Our daughter and son are grown now. We gave up so much as we raised them—those times were tough. We always supported them, but who supports us, even with just a kind word? They’ve always got problems, always bored or short of money. Both Sveta and Dima, always moaning.” “What makes you say that?” Arkady had just finished his eggs, happily buttering fresh bread and spooning on some jam. “It’s different for you—they come to me with it all, you know, their mum. Dima wanted to go bowling with his family yesterday and wanted an advance until payday. I got cross and didn’t give it to him. Oh, he was so put out. And Sveta called just before—her singing career’s going nowhere, so she’s in a mood too. She loves singing—great, sing for your soul, but you’ve got to work as well! She wants to make a living out of it, but it’s not happening. Not everyone can do that, and it’s time she realised. She needs a proper job! Even as children they were close, now they barely speak to each other!” Natasha pushed away her now-cold eggs and sipped her tea. “Don’t get so upset, love, it’ll work out. We were young once, remember?” Arkady tried to comfort her, but she only grew more agitated. “Oh, Arkasha, you remember! We lived within our means and found joy in the little things! When Dima was born—it was pure happiness. My friend gave me a pram and cot, my sister handed down vests, nappies, onesies from her eldest—hand-me-downs but good as new because kids grow so fast. We were happy! And when we bought our little Fiat, we felt on top of the world. Built a little shed next to the house, it made us feel rich! But for our lot, if they haven’t been abroad, life’s not worth living—what is that? We never taught them that!” “These are different times, Natasha, there are so many temptations. They’re young. Wait—they’ll understand one day.” “Let’s hope it’s not too late by then. Chasing riches and life’s flying by. I look at myself in the mirror and wonder, is that really me—a grandmother now? And you, you’re a granddad…” They were interrupted by the phone—it was their son, Dima. “Well, here we go again,” Natasha said, picking up the phone. As she listened, her eyes grew wide and she jumped up. “Arkady, get dressed quick—Dima’s in hospital! His neighbour from the ward called.” “What happened?” Arkady was on his feet, rapidly pulling on his clothes. “I’m not sure exactly. He cut his hand with an angle grinder—blade shattered and sliced it. They’re trying to save the hand. Hopefully everything will be all right. Oh, please let it be all right! Come on, let’s go.” They threw on their coats—a bit older now but far from old, two deeply worried parents—and set off, thoughts of everything else forgotten, hurrying to the hospital to see their son… On the way, Svetlana called: “Mum, can I pop round at lunchtime?” “Of course, love, we’ll probably be back by then,” Natasha called, breathless, racing to the bus stop after Arkady. At the hospital, they were quickly reassured—Dima’s hand had been saved, though they couldn’t see him just yet. “I’m not leaving until I see him,” Natasha said firmly, parking herself in the waiting area, with Arkady by her side. Suddenly Svetlana burst into the hospital, dashing over to them. “Mum, why do you look so worried? It’s fine now. Dima was doing a repair job yesterday—something wouldn’t come off, so he was cutting bolts, slipped and sliced his hand. He’s conscious, stitches done, fingers moving. Mum, don’t look so grim, he’ll be okay!” “How do you know?” Natasha managed. “We’re always in touch, Mum—me, Dima, and his wife Lena too. We help each other out, what’s the problem?” “But—we thought you barely spoke to each other, you never told us…” Arkady explained. “Dad, you two are so strong, so sorted, like nothing ever fazes you. We don’t want to worry you unnecessarily,” Sveta smiled. “Honestly, you both look so young! We just want you to enjoy life for yourselves now.” “Well that’s a twist—I thought you didn’t care about us anymore,” Natasha smiled back. “Oh Mum, your generation, you’re all so resilient. We try to be like you, we really do, Dad. We’re just not always as good at it, but we try, you know?” Finally, the nurse let them see Dima for a minute. Natasha nearly broke down, but Dima was calm. “Mum, it’s all over now, honestly, don’t worry. Dad, remember when you got stung in the garage and nearly died in hospital? Life happens! When I’m out, come over for New Year’s, we haven’t all got together in ages. Sveta wants to introduce everyone to her boyfriend too—she hasn’t told you yet?” Natasha and Arkady walked home, deciding to enjoy the fresh air. Not Old—But Not Young Either: Parents on the Road Ah, a parent’s heart—it always aches for their children. You look at other people’s children and wish yours could be better, live more rightly, listen to you more. But our children have their own path, whatever it may be… And they’re good kids—after all, they’re ours.

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📌 Useful Social Services & Contacts in the U.S.

Stay informed and get help when you need it. Below are key national services with direct contacts that may support you or your loved ones:
🏥 Health & Mental Support

SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

What they do: Free and confidential help with substance use and mental health disorders.

Hotline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) – 24/7, anonymous support

Website: samhsa.gov

🧒 Support for Children & Families

WIC – Women, Infants, and Children Program

What they do: Nutritional and healthcare support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.

Federal Info Line: 1-800-522-5006

Find local WIC office: fns.usda.gov/wic

We Have Two Children, But Our Hearts Belong to Just One.