**Diary Entry 12th December**
*”Youve got no heart. Cant you see how much Daniels struggling? Hes your own brotheryou couldve helped him. You only ever think of yourself.”*
Thats what Mum said when she rang me today, demanding I clear out my things from her flat. *”Were tripping over your clutter,”* she snapped. This all started because I refused to give my brother, Daniel, the money for a house deposit. Not lend*give*. I know full well hed never pay me back.
After I said no, Daniel stormed out of my place, fuming. He genuinely thought Id hand over my savings just because hes got a wife and kids, and I dont. I need to write this downits eating at me, especially with Christmas around the corner.
When I moved to Manchester for uni, I started working straight away. First, it was student halls, then a shared flat with a mate. I didnt want to lean on my parents, so I worked my arse offnot just to cover my bills, but to help Mum too.
She never outright asked for money, but there was always something: *”Could you pick up a new coat?”* or *”The kettles packed in.”* And every time I visited, Id bring bags of groceries.
Mum lives in a three-bed semi with Daniel. Dad passed three years back. Daniel was never one for studyingleft school, went to Scotland for work, and the only thing he came back with was a banged-up Ford. Now he drives for a minicab firm.
Then he married Sophie, and they both moved in with Mum. Money was always tightthey lived paycheque to paycheque, splurging the second their wages came in. Both Mum and Sophies parents bailed them out constantly. Daniel never had to try harder, knowing someone would always step in.
Now theyve got two kids and another on the way. The flats too cramped, so theyre after their own place.
Meanwhile, I rent a place with my fiancé, Oliver. Were saving for a house before we marryno point rushing into it. Olivers in IT, and I run a few e-commerce shops. Were careful with money, putting every spare quid into our future.
Mum knew our plans. Still, she nudged Daniel to ask me for cash. *”They want a house but havent got the deposit,”* she told me.
When Daniel turned up and demanded the money, I said no. He lost itacted like I *owed* him, just because hes got a family and I dont.
Then Mum rang. *”Youve got no conscience. Daniels drowning, and you wont lift a finger. Selfish, thats what you are.”*
And then the kicker: *”Come get your rubbish from the flat. We cant breathe in here. And dont bother coming for Christmas. Daniels livid, and Im not keen on seeing you either.”*
I didnt argue. Ill collect my things and stash them here till Oliver and I buy our place.
I *couldve* lent the money, but we both know itd vanish forever. He didnt even ask for a loanjust expected it, like some birthright.
All because hes got kids.
What would you do?
