“Im sick to the back teeth of her endless tales about her family!”
“Shes our neighbour, could you at least listen?” my husband asked.
“But she tells the same story again and again.”
Helen was known for her patience and gentle nature except when it came to their neighbour, Edith. And her husband never seemed to understand why. Once upon a time, the two women had been almost like family friends. Edith was about fifteen years older than Helen. After Edith’s parents passed away, she and her two sisters ended up sharing the old family house in York. In theory, everything ought to have gone smoothly the three of them agreed to sell the house and split the money between them. But, of course, something went awry.
Helen wasnt sure of all the details, but according to her grandmother, Edith had pleaded to remain in the house, claiming shed fallen on hard times. Shed promised to repay her sisters as soon as she got back on her feet. The other two eventually relented, giving up their shares in writing. What happened afterwards, Helen didnt know for certain, but she strongly suspected Edith still hadnt paid them back.
Edith would drop by Helens house nearly every week, moaning about her relatives: Theyve completely abandoned me. No phone calls, no cards, not a jot of conversation. They care for nothing but money.
Of course they cared, Helen thought. After all, youd promised to pay them! But according to Edith, everyone else was wicked and mercenary, and only she was pure-hearted. I nearly rang them this morning, Edith went on, but then I realised I cant even afford to keep this place running. They should help with the costs, shouldnt they? Its not as if its just my house.
Helen hesitated. But didnt they say
Well, yes, but what of it? Its still their house, too! They grew up here. It was their fathers home. Dont they care at all?
Perhaps they felt a bit put out, since you did promise them their portion…
In the first place, it was their own decision. No one twisted their arms. Second, I said Id pay them as soon as I could, but I havent got the money yet. You cant expect me to sell the house just to pay them off where on earth would I live then? Naturally, all they care about is the money. No one thinks about me, do they.
Helen looked at her husband, who sat there with a peculiar expression, somewhere between resignation and recognition, as if he suddenly understood everything and had decided never to question again why his wife dreaded Ediths visits.
