You didnt manage to raise your children properly. Look at Michael, Sarah
Sarah never understood at first why her mother suddenly started finding faults with her. Not long ago, things were just fine, especially when she was a child. Her mother used to hold her up as an example for her older brother, praised her endlessly.
They lived an average life, not poor, but not wealthy either. They always had what was needed, and they saved up for big purchases. They even had a carnot a new one, but it got them where they needed to go. If it broke down, Dad would fix it himself.
After school, her brother David got into university in London. That meant a lot of money went towards himtuition, rent, food
Sarah could see her parents were struggling, saving every penny. She was due to apply to university in two years herself.
We cant afford to send another one up to London. Theres a good uni here in town. Apply there.
So Sarah did. She got herself a job, first delivering for a local shop at weekends, then waitressing at the cafe down the street. She studied on a scholarship, bought her own clothes, and even sometimes brought food home.
Well done, darling. Its good to have you around. You study, you work. David simply doesnt have time for work in Londonthe demands are high, and he gets so tired.
I get tired too, Mum. Im up late writing essays half the time.
Its not the same, Sarah. Youre at home. Thats different.
Eventually, David finished his degree and started looking for a proper job. There was no reason to move back homeLondon offered more prospects, after all. Trouble was, there wasnt much work to suit such aspirations. There was work, but not work that suited him. Mum and Dad kept helping him financially.
He just needs to get his foot in the door. Once hes settled, hell be fine.
He did settle, in a way. David found a job and then, rather suddenly, married his bosss daughter. Because of a baby on the way.
A son arrivedhe was firmly established now. His new in-laws bought them a flat, his father-in-law promoted David and gave him a pay rise. Lucky man. Mum and Dad breathed a sigh of relief.
Sarah got married too, but not as successfully as her brothernot to some managers son, but an ordinary bloke. They saved up for their own flat, even if it wasnt in London.
A daughter arrived, and then twin boys. They were expecting a second child and got a third all at once. It was tough, but they never complained. The children grew up and went to school.
After thirty-five years of marriage, her parents decided to have a celebration. Theyd skipped their silver anniversary, and their thirtieth as wellthered just never been enough money, but now they fancied a bash.
David turned up with his sonhis wife was busy but sent a present instead. A voucher for home appliances. She suggested a dishwasher.
David gave them the present early; it was chosen, installed, and for the rest of the evening, Mum raved about it to the guests. No need to do the dishes after the partythe machine handles everything!
The present from Sarahs family was somewhat lost amid all the admiration. A travel voucher for twoa sort of belated honeymoon for their parentswhich cost more, but paled next to Davids gift.
Mum and Dad took the trip and did thank Sarah for it, but pointed out shed been reckless with her money. The holiday ended, but the dishwasher remained on duty.
After that, it beganat every opportunity, Mother couldnt help but talk up her successful son. He lives in London, so hes made it, you see. Hes got a career. A flat. A wife. A childa proper one!
One child, not three running wild. Why did you have to go and have three? Theyll need raising! Its easy now just wait. Look at Michael
Michael has a flat decked out with the latest technologytheres a vacuum that cleans itself, lights that turn on and off automatically, the dishes are washed for you, meals are delivered, and theres a cleaner who comes in regularly
Mum, I do everything myself. The children and my husband help.
Yes, but Michael
And Michael
And your brother
Time went on. Sarahs children grew up. None of them got into universities in London, but all went to the local uni and got degrees. Naturally, Mum had her say.
You havent managed to bring your children up right. Now, Michaels son
Mum, our children are good kids, and you dont know the half about Michaels life! We visitedyou only see what you want to see.
Oh, dont make excuses. If you didnt amount to anything, your children wont either. You just bred poverty!
Yes, Mum, I amounted to nothing. Good job, just not in London. Husband is successful, but not your sort. Children with first-class degrees, just not in the capital.
A nice flat, only no cleaner. We use our hands for the vacuum, the dishwasher, and switching the lights on and off!
We help you out, just not the way you want. Your precious Michael cant even send money for your medicinehes got too many big expenses!
Hes made something of himself. Youre nobody!
Then one day David came to stay with the parents. Mum thought he was just visiting, but it turned out he was there for good. His wife had filed for divorce, hed lost his job in his father-in-laws firm, and there were big problems with his son.
He couldnt find a job back homethe pay was a far cry from his London salary.
Sarah, weve decided our son needs to start a business. Hes prepared. He cant go and be just an engineer, not after all hes done in London, Mum said one day.
Youve decided, you go ahead then.
We need your help. We need money, a loan. You and your husband dont need much, youre not in London.
Trouble is, Davids not in London either. Its time he came down to earth.
Thats all right for you, but he needs it
Mum, we help our children and you. Not much, but everyone gets something. We need to replace our car, and there are still bits and bobs.
You can wait on the car, money for Michael comes first.
I know, Mum. Michael is always the most important. The moment he left for London, it all started. No, I never wanted to study in London, but you didnt help me even here.
The house your parents built went to paying for Davids education and living in London, simply because he was getting on in life. Dads parents house was sold for his car around London, since big man Michael needed one.
I asked for a loan once, to buy a pushchair for the twins. Still no. Did you think we ever actually stayed with my brother in London? Never. We only dropped off parcels for you. We stayed in a hotel. We didnt suit his wifewe were just country folk to her.
Hes already divorced now and needs help. Doesnt even have a flat of his own.
No car, either. His son finished it off.
Lets stop discussing his troubles and just help.
No, Mum! There is work in our town, good pay too. Maybe for us its decent, but for him its peanuts.
So what could I give him? Pennies? Money for a business, then a car, then a flat No, Mum. It just doesnt seem proper for your success-story son to take money from his impoverished sister out in the sticks, who you say hasnt amounted to anything!
And why are you speaking to me like this?
Its all right, Mum. Ive just finally realised that only my brother has ever been a person. Now hes living with youlet him look after you now. Its his turn.
Sarah! Youre going to force us to sell the flat. Do you have any idea what youre pushing us towards?
Oh, am I pushing you? Just make sure you leave enough to buy at least one room for yourselves.
Her parents sold the flat and bought a dingy old one-bedroom. The rest of the money went to David, who took it back to London. What would he do in a little town like this, anyway?
There was no business, yet to Mum, Michael was still somebody. Mum kept pointing out how useless Sarah was, asking for help with their new flat, saying it needed redecorating. Sarah helped out, but refused to pay for any refurbishments.
I know the flat will go to my brother anyway, so let him sort it out. Hes the high-flyer!
Eventually, her brothers money ran out, and he moved back to their parents. The one-bedroom flat was cramped, but what could they do?
A fold-out bed in the kitchenhed had his time making it in the world. Turns out, her parents had backed the wrong horse after all.
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