My Brother Went on Holiday and Asked Me to Look After Mum. I Never Imagined It Would Cost Me So Much

Many years ago, my brother rang me to say that he and his family were heading off on a holiday. Not wanting to leave our mother alone, he asked if I might take her in during their absence. I agreed, of course. After all, my brother and his family had cared for our mother over many years. My mother, bless her, had always been rather difficult by nature and could stir up a commotion over the slightest thing.
At the time, my flat had just one bed, so I resolved to let Mother have it and resigned myself to sleeping on the floor. In the beginning, things went along quite smoothly. But come bedtime, Mother started complaining that she was uncomfortable and that something was digging into her back. Now, the bed was almost brand new, so there really shouldnt have been anything amiss. I ended up rummaging about for an extra blanket to pad it out, hoping that would finally allow her to rest easy. No such luckshe simply couldnt be pleased.
The next morning, I got up, made myself a cup of tea, and began getting ready for work. Just as I was set to head out, Mother asked, Where are you off to? Whos going to give me my injection?
This caught me off guard, as no one had mentioned anything about injections. When I phoned my brother, he assured me that Mother knew perfectly well how to give herself her medication. Relieved, I hurried to workI was already running an hour and a half late.
That evening, when I returned home, I found Mother lying on the bed, breathing heavily and clearly very uncomfortable. Lifting her was a struggle. It turned out shed eaten all sorts she shouldnt have, which left her feeling terribly unwell.
Its because you dont care for me that Im like this. You just want me gone, dont you? she accused.
I cant simply quit my job to look after you, I replied.
Truth be told, Mother was still quite capable of managing on her own. A few years earlier, my brother had sold her old flat and used the money to buy himself a three-bedroom house, which was why Mother now lived with him. I honestly havent the faintest idea how to deal with her constant whims. She behaves terribly, almost like a childbut, unlike a child, her tantrums bring me no joy whatsoever. She really is quite impossible.