What about the flat? You promised me! Youre ruining my life!
Many years ago, my husband and I were over the moon when our son told us he was getting married. In secret, before the big day, we let him know we wanted to gift him a flat as a wedding present. William simply beamed when he heard of our intentions. The news quickly spread among his friends that very day. As we were busy preparing for the celebration, disaster struck quite suddenly.
Our daughter was taken straight to hospital from work, having fallen suddenly ill. My husband and I rushed over without a second thought. The doctors told us she had a tumour and needed surgery immediately. Of course, we needed a considerable sum of money right away. Thank goodness we had found out just in time.
Under those circumstances, buying a flat for our son was no longer an option. We scrambled to gather enough pounds for her treatment. Both relatives and friends rallied around, not one of them able to stand by and do nothing whilst we faced such misfortune. They all helped us in whatever way they could manage. Some gave us money and insisted we not repay them. Together, we managed to pull together the funds for her operation.
But then our son stunned us with his response.
What about my flat? You promised! Youre ruining my life!
Upon hearing these words from William, I felt the strength leave me and nearly fainted. How could he say such a thing? How could he be so selfish? It was his own sister. They had grown up side by side their whole lives. How could he weigh his sisters illness and his wedding on the same scale? I was left speechless. But my son continued, undeterred.
Why should she get everything, while Im left with nothing?
At that, I simply couldnt take anymore and started shouting at him. I told him I wanted nothing more to do with him. He packed his belongings and went off to live with his fiancée. For a full two weeks, there was not a word exchanged between us.
During that time, my daughter had her operation. By the grace of God, all went well. A few weeks later she was discharged from hospital. I never breathed a word to her about her brothers behaviour. It would have been a disgracethere was simply no need to upset her further. And as for my son, he never once rang throughout the entire time, not even to ask after his sisters condition. Evidently, a place to live meant far more to him than the bonds of family.
