You really have no conscience at all. Cant you see how hard Matthew is getting through? Hes your brotheryou could have helped. All you ever think about is yourself.
A few weeks ago my mother rang me and asked me to collect every bit of my things from her flat.
We can barely move about the house because of your stuff, she told me.
That call came after I turned down Matthews request for cash to put down a deposit on a new flat. I wasnt lending him a loan; I was being asked to give him my savings outright, knowing full well hed never repay a penny.
When I said no, Matthew stormed out of my flat, fuming. He was convinced I would simply hand over all my hardearned money because he has a wife and children, whereas I have none.
I needed to vent, for it felt as though my own family were treating me unfairly, especially with the holidays looming.
When I moved to Oxford for university, I promptly took a parttime job. At first I lived in halls of residence, then I rented a small flat with a university friend. I didnt want to lean on my parents, so I made ends meet and, at the same time, helped my mother wherever I could.
Mother never took cash from me directly; she always asked for useful thingsclothes, shoes, household items. Every time I went to see her, I returned with bags full of groceries.
She lives in a threebedroom flat with Matthew. Our father passed away three years ago.
Matthew never cared much for study. After leaving school he went off to the Netherlands for work, and the only thing he managed to buy there was a battered old car. Back in England he turned to driving a taxi.
Later he married Charlotte and moved into Mothers flat with his wife. Money has always been a tight rope for them; they live daytoday, spending their wages the moment theyre paid. Mother and Charlottes parents would often step in with a few pounds to keep the lights on. Matthew grew used to that safety net and never bothered to push himself to earn more or improve his finances.
Now Matthew and Charlotte have two children, and a third is on the way. Theyve decided Mothers flat is too cramped and have started looking for a place of their own.
I live with my partner Thomas in a rented flat. Were planning to marry, though weve postponed the wedding until the timing is right. Our incomes are steadyThomas works as an IT engineer, and I run several online shops. Were careful with our money, saving every spare pound to buy our own house and finally live independently after the wedding.
Mother knew about our plans, yet she dropped a hint to Matthew that he could ask me for aid.
They want to buy a flat but theyve got no money for the deposit, Mother said.
When Matthew came to me and asked outright for cash, I refused. He exploded, thinking I owed him simply because he has a family and I dont.
Later Mother called again, her voice sharp:
You truly have no conscience. Cant you see how badly Matthew is struggling? Hes your brotheryou could have helped. All you ever think about is yourself.
She added, Come and collect your things from our flat. We cant get around because of your mess. Dont even think about coming for Christmas. Matthews angry with you, and I dont want to see you either.
I didnt argue. Ill gather my belongings and stash them in the flat Thomas and I share. When the day comes that we purchase our own house, Ill make room for them there.
I could have lent Matthew a sum, but I know he would never have paid it back. He never even asked for a loanhe simply expected me to hand over all my savings because he has children.
How would you have handled a situation like that?
