You have no conscience at all. Cant you see how hard Matts been getting through? Hes your brotheryou could have helped him. All you ever think about is yourself.
It was a cold evening when my mother rang, her voice sharp as a winter wind.
We cant even move around the flat because of your stuff, she snapped.
Shed asked me to collect everything Id left in her apartment. The call came right after Id turned down Matts plea for cash to put down a deposit on a house. I wasnt lending; I was refusing to give, because I knew hed never pay me back.
When I said no, Matt stormed out of my flat, furious. He was convinced Id simply hand over all my savings because he had a family and children, while I was still single.
I needed to vent. The holidays were looming, and I felt my family was treating me like a charity case.
When I first moved to Newcastle for university, I took a parttime job straight away. I lived in a dormitory at first, then rented a flat with a university friend. I didnt want to lean on my parents; I made sure I could pay my own bills and still send a little help back to Mum.
Mum never wanted money handed to her directly. Instead she kept asking me to bring back useful thingsclothes, shoes, household items. Every time I visited, Id arrive with bags full of groceries.
Mum lives in a threebedroom flat with Matt. Our dad died three years ago.
Matt never cared much for education. After school he went to work in the Netherlands, and the only thing he managed to buy there was a beatup car. Back in England he became a taxi driver. Later he married Claire and moved into Mums flat with her.
Money has always been a problem for them. Matt lives handtomouth; as soon as payday hits, its gone. Mum and Claires parents have been bailed out regularly. Matt learned that someone would always be there to prop him up, so he never bothered to push himself for a better wage or a steadier future.
Now Matt and Claire have two children, and a third is on the way. Theyve decided Mums 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, but weve agreed to postpone the wedding until were financially ready. Thomas works as a software engineer; I run a few online shops. We spend wisely, saving every penny to buy our own house so we can live independently after the wedding.
Mum knew about our plans, yet she hinted to Matt that he could ask me for help.
They want to buy a house, but theyve got no deposit, Mum told me.
When Matt came over and demanded cash outright, I said no. He fumed, convinced I owed him something just because he has kids and I dont.
Later Mum called again, her voice laced with accusation.
You really have no conscience. Cant you see how badly Matt is struggling? Hes your brotheryou could have given him a hand. Youre only thinking of yourself.
She added,
Come and collect your things from the flat. We cant move around because of your mess. And dont even think about coming for Christmas. Matts still angry, and I dont want to see you either.
I didnt argue. Ill pack my belongings and stash them in the flat Thomas and I are renting. When we finally buy our own house, Ill put theirs there.
I could have loaned Matt the money, but I knew hed never repay it. He never even asked for a loanhe simply expected me to hand over all my savings because he has children.
If you were in my shoes, what would you have done?
