Dear Mother, your advice about my generosity sparked an idea: I gave your service to AuntRaymonde.
Mother, you always called me selfish, the girl replied with a smile. So I offered your tea service to AuntRaymonde.
Since childhood, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from the house. Her mother, AnastasieÉvrard, had the irritating habit of giving away her daughter’s belongings whenever they visited friends.
Mom, why did you take my doll?Élise asked anxiously.
Sweetheart, I know how much you love that doll, but the little girl across the street is ill and very sad right now. I thought our doll could lift her spirits and bring a bit of happiness. We can always buy a new one, but an opportunity to do a good deed is rare,her mother explained, gently stroking her hair.
Élise stared at the doll thoughtfully, then at her mother, and a tear slipped down. She didnt want to part with her favorite toy.
Unfortunately, Anastasie cared more about others opinions than her daughters tears.
Dont whine, we cant be that stingy,she snapped, before sending Élise to do her homework.
As she grew, books and clothes joined the list of gifts given away.
At first she accepted it, believing her mother acted for good reasons and that she truly was selfish.
But over time, Élise realized her mothers motives werent kindness, and a feeling of bitterness and confusion grew inside her.
Im heading to AuntMaries; Ill be back late,Anastasie said, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Youre going to wear my coat?Élise teased, seeing her mother with the jacket.
No, its too small for me; youre much slimmer,her mother replied with an awkward smile.
Then why did you take it?Élise asked seriously.
I promised it to Marie for her daughter. Their coat is torn and they dont want a new one because spring is coming,her mother evaded.
And I have to wear a ripped coat?Élise retorted, stunned.
Spring is near; you wont need a coat. If you must, you can have mine,Anastasie replied nervously.
Élise kept staring at her mother, feeling anger rise.
Why does she always give away my things? Why does she think its normal? the young girl wondered.
For the first time, she stepped forward decisively and reclaimed her coat.
Mom, I dont get why you constantly give my belongings to others. Thats not normal!Élise said, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, dear. You must learn to share,Anastasie replied, furrowing her brows.
But why always mine? My toys, books, clothes? Im willing to share, but why only my stuff? Give me back my coat,the daughter protested.
Her mother stared at her, baffled, as if she didnt understand. Then she left, silent and offended. Relieved to have protected her property, Élise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day proud of her stand, but the next morning the same scene unfolded.
This time Anastasie took the coat without asking or explaining.
She snatched the hung coat and left the house swiftly.
When her daughter discovered it was gone, she wept in frustration. That day she realized she could only keep her things by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie noticed her daughters disappointed gaze and felt a flicker of remorse.
Yet her pride and conviction that she was right smothered the feeling. Gradually, Élises irritation turned into a determination to change her circumstances.
She redoubled her efforts, earned top grades, and secured a university spot.
Moving into a dormitory brought an unexpected sense of relief.
Even though she shared the room with three other students, the dorm felt safer than her own home.
Years passed; she graduated, landed a stable job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life.
Despite lingering resentment, Élise still called her mother occasionally and visited now and then.
During one visit, Anastasie, out of habit, decided to give one of her new jeans to a sister.
Élise, Im giving this jean to Mathilde; its your size,she announced as if nothing were amiss.
Mom, again? Thats my jean; I bought it myself and I wont part with it,the young woman retorted irritably.
Anastasie, surprised, hadnt expected such resistance.
Why be so stingy? You never were generous as a child,the mother snapped.
Its easy to donate other peoples things; try giving yours,Élise suggested.
Anastasie frowned but said nothing. She dressed in silence and left.
That day Élise plotted a way to teach her mother a lesson and settle old scores.
Her late fathers sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew she would be invited.
AuntRaymonde liked her, unlike her mother, whom she despised.
The night before the party, Élise slipped into Anastasies house and silently took the old porcelain service.
Despite its age, it still shone beautifully and would make a perfect gift.
AuntRaymonde was thrilled, but when her mother noticed the missing set, she flew into a rage.
What have you done with my porcelain service? I treasured it; it was flawless,Anastasie demanded sharply.
Mom, you always say we should share and be generous,Élise replied with a smile. So I gave it to AuntRaymonde, and she loved it,she added.
Stunned, Anastasie stared at her daughter, speechless.
You should have asked me if I wanted that gift,she finally managed.
And have you ever asked me before taking my things?Élise cut back.
Children dont teach adults, remember! I bought all that, so I can give it away whenever I wish!Anastasie shouted furiously.
But dad bought that set, so its my inheritance that Im giving away,Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to tolerate her daughters audacity, Anastasie kicked her out.
She didnt speak to Élise for over a year and ignored her callsthe wound ran deep.
As New Years approached, however, she reconsidered their relationship and took the first step toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I’ve Gifted Your Service to Auntie.
