Dear Mom, your advice about my generosity inspired me: I gave your service to AuntRaymonde.
Mom, you always called me selfish, the girl replied with a smile. So I handed your tea set to AuntRaymonde.
Since she was a child, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, Anastasie Évrard, had the irritating habit of gifting her daughters belongings whenever they visited friends.
Mom, why did you take my doll? Élise asked anxiously.
My dear Élise, 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 make her a bit happier. We can always buy a new one, but an opportunity to do a good deed is rare, her mother explained, 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 valued others opinions more than her daughters tears.
Dont whine, we cant be that stingy, she snapped, sending Élise off to do her homework.
As she grew, books and clothes joined the list of items she was forced to give away.
At first she resigned herself, 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 resentment and bewilderment grew inside her.
Im going to AuntMaries; Ill be back late, Anastasie announced, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Youre going to wear my coat? Élise joked, 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? the girl asked seriously.
I promised it to Marie for her daughter; their coat is ripped and they dont want a new one because spring is coming, Anastasie evaded.
And I have to wear a torn coat? Élise retorted, shocked.
Im telling you spring is near; you wont need a coat soon. Otherwise, you can have mine, Anastasie said nervously.
Élise kept watching 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 understand why you keep handing my belongings to others. Its not normal! Élise said, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, my child. You must share, Anastasie replied, brow furrowed.
But why always my stuff? My toys, my books, my clothes? the girl protested. Im willing to share, but why only my things? Give me back my coat.
Her mother stared, baffled, then left without a word, irritated. Proud of protecting her property, Élise hung the coat on a hanger.
She spent the day feeling triumphant, but the next morning the scene repeated. This time Anastasie took the coat without asking Élise for permission or explanation, snatched it from the hanger, and left quickly.
When her daughter noticed the coat missing, she wept in frustration. That day she realized she could only safeguard her belongings by living apart from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie noticed her daughters disappointed gaze and felt a faint pang of remorse, but pride and conviction that she was right quickly smothered it. Gradually, Élises displeasure turned into determination to change her life.
She redoubled her efforts at school, earned top grades, and secured a university spot. Moving into a dormitory brought an unexpected relief. Even shared with three other students, her room felt safer than her own house.
Years passed; she graduated, landed a steady job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life. Despite lingering grudges, Élise still called her mother and visited occasionally.
During a 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 said nonchalantly.
Mom, again? Thats my jeanI bought it myself and Im not parting with it, the irritable daughter retorted.
Anastasie, surprised by the resistance, replied, Why be so stingy? You werent generous as a child either.
Its easy to give away other peoples things; try giving yours, Élise suggested.
Anastasie frowned, said nothing, dressed in silence, and left.
That day Élise plotted a way to teach her mother a lesson and repay her childhood.
Her deceased 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 quietly took the old porcelain service. Though aged, it still gleamed and would make a fine gift.
AuntRaymonde was delighted, but when her mother discovered the missing set, she erupted.
What have you done with my porcelain service? I cherished 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. She loved it.
Stunned, Anastasie stared at her daughter, speechless.
You should have asked me if I wanted to make that gift, she finally said.
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 want! Anastasie shouted furiously.
But dad bought that service, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to tolerate her daughters boldness, Anastasie threw her out. She didnt speak to Élise for over a year, ignoring her callsthe wound ran deep.
Yet, as New Years approached, she reconsidered their relationship and took the first step toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I’ve Gifted Your Services to Auntie.
