Dear Mother, your advice about my generosity sparked me: I gave your service to AuntRaymonde.
Mom, youve always called me selfish, the girl replied with a smile. So I offered your tea service to AuntRaymonde.
Since childhood, Elise had grown used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, AnastasieÉvrard, had the annoying habit of giving away her daughters belongings whenever she visited friends.
Mom, why did you take my doll? Elise asked, sounding worried.
Elise, my dear, I know how much you love that doll, but the little girl who lives across the street is ill and very sad right now. I thought our doll might lift her spirits and make her a bit happier. We can always buy a new one, but chances to do a good deed are rare, her mother explained, gently stroking her hair.
Elise stared at the doll thoughtfully, then at her mother, and a tear slipped down. She didnt want to part with her favorite toy.
Unfortunately, other peoples opinions mattered more to AnastasieÉvrard than her daughters tears.
Dont whine, we cant be that stingy, she said irritably before sending Elise off to do her homework.
As she grew up, books and clothes began to join the gifts given away.
At first she resigned herself, assuming her mother acted for good reasons and that she truly was selfish.
But with time, Élodie realized her mothers motives werent kindness, and a feeling of resentment and bewilderment grew inside her.
Im going to AuntMaries; Ill be back late, AnastasieÉvrard announced, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Youre planning to wear my coat? Elise teased, seeing her mother with her jacket.
No, of course not; 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; her coat is torn and they dont want to buy a new one because spring is coming, her mother evaded.
And I have to wear a torn coat? Elise retorted, stunned.
Im telling you spring is near; you wont need a coat anymore. Otherwise, you can take mine, AnastasieÉvrard said nervously.
Elise kept staring at her mother, feeling anger rise.
Why does she always give away my things? Why does she think thats normal? the young girl wondered.
For the first time she stepped forward decisively, reclaimed her coat, and said,
Mom, I dont understand why you keep giving my stuff to others. Its not normal! Elise clenched her teeth.
Youre far too selfish, my child. You must share, AnastasieÉvrard replied, frowning.
But why always my things? My toys, books, clothes? Im willing to share, but why always mine? Hand me your coat.
Her mother stared back, puzzled, as if she didnt get it.
Then she left without a word, offended. Proud of protecting her belongings, Elise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day feeling triumphant, but the next morning the scene repeated.
This time AnastasieÉvrard took the coat without asking Elise for permission or explanation.
She grabbed the hanging coat and left the house quickly.
When her daughter noticed it was gone, she wept in frustration. That day she realized she could only safeguard her things by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, AnastasieÉvrard saw the disappointment in her daughters eyes and felt a faint pang of remorse.
Yet her pride and conviction that she was right smothered that feeling. Gradually, Elises irritation turned into a determination to change her circumstances.
She redoubled her efforts, earned top grades, and secured a university place.
Moving into a dormitory gave her an unexpected relief.
Even though she shared the room with three other students, the space felt safer than her own home.
Years passed; the young woman obtained her degree, landed a steady job, rented an apartment, and began building her life.
Despite lingering grudges, Elise still called her mother and visited occasionally.
During a visit, AnastasieÉvrard, out of habit, decided to give one of her new jeans to a sister.
Elise, Im going to give this jean to Mathilde; its your size, she said as if nothing mattered.
Mom, again? Thats my jeanI bought it myself and Im not parting with it, the irritated daughter retorted.
AnastasieÉvrard was taken aback by her daughters resistance.
Why be so stingy? You werent generous as a child, the mother snapped.
Its easy to give away other peoples things; try giving yours, Elise suggested.
Anastasie frowned but said nothing. She dressed in silence and left.
That day Elise devised a plan to teach her mother a lesson and get revenge for her childhood.
Her late uncles sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew she would be invited.
AuntRaymonde liked her, unlike her mother, whom she despised.
The night before the birthday, Elise slipped into AnastasieÉvrards house and quietly took the old porcelain service.
Even though it was aged, it still shone and would make a perfect gift.
AuntRaymonde was delighted, but when her mother noticed the missing service, she erupted in fury.
What have you done with my porcelain set? I treasured it; it was flawless, AnastasieÉvrard demanded sharply.
Mom, you always say we should share and be generous, Elise replied with a smile. So I gave it to AuntRaymonde. She loved it.
Stunned, AnastasieÉvrard stared at her daughter, mouth open.
You should have asked me if I wanted that gift, she finally said.
And have you ever asked me before taking my things? Elise cut in.
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, Elise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to bear her daughters boldness, AnastasieÉvrard threw her out.
She didnt speak to Elise for over a year, ignoring her callsthe wound ran deep.
Yet, as New Years approached, she reassessed their relationship and made the first move to reconnect.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I’ve Offered Your Services to Auntie.
