Dear Mom, your reminder about being generous sparked an idea: I handed over your tea set to Aunt Raymonde.
Mom had always called me selfish, the daughter replied with a grin. So I gave Aunt Raymonde the tea service you owned.
Since she was a child, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, Anastasie Évrard, had the annoying habit of giving away her daughters belongings whenever they visited friends.
Mom, why did you take my doll? Élise asked, sounding worried.
Elise, my dear, I know how much that doll means to you, 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 bring a bit of happiness. We can always buy a new one, but chances to do a good deed like this are rare, her mother explained, smoothing Élises hair.
Élise stared at the doll pensively, then at her mother, and a tear slipped down. She didnt want to part with her favorite toy.
Unfortunately, Anastasie cared more about what others thought than about her daughters tears.
Stop whining; we cant be that stingy, she snapped, sending Élise off to do her homework.
As she grew up, books and clothes joined the list of gifts she was asked to give away.
At first she resigned herself, believing her mother acted for good reasons and that she truly was selfish.
With time, however, Élise realized her mothers motives werent kindness, and a feeling of bitterness and incomprehension grew inside her.
Im going to Aunt Maries; Ill be back late, announced Anastasie, taking her daughters winter coat off the hook.
Youre planning to wear my coat? Élise teased, watching her mother hold the jacket.
No, its far too small for me; youre the one whos slender, her mother replied with an awkward smile.
Then why did you take it off? 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, Anastasie evaded.
And I have to wear a ragged coat? Élise retorted, stunned.
I told you spring is near; you wont need a coat soon. If you must, you can take mine, Anastasie said nervously.
Élise kept staring at her mother, feeling anger rise.
Why does she always give away my stuff? Why does she think its normal? the young girl wondered.
For the first time she stepped forward firmly and reclaimed her coat.
Mom, I dont understand why you keep handing my things to other people. Its not normal! Élise said, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, my child. You must share, Anastasie replied, frowning.
But why always my things? My toys, my books, my clothes? Im willing to share, but why mine every time? Give me back my coat.
The mother stared at her daughter, baffled, as if she couldnt grasp the complaint. Then, upset, she left without a word. Proud of protecting her property, Élise hung the coat on a hanger.
She spent the day basking in that triumph, yet the next morning the scene repeated.
This time Anastasie didnt ask for permission or an explanation. She snatched the hanging coat and left the house in a hurry.
When her daughter noticed the coat was gone, she cried out in frustration. That day she realized she could only safeguard her belongings by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie saw the disappointment in Élises eyes and felt a faint pang of remorse. Yet her pride and conviction that she was right quickly smothered it. Gradually, Élises resentment turned into determination to change her fate.
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 home.
Years passed; the young woman graduated, obtained a steady job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life.
Despite lingering bitterness, Élise still called her mother and visited now and then.
During one visit, Anastasie, out of habit, announced she would give one of her new jeans to a sister.
Élise, Im giving this jean to Mathilde; its your size, she said as if nothing were amiss.
Mom, again? Thats my jean; I bought it myself and I wont part with it, the irritated daughter retorted.
Anastasie was taken aback by such resistance.
Why be so stingy? You were never generous as a child, the mother snapped.
Its easy to gift other peoples things; try giving yours, Élise suggested.
Anastasie frowned but said nothing, dressed in silence, and left.
That day Élise plotted a way to teach her mother a lesson and avenge her childhood.
Her stepfathers sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew she would be invited. Aunt Raymonde liked her, unlike her mother, whom she despised.
The night before the celebration, Élise slipped into Anastasies house and quietly took the old porcelain service. Though aged, it still gleamed and would make a perfect present.
Aunt Raymonde would be delighted, but when her mother discovered the missing set, she erupted in fury.
What have you done with my porcelain service? I treasured it; it was flawless, Anastasie demanded sharply.
Mom, you always tell me to share and be generous, Élise replied with a smile. So I gave it to Aunt Raymonde. She loved it.
Stunned, Anastasie stared silently at her daughter, mouth open.
You should have asked me if I wanted to make that gift, she finally managed.
And have you ever asked me before taking my things? Élise cut in.
Children dont teach adults, remember! I bought all that, so I can decide to give it away whenever I want! Anastasie shouted, furious.
But dad bought that set, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to tolerate her daughters boldness, Anastasie kicked her out. She didnt speak to Élise for over a year and ignored her calls; the wound ran deep.
Yet, as New Years approached, she reassessed their relationship and took the first step toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on My Generosity Inspired Me: I Offered Your Services to Auntie.
