Dear Mom, your advice about my generosity sparked me: I gave your service to AuntRaymonde.
Mom, you always called me selfish, the girl replied with a grin. So I offered your tea service to AuntRaymonde.
Since she was little, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from the house. Her mother, AnastasieÉvrard, had the annoying habit of giving away 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 who lives across the street is sick 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 a chance to do a good deed is rare, her mother explained, stroking her daughters hair.
Élise stared at the doll thoughtfully, then at her mother, and a tear slipped out. 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 off to do her homework.
As she grew, books and clothes joined the list of gifts Élise had to part with.
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; resentment and confusion built up inside her.
Im going to AuntMaries; Ill be back late, announced Anastasie as she took her daughters winter coat.
Youre taking 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? the girl 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 dodged.
So I have to wear a ripped coat? Élise retorted, stunned.
I told you spring is near; you wont need it any more. Otherwise, you can have mine, Anastasie answered tensely.
Élise 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 resolutely and reclaimed her coat.
Mom, I dont understand why you keep giving my stuff to others. It isnt normal! Élise said, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, my child. You must share, Anastasie replied, furrowing her brows.
But why always my thingsmy toys, my books, my clothes? the girl protested. Im willing to share, but why always mine? Give me back my coat.
The mother stared at her daughter, baffled, then left without a word, upset. Proud of protecting her belongings, Élise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day feeling triumphant, yet the next morning the same scene unfolded.
This time Anastasie took the coat without asking Élise for permission or explanation, snatched it from the hanger, and left the house quickly.
When her daughter noticed the coat 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 hint of remorse, but pride and the conviction that she was right smothered the feeling. Gradually Élises displeasure turned into a determination to change her life.
She redoubled her efforts, earned top grades, and secured a university spot. Moving into a dormitory brought an unexpected relief.
Even though she shared the room with three other students, the dorm felt safer than her own home.
Years passed; she graduated, obtained a stable job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life.
Despite lingering grudges, Élise still called her mother and visited occasionally.
During one visit, Anastasie, out of habit, decided to give one of her new jeans to a sister.
Elise, Im giving this jean to Mathilde; its your size, she said as if nothing were happening.
Mom, again? Thats my jeanI bought it myself and Im not parting with it, the irritated daughter retorted.
Anastasie, surprised by her daughters 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 but said nothing, dressed in silence, and left.
That day Élise plotted a lesson for her mother, a way to avenge her childhood.
Her latefathers 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, Élise slipped into Anastasies house and quietly took the old porcelain service.
Although aged, it still shone and would make a perfect gift.
AuntRaymonde was delighted, but when her mother discovered the missing set, she erupted in fury.
What did you do with my porcelain service? I cherished it; it was flawless, Anastasie demanded sharply.
Mom, you always say we should share and be generous, Élise said with a smile. So I gave it to AuntRaymonde, and 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.
But Dad bought that service, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to tolerate her daughters audacity, Anastasie threw her out.
She didnt speak to Élise for over a year and ignored her callsthe wound ran deep.
Yet, as New Years approached, she reconsidered their relationship and made the first move toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on My Generosity Inspired Me: I’ve Gifted Your Service to Auntie.
