Dear Mother, your advice about my generosity sparked me: I gave your service to Aunt Raymonde.
Mom, youve always called me selfish, the daughter replied with a smile. So I offered your tea service to Aunt Raymonde.
Since she was a child, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, Anastasie Évrard, had the unfortunate habit of gifting her daughters belongings whenever she 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 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, stroking her 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 valued others opinions more than her daughters tears.
Dont whine, we cant be that stingy, she snapped before sending Élise to do her homework.
As she grew up, books and clothes joined the list of gifts she had to give away.
At first she resigned herself, believing her mother acted for good reasons and that she truly was selfish.
Later, Élise realized her mothers motives werent kindness, and a feeling of bitterness and confusion grew inside her.
Im heading to Aunt Maries; Ill be back late, announced Anastasie, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Are you going to wear my coat? Élise teased, spotting 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 daughterher 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.
Im telling you spring is near; you wont need a coat. If you must, you can have 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 thats normal? the young girl wondered.
For the first time, she stepped forward decisively and reclaimed her coat.
Mom, I dont get why you keep handing my things to others. Its not normal! Élise snapped, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, dear. You must share, Anastasie replied, eyebrows furrowed.
But why always my things? My toys, books, clothes? Im willing to share, but why mine every time? Give me back my coat.
Her mother stared at her, bewildered, as if she didnt understand. Then she left, silent and offended. Proud of protecting her possession, Élise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day feeling victorious, but the next morning the same scene replayed.
This time Anastasie took the coat without asking Élise for permission or an explanation.
She grabbed the hanging coat and left the house in a hurry.
When her daughter noticed the coat was gone, she wept in frustration. That day she realized she could only save her belongings by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie noticed her daughters disappointed gaze and felt a faint pang of remorse. Yet her pride and conviction that she was right smothered it. Gradually, Élises resentment turned into a determination to change her fate.
She redoubled her effort, earned top grades, and secured a university spot. Moving into a dormitory gave her an unexpected sense of relief.
Even though the room was shared with three other students, it felt safer than home.
Years passed; the young woman graduated, landed a stable job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life.
Despite lingering bitterness, 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.
Élise, Im giving this jean to Mathilde; it should fit you, she said as if nothing mattered.
Mom, again? Thats my jeanI bought it myself and I wont part with it, the irritated daughter replied.
Anastasie was taken aback by her daughters sudden resistance.
Why be so stingy? You werent generous as a child either, the mother snapped.
Its easy to gift other peoples things; try giving yours, Élise retorted.
Anastasie frowned but said nothing. She dressed in silence and left.
That day Élise plotted a lesson for her mother, a way to avenge her childhood.
Her fathers sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew she would be invited. Aunt Raymonde liked her, unlike her mother, who despised her.
The night before the birthday, Élise slipped into Anastasies house and quietly took the old porcelain service. Though aged, it still shone and would make an excellent present.
Aunt Raymonde was delighted, but when her mother discovered the missing set, she erupted in fury.
What did you do with my porcelain service? I prized it; it was flawless, Anastasie demanded harshly.
Mom, you always say we should share and be generous, Élise replied with a smile. So I gave it to Aunt Raymonde, 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 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 if I wish! Anastasie shouted.
But Dad bought that service, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to bear 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 took the first step toward reconciliation.
