My Brother Drove His Wife to Despair – Then the Unthinkable Happened

My brother drove his wife to despair then the unthinkable happened
My brother was my role model
Since childhood I have always looked up to my older brother, Pierre.
He was for me both a mentor, a protector, and a figure to emulate.
When I got married, he told me:
Remember one thing, little brother. Never tell your wife how much money you have. If you let her know, shell empty your pockets. Keep her in check, dont let her spend!
At the time it sounded excessive.
But Pierre was five years older, already married, and I assumed he knew what he was talking about.
Fortunately, my wife Claire was not that kind of person.
She didnt chase brands, didnt demand pricey gifts, and didnt dream of a luxurious life.
Over time, however, our paths drifted apart from my brothers our spouses didnt get along, and Pierre was absorbed by his business.
I played in a band, he owned farms and land.
Each time I saw him I expected a lecture.
Pierre always found a reason to reprimand me.
Money mattered more than family
My brother kept repeating:
Youre irresponsible! Why do you live paycheck to paycheck? Why let your wife spend on trifles?
I didnt argue, but his words hurt.
After such talks I tried to save, only to forget quickly and fall back into old habits.
Pierre had a daughter, Amélie, whom he kept almost captive.
No pocket money, no trendy clothes, no makeup.
She grew up under strict austerity.
Sometimes she visited us, and Claire and I slipped her a little cash in secret.
At sixteen Amélie ran away from home simply to escape her fathers control.
Pierre even said it was well deserved, blaming her for not being protected.
But the worst I saw later
A vacation turned into torment
Two years ago we decided to spend a family holiday at the sea.
I saw everything.
My brother hounded his wife over every cent.
Another coffee? Cant you have it at home?
A pizza? Youre crazy, its too expensive!
What ice cream for the kids? Let them drink water!
He monitored every expense, every euro, every receipt.
Walking with him along the promenade was impossible.
My children, like any others, wanted cotton candy, balloons, souvenirs
Pierre merely scowled and muttered:
Youll ruin your parents, understand?
Even though he had far more money than I did.
He was simply afraid to spend it.
Claire had had enough and said:
Lets stay here a few more days. Without them.
I agreed.
That night Pierre left with his wife in a rush.
He wanted to attend an auction of agricultural equipment.
The next morning I got a call
They had had an accident.
After that, everything changed for me.
They say he fell asleep at the wheel.
I lost my brother.
Since then Im a different man.
I no longer save for old age.
I dont obsess over the price of a coffee.
I buy gifts for my children, nice things for my wife, fine suits for myself.
Yes, money is necessary.
But whats the point of hoarding it without living?
Clinging to wealth as if we could take it to the grave is absurd.
The essential thing is not to lose the people we love, because they are irreplaceable.
Money doesnt matter.