Dearest Mum, your advice about generosity stuck with meIve gifted your tea set to Auntie.
“Mum, you always said I was selfish,” the girl replied with a smirk. “So I gave your prized tea set to Aunt Margot.”
Ever since she was little, Emily knew her belongings wouldnt stay hers for long. Her mother, Agatha Whitmore, had a habit of handing them away during visits to friends.
“Mum, why did you take my doll?” Emily asked, her voice uneasy.
“Darling, I know how much you love it,” Agatha cooed, stroking Emilys hair. “But the little girl across the street is poorly and dreadfully sad. I thought our doll might cheer her up. We can always buy a new one, but chances to be kind dont come often.”
Emily stared at the doll, then at her mother, a tear slipping free. She didnt want to let go.
But Agatha cared more for appearances than her daughters tears.
“Dont be such a miser,” she snapped, shooing Emily off to her homework.
As she grew, Emilys books and clothes began vanishing too. At first, she accepted it, believing her mother acted from goodnessthat she herself must be the selfish one.
But with time, Emily realized Agathas generosity was just vanity. Resentment festered.
“Im visiting Aunt Marieback late,” Agatha announced, unhooking Emilys winter coat.
“Going out in my jacket?” Emily laughed dryly.
“Dont be daft, its too small for me,” Agatha fumbled.
“Then why take it?”
“Maries daughter needs ithers is torn, and they wont buy a new one with spring coming.”
“So Im left with a ragged coat?” Emily gaped.
“Youll manage. Take mine if youre that bothered,” Agatha deflected, flustered.
Emilys fists clenched. *Why always my things?*
For the first time, she stepped forward and snatched the coat back.
“Mum, why do you keep giving my stuff away? Its not right!”
“Youre being selfish. Sharing is kind,” Agatha scolded.
“Then share *your* things!” Emily shot back.
Agatha stared, baffled, then left in a huff. Victorious, Emily hung up her coat.
But the next day, it happened againno questions, no apologies. Agatha simply took it and vanished.
When Emily found it gone, she wept in frustration. That day, she knew shed only be free by leaving.
Later, Agatha noticed her daughters red-rimmed eyes and felt a stab of guiltquickly smothered by pride.
Emily doubled down on studies, winning a university place. In her cramped dorm, shared with three strangers, she felt safer than at home.
Years passed. Graduation. A flat of her own. She called Agatha occasionally, even visited.
Then, during one trip, Agatha eyed Emilys new jeans.
“Emily, Ill give these to Mathildetheyll fit her.”
“Mum, *again*? I bought these! Try giving her *your* clothes.”
Agatha stiffened. “Youve always been stingy.”
“Easy to be generous with someone elses things,” Emily retorted.
Silent, Agatha left.
That night, Emily plotted her revenge.
Aunt Margots birthday loomeda perfect chance. The aunt who adored her and barely tolerated Agatha.
The evening before, Emily slipped into her mothers house and took the antique Wedgwood set, flawless despite its age.
Aunt Margot was delighted. When Agatha noticed the missing set, she exploded.
“Wheres my Wedgwood? It was *impeccable*!”
“You always said to share,” Emily smiled. “So I gifted it to Aunt Margot. She adored it.”
Agatha gaped. “You shouldve asked!”
“Did *you* ever ask me?” Emily countered.
“Dont backchat! *I* paid for your thingsI decide where they go!”
“Dad bought that set, so really, I gave my *own* inheritance,” Emily goaded.
Furious, Agatha threw her out.
For over a year, they didnt speak. Then, as New Year neared, Agatha swallowed her pride and reached out.
