Dear Mom, 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 handed your tea service to Aunt Raymonde.
Since childhood, Elise was used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, Anastasie Évrard, had the annoying habit of gifting her daughters belongings whenever they visited friends.
Mom, why did you take my doll? Elise asked, worried.
Elise, my dear, I know how much you love that doll, but the little girl who lives across the street is ill and very sad right now. I thought our doll could 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.
Elise stared at the doll thoughtfully, then at her mother, and let a tear fall. 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 said irritably before sending Elise off to her homework.
As she grew, Elises books and clothes joined the list of items she was forced to give away.
At first she resigned herself, believing her mother acted for good reasons and that she truly was selfish.
But over time, Elise realized her mothers motives werent kindness, and resentment and confusion built up inside her.
Im going to Aunt Maries; Ill be back late, announced Anastasie, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Youre planning to wear my coat? Elise joked, seeing her mother with the jacket.
No, its far too small for me; youre much slimmer, her mother replied with an awkward smile.
Then why did you take it? Elise 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 answered evasively.
And I have to wear a ripped coat? Elise retorted, stunned.
I told you spring is near; you wont need a coat. Otherwise, you can have mine, Anastasie said nervously.
Elise 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 decisively and reclaimed her coat.
Mom, I dont understand why you keep giving my belongings to other people. Its not normal! Elise snapped, clenching her teeth.
Youre far too selfish, my child. You must share, Anastasie replied, frowning.
But why always my stuff? My toys, my books, my clothes? Im willing to share, but why only mine? Give me back my coat, Elise protested.
Her mother stared at her, baffled, as if she didnt get it.
Then she left without a word, upset. Relieved to have saved her possession, Elise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day proud of her stand, but the next morning the scene repeated.
This time, Anastasie didnt ask for permission or offer 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 protect her things by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie saw her daughters disappointed gaze and felt a slight regret.
Yet her pride and conviction that she was right smothered the feeling. Gradually, Elises dissatisfaction turned into determination to change her life.
She threw herself into studying, earned top grades, and secured a university spot.
Moving into a dormitory brought an unexpected relief.
Even though the room was shared with three other students, it felt safer than her own home.
Years passed; she graduated, landed a stable job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life.
Despite past grudges, Elise still called her mother and visited occasionally.
During a visit, Anastasie, out of habit, decided to give one of her new jeans to a sister.
Elise, Ill give this jean to Mathilde; it should be your size, she said casually.
Mom, again? Thats my jean; I bought it myself and Im not parting with it, the irritated daughter retorted.
Anastasie, surprised, hadnt expected such 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, Elise suggested.
Anastasie frowned but stayed silent, dressed quietly, and left.
That day Elise plotted a lesson for her mother, a way to get back at her childhood.
Her late fathers sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew shed be invited.
Aunt Raymonde liked her, unlike her mother, who she despised.
The night before the party, Elise slipped into Anastasies house and quietly took the old porcelain service.
Even though it was antique, it still shone and would make a perfect present.
Aunt Raymonde was thrilled, but when her mother discovered the missing set, she erupted.
What did you do with my porcelain service? It was flawless, Anastasie demanded sharply.
Mom, you always say we should share and be generous, Elise replied with a smile. So I gave it to Aunt Raymonde. 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 you take my things? Elise cut back.
Kids dont teach adults, remember! I bought all that, so I can give it away whenever I wish! Anastasie shouted furiously.
But dad bought that set, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Elise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to bear her daughters boldness, Anastasie threw her out.
She didnt speak to Elise for over a year, ignoring her callsthe wound ran deep.
Yet as New Years approached, she reassessed their relationship and took the first step toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I Offered Your Service to Auntie.
