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 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, habitually gave away her daughters belongings whenever they visited friends.
Mom, why did you take my doll? Élise asked, worried.
Élise, my dear, I know how much you love that doll, but the little girl who lives across the street is ill and sad right now. I thought our doll could cheer her up and bring a bit of happiness. We can always buy a new one, but opportunities 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, for Anastasie Évrard other peoples opinions mattered more than her daughters tears.
Dont whine, we cant be that stingy, she said irritably before sending Élise to do her homework.
As she grew, books and clothes joined the list of items she handed out to others.
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, and a feeling of resentment and confusion grew inside her.
Im going to Aunt Maries; Ill be back late, announced Anastasie, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
You plan to wear 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 ripped and they dont want a new one because spring is coming, Anastasie dodged.
And I have to wear a torn coat? Élise exclaimed, shocked.
Im telling you spring is near; you wont need a coat soon. If you must, you can have mine, Anastasie replied nervously.
Élise kept staring at her mother, anger rising within her.
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 get why you keep giving my things away. Its not normal! Élise said, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, my child. You must share, Anastasie replied, frowning.
But why always my things? My toys, books, clothes? Im willing to share, but why mine? the daughter protested. Give her your coat.
Her mother stared, puzzled, as if she didnt understand. Then she left without a word, annoyed. Proud of protecting her belongings, Élise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day feeling triumphant, but the next morning the same scene repeated.
This time Anastasie took the coat from the hanger without asking Élise anything.
When her daughter saw it gone, she cried out of frustration. That day she realized she could only safeguard her possessions by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie noticed her daughters disappointed look and felt a slight pang of remorse. Yet her pride and belief that she was right smothered the feeling. Gradually Élises irritation turned into determination to change her life.
She threw herself into her studies, 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 home.
Years passed; she graduated, landed a steady job, rented an apartment, and began building her own life. Despite lingering resentment, Élise 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.
Élise, Ill give this jean to Mathilde; it should fit you, 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, taken aback, hadnt expected such resistance.
Why be so stingy? You werent generous as a child either, the mother snapped.
Its easy to give away other peoples stuff; try giving yours, Élise suggested.
Anastasie frowned but said nothing. She dressed in silence and left.
That day Élise devised a plan to teach her mother a lesson and avenge her childhood.
Her late fathers sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew she would be invited. Aunt Raymonde liked her, unlike her mother, whom she despised.
The night before the party, Élise slipped into Anastasies house and quietly took the old porcelain service. Though aged, it still shone and would make a perfect gift.
Aunt Raymonde would be delighted, but when her mother noticed the missing set, she flew into a rage.
What did you do with my porcelain service? I treasured it; it was flawless, Anastasie demanded harshly.
Mom, you always say we should share and be generous, Élise replied with a grin. So I gave it to Aunt Raymonde. She loved it.
Perplexed, Anastasie stared at her daughter, speechless.
You should have asked me if I wanted to make that gift, she finally said.
And you ever asked me before taking my things? Élise cut back.
Children dont teach adults, remember! I bought all that, so I can decide to give it away! Anastasie shouted furiously.
But Dad bought that set, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to bear her daughters boldness, Anastasie kicked Élise out. She didnt speak to her for over a year, ignoring her callsthe wound ran deep.
Yet as New Years approached, she reconsidered their relationship and took the first step toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I Gave Your Services to Auntie.
