Dear Mother, your advice about generosity sparked me: I gave your tea set to Aunt Raymonde.
Mom, youve always called me selfish, the daughter said with a grin. So I gifted your tea set to Aunt Raymonde.
Since childhood, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, Anastasie Évrard, often gave away her daughters belongings whenever they 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 sick and sad right now. I thought our doll could lift her spirits and bring her a bit of joy. We can always buy a new one, but chances to do a good deed are rare, her mother explained, gently stroking Élises hair.
Élise stared at the doll thoughtfully, then at her mother, and a tear slipped down. She didnt want to part with her favorite toy.
Unfortunately, Anastasie cared more about others opinions than her daughters tears.
Dont whine; we cant be that stingy, she snapped before sending Élise off to do her homework.
As she grew, books and clothes joined the stream of gifts given away.
At first she accepted it, believing her mothers motives were good and that she herself was truly selfish.
With time, Élise realized her mothers actions werent driven by kindness; resentment and confusion began to fester.
Im going to Aunt Maries; Ill be back late, announced Anastasie, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Youre borrowing my coat? Élise teased, noticing her mother holding 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 Marie it 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? 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 stared at her mother, anger rising.
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 stuff to others. 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, my books, my clothes? Élise protested. Ill share, but not my belongings!
Her mother stared, puzzled, as if she didnt understand. Then she left, offended. Relieved to have protected her property, Élise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day proud of her stand, but the next morning the scene replayed.
This time Anastasie took the coat from the hanger without asking Élise or giving an explanation.
When her daughter discovered the coat 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 faint pang of remorse. Yet her pride and belief that she was right quickly smothered it. Slowly, Élises irritation turned into determination to change her life.
She threw herself into studying, earned top marks, and secured a university spot. Moving into student housing brought an unexpected sense of relief.
Even shared with three other students, her room felt safer than her childhood home.
Years passed; she graduated, found stable work, rented an apartment, and began building her own life.
Despite lingering grudges, Élise still called her mother and visited occasionally.
During one visit, Anastasie, out of habit, announced she would give a new pair of jeans to a sister.
Élise, Im giving these jeans to Mathilde; theyre your size, she said as if nothing were amiss.
Mom, again? Those are my jeans; I bought them myself and Im not parting with them, the irritated daughter retorted.
Anastasie, surprised by her daughters resistance, replied, Why be so stingy? You werent generous as a child, either.
Its easy to gift other peoples things; try giving yours, Élise countered.
Anastasie furrowed her brow, said nothing, dressed in silence, and left.
That day Élise plotted a lesson for her mother, a way to avenge her childhood.
Her late 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 celebration, Élise sneaked into Anastasies room and took the old porcelain tea set. Though aged, it still shone and would make a perfect gift.
Aunt Raymonde would be delighted, but when her mother discovered the set missing, she exploded.
What did you do with my porcelain set? I treasured it; it was flawless, Anastasie demanded sharply.
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 said.
And have you ever asked me before you take my things? Élise snapped.
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; its my inheritance, and Im the one giving it 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 made the first move to reconnect.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I’ve Gifted Your Services to Auntie.
