My Brother Went on Holiday and Asked Me to Look After Mum—Little Did I Know How Much It Would Truly Cost Me

One evening, my brother rang me and explained that he and his family were heading off on holiday. He didnt want to leave our mum by herself, so he asked if I could take her in for a bit. I didnt mind, really; my brother and his family had looked after Mum for a good while now. Mum has always been rather difficult shes got a knack for making a scene out of thin air.
At home, I only had one bed, so I decided to humour her and camp out on the floor myself. Things were calm in the beginning. But when it came time for bed, Mum complained she was uncomfortable, insisting something was sticking right into her back. This was strange, as Id only bought that bed a few months ago nothing should have bothered her. I had to fetch her an extra duvet, hoping that would finally help her get comfortable. But, of course, it made no difference. She was restless as ever.
The following morning, I dragged myself up, made a cup of tea, and got ready for work. Just as I was about to leave, Mum called out, Where are you going? Whos going to give me my injection?
I was taken aback no one had said a word to me about any injections. I rang my brother and discovered that Mum actually knew how to give herself her own injections. Feeling a bit irritated, but relieved, I set out for work, already running ninety minutes late.
That evening, I came home to find Mum lying on the bed, breathing heavily. I could barely lift her up; shed eaten all sorts of food she wasnt allowed. No wonder she felt so unwell.
You dont care about me, thats why this is happening. You want me to die, dont you? Mum accused, her eyes brimming with disappointment.
I cant just quit my job to look after you full-time, I replied, exhausted.
The truth is, Mum is still quite capable of looking after herself. Its just that a few years back, my brother sold Mums flat and bought himself a three-bedroom house, which is how Mum ended up living with him. I dont know how to deal with her whims anymore. She acts dreadfully, just like a spoilt child but her tantrums bring me no joy, unlike those of an actual child. She can be truly impossible.