What’s happening with the flat? You promised me! You’re ruining my life!

My husband and I were over the moon when we learned that our son would soon be getting married. Before the big day, we secretly told him that we wanted to gift him a flat. Oliver was absolutely thrilled when he found out about our plan. All his mates discovered it that same afternoon, and excitement buzzed through the air. As we were bustling about, preparing for the wedding, calamity suddenly struck out of nowhere.

Our daughter was whisked straight from her office to the hospital, having fallen ill quite unexpectedly. My husband and I dashed over immediately. The tests revealed she had a tumour, and the doctors insisted on urgent surgery. Of course, we needed pounds and lots of them, as quickly as possible. It was lucky we found out in time.

Buying a flat for our son in those circumstances just wasnt an option. We focused on gathering the needed amount for the treatment. Thank goodness family and friends rallied round us, unwilling to turn their backs on our crisis. Everyone pitched in however they could; some handed us money and told us not to worry about repaying it. Together, we managed to scrape together enough for the operation.

But then our son stunned us with what he said.

“What about my flat? You promised me! Youre ruining my life.”

After Oliver spoke those words, I fainted on the spot. How could he say such a thing? How could he be so self-centred? It’s his sister, after all. They grew up together. How could he dare to weigh her wedding and her surgery equally? I was tongue-tied, unable to comprehend. But Oliver had no intention of stopping.

“Why does she get everything and I get nothing?”

I couldnt take it any longer and began shouting at him, telling him I didnt want to see him anymore. He packed his bags and went off to his fiancée. We didnt speak for a fortnight.

During that time, our daughter underwent surgery. Thank heavens, all went smoothly. Weeks later, she was discharged. I never breathed a word about her brothers behaviour. It was too shameful. There was no need to upset her further. But Oliver hadnt called throughout. He hadnt even asked about his sister. It was as if a home meant more to him than his own family ties, and everything twisted through the dream as if the flat itself floated in the hospital corridors, and the faces of family flickered between worry and indifferenceleaving a strange, echoing ache of loneliness in their wake.