“So What About the Flat? You Promised! You’re Ruining My Life!” — When Our Son Chose Inheritance Ove…

What about the flat? You promised me! Youre ruining my life!

My husband and I were overjoyed when we learned our son would soon be wed. In the days leading up to the wedding, we decided in secret that we would surprise Edward with a flat of his own as a gift. When he heard of our plan, Edward was beside himself with excitement, and word quickly spread among all his friends that day. As we busied ourselves with wedding preparations, fate intervened in the most dreadful manner.

Our daughter was rushed straight to the hospital from her workplace, having fallen suddenly and terribly ill. The moment we received word, my husband and I hurried to her side. The doctors soon discovered a tumour, and it was clear she would need surgery immediately. Of course, we required a great sum of money, and time was very much against us. It was a blessing we found the problem before matters worsened.

In light of all this, purchasing a flat for our son simply wasnt feasible any longer. We did all we could to gather the funds necessary for our daughters treatment. Thankfully, family and dear friends rallied to our aid, unable to stand by as we faced such misfortune. Each gave what they could, some pressing notes into our hands with instructions never to repay them. Only through everyones kindness and generosity did we finally scrape together enough for her operation.

Then came Edwards staggering words.

And what about my flat? You promised. Youre ruining my life.

After hearing my son speak so, I nearly fainted on the spot. How could he say such a thing? How could he demonstrate so little care? She was his own sister; theyd been raised side by side. How could he weigh his sisters wedding and her life-saving surgery as if they were equal? Lost for words, I said nothing at first, but Edward was in no mood to let the matter rest.

Why does she get everything, while I have nothing?

At that I could bear it no more and began shouting. I told him I never wished to see him again. He packed his things and left for his future wifes home. For a fortnight, not a single word passed between us.

During that time, our daughter underwent surgery. By the grace of God, all went well and, a few weeks later, she was allowed home from hospital. I never spoke a word to her about her brothers conduct. There was no sense in shaming him or burdening her further. Instead, I watched in silence as Edward did not telephonenot even onceto enquire after his sisters health. It seems the prospect of owning a flat mattered far more to him than the ties that once bound our family together.