You didn’t manage to raise your children properly. Look at Alex’s son, Michael…

You didnt manage to raise your children properly. Now look at Edwards son, Charlie

Emily never really understood why her mother had begun to nitpick and prod at her. Not so long ago at least in childhood things had felt lovely, almost warm. Her mother would set her up as the example to her older brother, heap praise on her cleverness.

They got on alright, not rich, but hardly scraping by either. They had everything they needed, larger purchases were saved up for. They even had a car, not new, but it ran; her father would patch it up when something went wrong.

Her brother, Edward, left for London after school. That gobbled up a fortune tuition, rent, food Emily noticed her parents tightening their belts, pinching every penny. And she was only two years behind him.

We cant afford to put another one through uni in London. Theres a perfectly good college here. Stay local.

Emily enrolled and picked up a job first delivering post on Saturdays, then waiting tables at the tea room next door. She was on a grant, bought her own clothes, and sometimes brought home groceries for the house.

Good lass, youre helpful at home, studying and working. Edward cant get a job, you know, his course is ever so demanding. Hes run off his feet!

Im tired too, Mum I write essays most of the night.

Not the same. Home is home its easier.

Finally, Edward graduated and started to look for work. No reason to come home, he thought the capitals full of promise. But the right job, with the right pay, was elusive. Hed work, but it never seemed enough. Mum and Dad kept sending money.

He just needs to settle in. Then hell make something of himself.

He made something the day he unexpectedly married his bosss daughter rather suddenly.

A son arrived yes, hed landed well. His in-laws bought them a flat, Edward was promoted, pay rise and all. Lucky man. Their parents sighed with relief.

Emily married too, not so grandly simply to a regular fellow, and together they slogged to save up for their own place. Not in London, of course.

They had a daughter, then a surprise twin boys. Awaiting a second, they got a third. It was rough at times, but they never grumbled. The children grew, went to school.

After thirty-five years of marriage, their parents decided to mark the occasion. Theyd skipped the twenty-fifth, the thirtieth there was never enough cash. But now, this, a celebration.

Edward arrived with his son; his wife was busy but sent a gift. A voucher for new domestic appliances. She suggested a dishwasher.

Edward handed over the gift early, they chose a dishwasher and had it installed. The whole evening after, their mother paraded it, showing guests how marvellous it was no more squabbling over whod do the dishes; the machine managed it all.

Emilys family gift faded into the background, even though their travel voucher for a lovely getaway was pricier. The parents went on the trip, thanked Emily, but hinted shed spent unwisely. A holiday was a memory; the dishwasher stuck around.

Then the refrain began, with every visit: a paean to the golden son. Edward lives in London, hes made something of himself. A career, a flat, a wife, a son everything, and just one child!

One child, not three climbing everywhere. Why have three? Its easy now, but just wait. Look at Edward

Edwards flat has all mod cons the hoover cleans itself, the lights turn on with a clap, dishes wash themselves, dinner is delivered, and a cleaner comes by

Mum, I handle everything, and the children and my husband help out, too.

But Edward

And again: But your brother

Time swept on, and Emilys children grew up. None went off to London colleges, but all earned degrees at the local university. On this, too, her mother commented.

You havent raised them properly at all. Now Edwards Charlie

Mum, weve good-hearted children, but you dont know everything about Charlie! Weve visited its not all shiny there. I knew at once.

Dont make excuses. If you amounted to nothing, your children certainly wont. All working class and no prospects!

Yes, Mum nothing came of me. Good job, but not in London! Husbands smashing, but not important! The children all got firsts, but only at our little uni!

Flats beautifully done out, just no housekeeper the hoover needs pushing, dishes go in machine, and we flip our own switches.

We help you as we can, but its not much! Your Edward cant even spare money for your medicine he has big city expenses!

Hes made it in the world. But youre no one!

One day, Edward returned home for a visit. Mum thought it was just that but in fact, he was back for good. His wife had filed for divorce, his father-in-laws firm sacked him, and his son was running wild.

Back home, he couldnt find work to match his London wages not even close.

Emily, weve decided Edward must start a business hes prepared. Working as a simple engineer, after London? Impossible! said her mother.

If youve decided, then do it.

We need your help. Money for a loan. You dont need much, not living in London.

But Edward isnt in London anymore, Mum. Time to be realistic.

But you dont need much he needs help he

Mum, we support our children, and you. Not much, but everyone gets some. We need to change our car, bits and bobs as well.

The car can wait. Money for Edward is more urgent.

Yes, Mum. Edward is always more urgent. Since the day he went to London, its always been like this. I never asked to go to London, but you didnt help me even once, not here.

The family house went to Edwards education and life in the city. And Dads parents house travelled up to London, so Mr. Edward, man about town, could have a car.

I once asked for a loan for a pushchair for the twins. Didnt get it! You thought we visited Edward in London? Hardly. His wife never liked us, outsiders. We stayed in a B&B dropped off parcels you sent. That was all.

Hes divorced now, he needs our help. Doesnt even have a flat.

And no car its in pieces. His lad took care of that.

Lets not dwell on his troubles. Just help.

No, Mum. Theres work round here, good wages ah, but not grand enough for him. Theyre fine for us, but not a patch on London.

So what can I give him? Peanuts? Money for business, for a car, for a flat No, Mum. It’s hardly becoming for a successful man to take handouts from his penniless sister from the provinces, whos apparently not made it in life!

How can you talk to me like that?

Its alright, Mum. I know now: only my brother made anything of himself. He lives with you now, doesnt he? Let him look after you it’s his turn.

Emily! Youre forcing us to sell our flat do you understand what youre making us do?

Oh? Am I? Just dont forget to buy a little bedsit at least.

So, the parents sold their home and bought an old one-bed flat. The rest went to Edward, who tried his luck again in London. What good was there for him in some nowhere town, after all?

The business never happened, but Edward was still the golden boy in their eyes. Their mother berated Emily for her mediocrity, asked for help with the new flat it needed renovations. Emily sent money, but refused to fund the repairs.

I know that flat will go to my brother. He can renovate, since hes so impressive.

When Edwards money dried up, he moved back home. The one-bed was claustrophobic, but nothing to be done.

Camp bed in the kitchen, yet hed made something of his life. It seemed their parents had backed the wrong horse, as the English say theyd well and truly dropped a clanger.

What do you make of all that? Let me know your thoughts below and, if you like these tales, give us a thumbs up!