Dear Mom, your advice about my generosity sparked an idea: I gave your service to Aunt Raymonde.
Mom, you always called me selfish, the girl replied with a grin. So I handed your teaservice over to Aunt Raymonde.
Since childhood, Élise was used to seeing her toys disappear from home. Her mother, Anastasie Évrard, had the irritating habit of gifting her daughter’s belongings whenever she 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 who lives across the street is ill and very sad right now. I thought our doll could lift her spirits and make her a bit happier. We can always buy a new doll, but chances to do a good deed are rare, her mother explained, stroking her daughter’s 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, for Anastasie Évrard the opinions of others mattered more than her daughter’s tears.
Stop whining, we cant be that stingy, she snapped, before sending Élise off to do her homework.
As she grew up, books and clothes joined the stream of gifts given away.
At first she resigned herself, believing her mother acted for good reasons and that she truly was selfish.
But with time Élise realized her mothers motives werent kindness, and resentment and confusion brewed inside her.
Im going to Aunt Maries; Ill be back late, Anastasie announced, taking her daughters winter coat off the rack.
Youre planning to go out wearing my coat? Élise teased, watching her mother with her jacket.
No, its far 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 it to Marie for her daughter; her coat is torn and they dont want to buy a new one because spring is coming, Anastasie evaded.
And I have to wear a ripped coat? Élise cried out, shocked.
I told you spring is near; you wont need a coat soon. Otherwise you can take mine, Anastasie responded nervously.
Élise kept staring at her mother, feeling anger rise.
Why does she always give away my things? Why does she think thats normal? the young girl wondered.
For the first time she walked straight to her mother and reclaimed her coat.
Mom, I dont get why you keep handing my stuff to others. Its not normal! Élise snapped, teeth clenched.
Youre far too selfish, dear. You must share, Anastasie said, frowning.
But why always my stuff? My toys, books, clothes? Im willing to share, but why only mine? Give her my coat, the daughter protested.
The mother stared at her, puzzled, as if she didnt understand.
Then she left without a word, offended. Proud of protecting her belongings, Élise hung her coat on a hanger.
She spent the day feeling triumphant, yet the next morning the same scene replayed.
This time Anastasie didnt ask for permission or explanation.
She grabbed the hanging coat and hurried out of the house.
When her daughter noticed it gone, she wept in frustration. That day she realized she could only safeguard her things by living away from her mother.
Upon returning, Anastasie saw her daughters disappointed look and felt a flicker of remorse.
But pride and the belief that she was right smothered the feeling. Gradually Élises irritation turned into a determination to change her fate.
She redoubled her efforts, earned top grades, and secured a university place.
Moving into a dormitory brought an unexpected relief.
Even though she shared a room with three other students, the dorm felt safer than her own home.
Years later she graduated, landed a steady job, rented an apartment, and began building a life.
Despite past grudges, Élise still called her mother and visited occasionally.
During one visit, Anastasie, out of habit, decided to give one of her new jeans to a sister.
Élise, Im giving this jean to Mathilde; it should fit you, Anastasie said as if nothing were happening.
Mom, again? Thats my jean; I bought it myself and Im not parting with it, the irritable young woman retorted.
Anastasie, surprised, hadnt expected such resistance.
Why be so stingy? You werent generous as a child, the mother snapped.
Its easy to give away other peoples things; try giving yours, Élise suggested.
Anastasie frowned but said nothing. She dressed in silence and left.
That day Élise plotted a way to teach her mother a lesson and get revenge for her childhood.
Her latefathers sisters birthday was approaching, and she knew shed be invited.
Aunt Raymonde liked her, unlike her mother, who despised her.
The night before the party, Élise slipped into Anastasies house and quietly took the old porcelain service.
Even though it was aged, it still shone and would make a perfect gift.
Aunt Raymonde was delighted, but when her mother discovered the missing set, she flew into a rage.
What have you done with my porcelain service? 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. She loved it.
Stunned, Anastasie stared at her daughter, speechless.
You should have asked me if I wanted that gift, she finally managed.
And have you ever asked me before taking my things? Élise cut back.
Children dont teach adults, remember! I bought all that, so I can decide to give it away if I wish! Anastasie shouted furiously.
But Dad bought that service, so its my inheritance that Im giving away, Élise retorted sarcastically.
Unable to bear her daughters boldness, Anastasie kicked her out.
She didnt speak to Élise for over a year, nor returned her callsthe wound ran deep.
Yet as New Years approached, she reassessed their relationship and took the first step toward reconciliation.
Dear Mum, Your Advice on Generosity Inspired Me: I’ve Offered Your Services to Auntie.
