Then you plan to move in with me? I wont allow it!
Mother, are you really thinking of giving our brothers son our apartment? And then you expect to live here? I wont let it happen!
Dont even entertain the idea! Mother, are you hearing yourself? Hell evict you straight away; dont you get it?
Sofia, stop arguing with me! Ive made my decision!
At first the mother tried to appear strong, insisting on her independence and confidence. Soon tears fell, because deep down she realized she was being unfair to her own daughter.
The problem was that Matviy, Sofias younger brother, had always been the family favorite. Elena Sergeyevna had brought him into the world when she was already over thirty, while Sofia arrived much earlier, almost by accident.
Because of that, Elena treated her daughter with a sort of resigned tolerance shes there, and thats enough. Sofia was still mainly raised by her mother, who had, back then, promised to finish college.
When Elena remarried for the second time and began to enjoy motherhood, she started planning for Matviy deliberately. Sofia observed all this clearly, but she could not understand why her mother was so openly preferential toward her brother.
Usually parents try to hide such favoritism, yet Elena made no effort to conceal that Matviy was her priority. She even wondered aloud why the siblings never had a warm relationship, as if there must be a reason.
Indeed, from childhood Matviy always received the best of everything. Sofia, on the other hand, was expected to make do with what was left and not even dare to complain. He was always given more money because, as a man, he should have it, and the fact that he was a few years younger mattered not at all.
Remember this: when Matviy grows up he will earn his own living and support his family. Until then, Im obliged to help him!
Mother, what about me?
What do you expect? Your task is to get married well and cling to a husband, the mother declared, laying a plate on the table.
Sofia retorted that she had no intention of depending on a husband and wanted to develop herself personally and professionally.
What nonsense are you spouting, on my honor! Isnt it funny to you?
Whats so funny?
At least nobody in our family ever thought like that.
So Ill be the first.
Sofia could not grasp her mothers logic and refused to follow it. Thanks to that stance she soon moved into a rented flat. The change felt like a breath of fresh air; sharing a roof with her brother and mother had become unbearable, especially as she grew older.
The family didnt seem to mind the loss of space. Five years passed. During that time Sofia managed to mortgage a new apartment and pay it off, while Matviy still lived with their mother, had brought his wife into the same flat, and was about to welcome a child.
By nature Elena Sergeyevna was accustomed to making do with what she had, and she clung to that attitude for a long while.
You know, daughter, our neighbour finally bought a dishwasher. Not by herself, of course the children gave it to her.
Thats nice.
I wish I had one, but Im scared to ask!
Why?
Because Matviy is currently struggling at work. They might cut him off, and hell have to look for a new job, while his wife Alla is on maternity leave and receiving a tiny allowance.
Matviy also had a habit of being reluctant to share his money. He was perfectly content living off his mothers support, as if groceries appeared in the fridge by magic.
One day, running into her brother at a supermarket, Sofia could no longer hold back.
When will your conscience finally wake up, Matviy? she snapped, as he was buying chips and soda before a football match.
What are you accusing me of?
At least help mother financially! Her pension isnt endless, and she buys all the food with her own money.
Matviy averted his gaze, realizing his sister was right.
Whats in it for you? You dont even live with us.
I feel sorry for mother!
You should feel sorry for yourself. You have no family, no husband, and youre just wandering around!
He turned and walked away, leaving Sofia stunned. He knew exactly which nerve to hit, and he used it skillfully.
By the age of thirtyfive Sofia had never been married. Her former boyfriend, with whom she had dated for years, had betrayed her, leaving her reluctant to start a new relationship.
Miss, can I help you? a saleswoman asked.
No, thank you.
Sofia knew she was doing the right thing. Matviy was no longer a teenager; he was a husband and a newborns father, which meant he should shoulder his responsibilities instead of relying on their mother.
Sofia, how dare you speak to him like that? Elena began, furious.
Mother, I only told the truth and defended you.
Did I ask you to do that? Because of you Matviy started shouting through the whole apartment. We have a small child, cant you understand?
Because of me? What do I have to do with it?
Sofia didnt know how to answer her mothers barrage.
And you had no right to say that to him. You know how sensitive he is.
It was odd how Elena constantly criticized Matviy without ever considering her own daughters feelings, who still loved her. Even when Sofia tried to defend her brother and protect her mother, she was painted as the villain.
About six months later Sofia had cut off all contact with them. Then, unexpectedly, her mother called and asked her to come home. Nothing in the flat had changed; of course, no one had bought the dishwasher.
Where are Matviy and his wife?
They were invited to a celebration. Im here with Sasha. Do you want some tea?
No, Mom, I dont want that. You seemed to want to talk to me about something.
Yes, Ive made a very important decision. I want to give that apartment to Sashas son.
At first Sofia thought her mother was joking or testing her reaction.
You mean you want to give the shared apartment to my brothers son? Mother, are you hearing yourself?
Sofia, dont argue with me! Its my decision!
The daughter tried to explain the severe consequences of such a move, but Elena held firm.
So not only do you take care of everyone here, you also want to transfer the ownership of the flat?
Im just helping, thats all.
And what is Alla doing now?
Shes looking after the child. You know that job is tougher than any other.
Did Alla tell you that? I see her posting everything on social media.
You dont understand anything, Sofia! Its because you have no children of your own, so you think you can judge.
Realizing she shouldnt have come, Sofia saw that nothing had changed in six months.
I see you arrived in a new car. Did you finance it? her mother asked.
I bought it outright.
Even so? You didnt help your brother. You heard he was laid off and is now struggling to find work.
Sofia kept being baffled by her mothers reasoning. In the end, Matviy, an adult, finally took responsibility for his family.
What are you implying?
Im not implying, Im saying it outright. I could buy a new crib for the child because we had to use an old one. And I really need that dishwasher; my hands ache from washing dishes.
Ive got to go, Mom.
Sofia headed for the exit, but her mother kept protesting. Before leaving, Sofia asked one final question.
Mother, if you transfer the apartment to their child, theyll easily evict you. Where will you go then?
Elena Sergeyevna, as always, refused to listen to her daughter.
Oh, Sofia, youre so stubborn! Sasha is my only grandson! Youll never have grandchildren, and youll never marry, which isnt surprising given your terrible character. You only think of yourself!
Those words extinguished any desire Sofia had to argue further. She decided that if they all thought themselves so wonderful, they could keep buying her a dishwasher. She would sort out her own life. It hadnt been easy, but there was no other way. Elena had already made her choice long ago.
Well, thats how it is. As they say, you reap what you sow. Old age is just around the corner
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