Last night I was at home, making dinner and keeping an eye on my three-year-old son, just waiting for my husband to get back from work. All of a sudden, there was a knock at the doorit was my brother, standing there with his six-year-old son and a bag of apples. He asked if I could watch his little one for a bit, as theyd been invited out for the evening. I said yes straight awayI know my little boy loves spending time with his cousin, so it felt like no trouble at all.
As the evening wore on, my brother and his wife still hadnt come back at the time we agreed on. I rang them several times, and every time they assured me theyd be home soon. But the hours just kept ticking by, and still there was no sign of them. Eventually, it got so late I decided to put the boys to bed. Later on, my son suddenly became really unwell and I had to call 999. When the paramedics arrived, they recommended taking him to hospital to get checked over. I tried ringing my brother and his wife again, but they didnt answer their phones.
In the end, I had no choice but to ask my wonderful, trustworthy neighboura lady who often helps out with kids in our streetif shed be able to watch my nephew while I went to the hospital with my son. She kindly agreed, thank goodness. I ended up spending the night with my boy at the hospital.
The next morning, my brother finally turned up to collect his son.
A few days later, I ran into my sister-in-law at Sainsburys. To my shock, she stormed up to me and started having a go, accusing me of dumping her child with a stranger. She was properly furiousraising her voice and getting quite nasty, honestly. I tried to explain what had happened, but she just wouldnt have it. Apparently she had to pay the neighbour for her help, and she demanded I pay her back, saying she wasnt going to fork out for it herself. She even threatened to call the police, shouting at me in the middle of the aisle. I just felt so disappointed. Sometimes you try your best and do someone a favour, but instead of understanding or a simple thank you, you just end up getting grief for it.
