01/09/2026
Tomorrow I’ll transfer the money to Mum for her flat. The decision’s made,” James declared, never even asking my opinion.
“What? You’ve decided to buy Mum a flat?” I stared at him, bewildered, as he sat at the kitchen table with a guilty look on his face.
James gave a short nod, refusing to meet my eyes.
“Yes, I’ve decided. She’s only a million short, and we’ve almost saved that much.” He said.
“What do you mean ‘decided’? We’ve been saving for our own flat for four years! We were already looking at neighbourhoods, weighing options!” My voice rose.
“Emily, think about it. Mum has spent her whole life in a cramped council flat. The neighbours drink, shout, and the walls never sleep. She deserves a decent place.”
I sank into the chair opposite him, my hands trembling with indignation.
“And what about us? Don’t we deserve a proper home? We’re young, we want children, and we’re stuck in this tiny one‑room flat! I’ve already told all my friends we’ll be moving soon!”
“Mum’s alone. She’ll retire soon; her pension is a pittance. We’re still young; we can save more later.”
“Save more?” I leapt up. “Do you realise how long that will take? We put aside £40 a month, denying ourselves everything!”
James finally looked up, his eyes fixed and resolute. “Tomorrow I’ll transfer the money to Mum for the flat. The decision’s made.”
The following days in our cramped flat were heavy with silence. I gave him short nods when he tried to start a conversation, while he pretended everything was fine, though I could see how nervous he was.
On Friday evening I could take it no longer and phoned my sister, Rachel.
“Rach, can I come over? Things are terrible at home.”
“Of course, come straight away. What’s happened?”
An hour later I was sitting in Rachel’s kitchen, spilling the whole story while she listened, shaking her head occasionally.
“Can you believe it? He didn’t even ask you! He just thrust a fait‑accompli in front of you!”
“And what does Mum say?”
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