Unspoken Desires

70.) Abuse

Mia sits at her kitchen table, surrounded by bills and stacks of paperwork.

Her tired eyes dart back and forth as she calculates expenses, trying to make ends meet. She also needs to work extra hard for her son, Liam's college.

The weight of responsibility hangs heavily on her shoulders.

I've been working so hard, sacrificing my own needs to take care of my family. Every penny I earn goes towards bills, groceries, and keeping a roof over our heads. It feels like a never-ending cycle.

And Patricia isn't her responsibility, she is not even her daughter, she's her brother's daughter, but for Patricia to graduate 2 years ago, Mia paid all the extra expenses for Patricia to graduate, not leaving a penny for Liam.

She has been sending money to Patricia and Edgar ever since Patricia is born, and she had enough.

Her phone buzzes, interrupting her thoughts. She picks it up and reads Edgar's text message, her frustration growing.

< Patricia, I can't believe you're asking for money again. I've been supporting you and Edgar since you were a baby, and it feels like it's never enough. I have my own bills to pay, and I can't keep bailing you out. >

Mia's mind drifts back to the countless times she has given financial assistance to Patricia and Edgar.

She remembers how their requests for help seemed never-ending, and how their promises to be more responsible with money were quickly forgotten.

Mia starts to cry, it seems like she spent more money to them instead of her son.

I've worked so hard to provide for my family, to give them a better life. But it seems like every time I blink, Patricia and Edgar are in financial trouble again. They take my help for granted, wasting the money on things that don't matter.

She looks around her apartment, her tired eyes scanning the worn-out furniture and the signs of frugality in every corner. Mia's face tightens with a mix of exhaustion and irriration.

I can't keep enabling their irresponsible behavior. They need to learn to stand on their own feet and take responsibility for their choices. It's time for them to understand the consequences of their actions.

With a heavy heart, Mia composes a reply to Patricia's text message.

< I'm sorry, but I can't lend you the money this time. I have my own financial obligations to fulfill. It's time for both of you to learn the importance of financial responsibility. I hope you can find a way to resolve your situation without relying on others. >

Mia hits send, her hand trembling slightly. She knows that this tough love approach is necessary for Patricia and Edgar to grow and learn from their mistakes.

But the thought of them struggling without her support weighs heavily on her conscience.

I hope they understand. I hope they realize that it's time to take charge of their own lives. I can't keep carrying the burden for them. I'm so stressed.

His phone buzzes, signaling a new message.

Edgar's face lights up with anticipation as he grabs the phone and reads Mia's response.

But as he reads, his expression darkens, and anger starts to bubble within him.

"Unbelievable! How dare she refuse to give us the money we need? We've always been there for her, and now she's turning her back on us!"

Edgar dials Mia's number and waits impatiently for her to pick up. After a few rings, Mia's voice comes through the phone.

"Hello, Edgar. I understand you're upset about my response, but I hope you can understand my perspective too. I have my own financial obligations and responsibilities to take care of."