You Have No Heart—Can’t You See Daniel Struggling? He’s Your Brother! You Could’ve Helped, But You Only Ever Think of Yourself.

“You’ve got no heart. Cant you see how Daniels struggling? Hes your brotheryou couldve helped. You only ever think of yourself.”

Thats what Mum said when she called, demanding I clear out my belongings from her flat.

“We can hardly move with all your things cluttering the place,” she snapped.

This came after I refused to give my brother Daniel the money for a house deposit. Give, not lendbecause I knew hed never pay me back.

When I said no, Daniel stormed out of my flat in a rage. He was certain Id hand over my savings simply because he has a family and I dont.

I need to get this off my chest. It feels unjust, especially with the holidays approaching.

When I moved to Manchester for university, I worked part-time straight away. First, I lived in halls, then shared a flat with a mate. I didnt want to rely on my parents, so I worked hardnot just to support myself, but to help Mum too.

She never outright asked for money, but shed always hint: “Bring some decent shoes,” or “We could use a new kettle.” And without fail, Id turn up with bags of groceries.

Mum lives in a three-bed flat with Daniel. Dad passed away three years ago.

Daniel never cared for studying. After school, he worked in Scotland, but all he managed was an old banger of a car. Back home, he became a cabbie.

Then he married Sophie and moved her into Mums place. Money was always tightthey lived payday to payday, splurging the moment their wages came in.

Both Mum and Sophies parents bailed them out regularly. Daniel knew someone would always rescue him, so he never bothered to earn more or save.

Now theyve got two kids and another on the way. The flats too small, so they decided to buy their own place.

Meanwhile, I rent with my fiancé, James. Were saving to buy after the weddinghes a software engineer, and I run a few online shops. Were careful with money, putting every spare penny toward our future.

Mum knew this. Still, she nudged Daniel to ask me for help.

“They want to buy, but theyre short for the deposit,” she said.

When Daniel demanded the money outright, I refused. He exploded, convinced I owed him simply because he had kids.

Later, Mum rang. “Youve got no conscience. Daniels struggling, and you wont lift a finger. Selfish, thats what you are.”

Then she added, “Come take your things. The place is crammed as it is. And dont bother visiting at Christmas. Daniels furious, and Im not keen on seeing you either.”

I didnt argue. Ill fetch my things, squeeze them into my rented flat, and move them properly once James and I buy our home.

I couldve lent Daniel the money, but I knew Id never see it again. He didnt even askhe expected it.

Just because he has kids

Sometimes, saying no isnt selfishits knowing your own worth.