A large enough amount so that my mother did not depend financially on anyone for the rest of her life.
“I don’t understand,” I said.
I turned to my father.
“If you saved money, why did you let everyone think you were taking it?”
Dad didn't answer.
Mom did.
“Because I asked him.
The room was silent again.
“What?”
Mom wiped her cheek.
When we got married, I didn’t know how to save money.
Then he started telling us about a part of their lives that we, as children, knew almost nothing about.
In the early years of marriage, her mother sent almost everything she earned to her parents, brothers and sisters.
Not because they forced her.
Because I couldn’t say “no.”
If anyone had debts, Margaret would pay.
If my sister wanted anything, Margaret would help her.
If a family member came with a problem, the mother would open her wallet.
“One year I ran out of money for firewood,” he said. “And I was pregnant with you.”
I looked at my father.
“Then Robert told me we had to make a plan.
Mom took her hand.
“And I said, ‘Take my pay before I have time to give it to everyone.’”
My aunt got pale.
– Margarita...
Mom looked at her.
“Yes. Including you.
But I still didn't understand the coat.
Shoes.
Parties.
“Then why did you say ‘no’?” I asked my father. If the money was yours, why couldn't you even buy a fucking coat?
Dad closed his eyes.
“I don’t have a good excuse for this role.
Mom stepped in:
“There’s an explanation.
“Ne, Margarita.
Dad's staring at me for the first time.
“Your mother asked me to discipline myself. I have become rigid.”
His voice was low.
– At first, I just needed to set aside a certain amount. After that, I started to think that every unnecessary expense is a failure.
He rubbed his palms.
“And sometimes I crossed the line.
Mom smiled sadly.
“I bought the coat after two weeks.
I was paralyzed.
“What?”
“You don’t remember?”
I remembered it vaguely.
