I’ve never had a nice connection with my brother. There aren’t many times in our life when we truly got along with each other instead of arguing or ignoring one another. Even so, when we became adults, and particularly after my nephew was born two years ago, I’ve made an effort to get to know him and be at least polite to him, but he doesn’t seem to appreciate it.
I have spent the last two years checking in with his family (I was reprimanded for “texting too much” after sending two quick check-ins in a single month), giving them free food, clothing, and furniture, helping them move for a day without charging them (they have never assisted me in my three moves), and providing multiple free babysitting sessions for their two children—even though I had to walk an hour there and back because I couldn’t afford a cab or bus.
That concluded last week. My cat, who had never experienced health problems previously, began to vomit up many times a day if he was fed dry food. I made an appointment with the veterinarian, but before I could see him, I needed a carrier for him. My mother informed me that her brother had one.
However, he turned me down when I requested to borrow it. The cause? Not only did my cat not reside with any other animals, but it also showed no symptoms of fleas or worms, had not been de-flea- or wormed, and was scheduled to see a veterinarian. My cat had not been outside in more than a year. In addition, my sister subsequently informed me that my brother became enraged and began to lash out at his girlfriend for even asking.
A few weeks prior, he had granted my mother permission to use the carrier to bring home two unvaccinated kittens that had never seen a veterinarian.
When he wants me to watch his kids again, I will charge $15 per hour, per child.