We are mates

Valerie

I was thinking about Jack's message again and how sad I felt when I saw it. Taking care of mum should be my responsibility, but it had somehow shifted to my younger brother because I was out here chasing my dream while pursuing my degree. 

Even though I knew that I was the one shouldering the major responsibility, I still couldn't help but feel guilty about hindering Jack's youth with such a huge responsibility. I had once initiated the thought of employing a housekeeper or a nurse that will take care of mum, and bring her home from the nursing home, but he had rejected it instantly.

"Why couldn't he make it?" I heard Luke ask, but I didn't know what to say.

What would I gain from telling him that my middle-aged mother, who was supposed to be enjoying her life at the moment, was suffering from constant heartburn that left her paralyzed each time she experienced it?