From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent ( Anthea )

Christmas presents?

Tanya was known for being tight-fisted. Getting a dime out of her was like pulling teeth. And now, she's suddenly generous?

Hank eyed Tanya skeptically, "Tanya, you gotta be wanting something from me and your sister-in-law, right? If you do, just spill it."

Tanya shook her head, "Nope, bro, you're reading too much into it."

When their parents unwrapped their gifts, they were gobsmacked. These items would cost a pretty penny. Why on earth would Tanya splurge like this?

Karan, always sharp, looked up at Tanya, "Tanya, come clean. Did you get into some trouble?"

Tanya smiled, "Mom, what are you talking about? I'm nineteen. Can't I buy gifts for my family?"

Gage didn't overthink it, popping open a bottle of fine Scotch, "This is some good stuff! That's my girl!"

Karan shot Gage a look, then continued, "Tanya, these gifts weren't cheap. Even if you can afford them, it's wasteful. Your brother and sister-in-law's gifts are one thing, but I can't keep this dress. Return it tomorrow. Oh, and I signed you up for driving lessons. You start tomorrow. Aim to get your license by summer's end."

Hank and Jane quickly added, "Ours too. We should return them."

Tanya insisted, "The gifts are yours now, no returns. Mom, bro, sis, I've never really bought you anything over the years. Please, just accept them."

Then, she added, "Mom, I don't wanna do driving lessons. Get a refund for the tuition."

She only had three months left to live. What was the point in learning to drive?

Karan frowned, "Tanya! What's gotten into you tonight? Return the things that need returning. And you are taking those driving lessons. As for the gifts, you're returning them tomorrow! We're a practical family. We don't need luxury items! Save your money for college. You'll need it."

Karan had her reasons. Hank had been married for a while, still living with them, without a place of their own. It was important to save where they could. This spree must have cost a fortune! It pained her.

Tanya was taken aback by her

mother's firm stance. She knew her mother meant well. But it still hurt. It was still unfair. After all, it was her way of showing love. She was about to leave this world. All she wanted was to buy her family some gifts in her final months. Was even that too much to ask?

"I'm not going to driving school! And as for the gifts, if you don't want them, throw them out!"

Karan was furious, slamming the table, "Tanya! Say that again!"

Tanya, holding back tears, walked to her room.

"Little sis!" Jane caught Tanya's sleeve.

"Leave her, Jane! Let her go! We've spoiled her rotten! Now she doesn't know her limits!"

Jane had to let go. Tanya went to her room, laying on her bed, crying softly.

At the dinner table, Gage turned to Karan,

like owning, "She meant welke ! Why be so harsh?et

you

did anything

not

Wontent

"Drink up! That's all you think about!" Karan was livid, "Do you have any

idea how much that bottle cost? Six thousand! That's a month of your salary!"

Gage was stunned.

Karan sat down, eyes teary, "If she won't return them, I will tomorrow."

Jane said, "I'm off tomorrow, Mom. I'll go with you."

Karan nodded.

Hank was worried, "I'll go check on Tanya."

Karan looked up at him, "No one's to disturb her! She's getting too bold!"