My older brother, Ted (42M) refuses to work, freeloads off my parents, drinks all day, and takes zero responsibility. He also has two kids with two different women, neither of whom he supports.
Despite this, my parents coddle him, treating him like he can do no wrong. Meanwhile, I pursued a career in biology, which they saw as a dead-end. They ignored me for years until I became successful through AI research and bought my dream house last month. Suddenly, they were all over me, insisting I let Ted move in because it was my “turn” to take care of him.
I politely refused.
But when my wife and I returned from vacation two weeks ago, I found Ted living in my house, his stuff everywhere — beer cans, dirty clothes, old furniture. And he, lounging on my couch like he owned the place, with a bowl of chicken wings on his belly.
Me: “Ted… what is all this?!”
Him: “I moved in, parents helped with stuff. We just skipped your ‘YES’ part.”
He grinned. Okay. I smiled broadly in return, creating a plan in my head, and in only one week, he dreamt of moving out.
Jeremy and his wife, Nina, return from vacation to find his lazy brother, Ted, living in their house without permission. After a tense confrontation with their parents, who defend Ted, Jeremy decides to teach him a lesson. Nina, frustrated, threatens to leave if Ted isn’t gone within a week.
Over the next few days, Jeremy makes Ted’s life miserable by cutting off Wi-Fi, hot water, and stocking the fridge with food Ted hates. He even plays loud music early in the morning. By day five, Ted is fed up and moves out, storming back to their parents’ house.
Jeremy cleans up, cooks a nice meal for Nina, and calls his parents to let them know Ted is no longer welcome. His mother is furious, but Jeremy stands firm. Ted eventually moves into the garage at their parents’ house and is forced to get a job. Jeremy and Nina are finally at peace.
