Your bonus has come at just the right timeyour sister needs six months rent paid upfront, Mum declares.
Emily pauses in the kitchen doorway, the words catching in her throat. Her fingers tighten around her phone, still warm from the message about her bonus. Three unread texts from Sophie, her best friend, about the two-week holiday in Spain theyve nearly booked.
What? she manages.
Mum doesnt even glance up from the hob, where she stirs a pot of her signature beef stew. Giggles drift from the living room sofaOlivia, her younger sister, is glued to another reality show.
You heard. Olivia and that lad of hers whats his name Mum frowns, trying to recall. Daniel wants to rent a flat. The landlord insists on six months rent upfront. Wheres she supposed to get that sort of money? Your bonus is exactly whats needed.
It isnt a question. Just a fact. As usual in this house.
Emily hangs her coat on the hook, movements slow and deliberateher way of keeping calm. Twenty-eight years of practice at masking her feelings in front of Mum.
Mum, I had plans for that money, she starts carefully. Sophie and I were going to
Oh, Sophie again, Mum waves a dismissive hand, checking the roast in the oven. Always dragging you off somewhere. Youre nearly thirty, still jaunting about with your mates. You should be thinking about settling down.
Olivia drifts ina younger, tattooed copy of Mum. She grabs a yogurt from the fridge and leans against the doorframe, smirking.
Em, dont look so grim. You got the bonus, yeah? Thats brilliant, she scoops a spoonful. Daniel found this gorgeous place yesterdaytwo bedrooms, garden view, lovely landlady. Only she wants six months upfront or no deal.
Emily studies her sister. While shes all dark hair, tired eyes, and sensible buns, Olivia glowsblonde curls, dimples, effortless charm. Dads little princess, before he left for his secretary three years ago.
Olivia, why cant Daniel pay for it himself? Emily keeps her voice level. Hes twenty-six. His parents could help.
Olivia rolls her eyes.
Theyre having cash-flow issues. Temporary. Besides, hell pay me back. Were a couplewe help each other.
We should. Help each other, Emily stresses. Not expect your sister to foot the bill.
Oh, come on, Em, Olivia steps closer, touching her arm. Youve got ages for holidays. We need this flat now. You get it, right? Daniel and I want to see if we work living together.
Mum snorts, stirring the pot.
See if you work Might as well get married properly.
Mum, everyone does it this way now, Olivia drawls. Right, Em?
Emily says nothing. Four years at an international firm, the last as a senior analyst. Up at six, home by nine. Weekends at her laptop. Her last proper holiday was two years ago.
Olivia? Three jobs since uni, never lasting more than three months. Now finding herself with an online nail course. Daniels the sameendless schemes, never sticking to one.
Emily, Mums tone hardens. Dont be selfish. Your sister needs you. Thats what family does.
Something snaps inside her. Selfish? Her, handing over half her wages every month while Olivia blows hers on clothes and nights out with Daniel?
I was going on holiday, Mum, she says quietly. Two weeks. Ive saved all year.
Holiday! Mum throws up her hands. How can you think of sunbathing when your sisters trying to build a life? You only ever think of yourself.
Olivia steps in, eyes wide and pleading.
Em, please. Ill pay you back. Once I land a proper job.
Whens that happening? Emily snaps. Youve said that for three years.
Not everyones a workaholic like you, Mum cuts in, slamming a lid. Olivias meant for family life. Children.
And Im not?
Mum gives her a lookpity and impatience mixed.
With your hours? Men dont want women married to their jobs. Olivias homely. Warm.
Emily clenches her jaw. Olivia grabs her phone, scrolling through Spanish hotel photos like theyre hers.
Five-star? Blimey, thats pricey. You could do a three-star. Or Brighton. Still a beach.
Emily takes her phone back.
I wanted nice. Once every two years, I can manage that.
Course you can, Mum nods. But family comes first. Youll rest later.
Later. Always later.
Olivia, Emily tries. Why not find somewhere with monthly rent?
Theyre dearer! This ones near the Tube and shops. Landladys fine with Daniels dog. You know how he dotes on Max.
Max. A spaniel Daniel walks religiouslyhis only routine.
How much? Emily asks, already defeated.
Olivia beams.
Six grand. But thats six months! Less than a grand a month. Proper bargain.
Emily freezes. Six grand. Nearly her whole bonus.
Liv, I
Emily. Mum faces her fully. You wont let your sister down. I didnt raise you like that.
The doorbell rings. Olivia bounces up.
Thats Daniel! Told him to come for dinner. Mum, lay the table. Em, you joining?
Emily shakes her head.
No. Im going to my room. Tired.
Upstairs, she stares at the wall. Five new texts from Sophie:
Bonus come through? Swimsuits tomorrow?)))
Em, you alive?
Found another hotelgotta book today!
Hello?
Why the silent treatment? Everything alright?
Laughter floats upOlivias giggle, Daniels deep voice, Mums approving hum.
Soph, I cant go, she types.
WHAT? WHY???
Emily sighs. How to explain this cycle shes stuck in?
Family stuff.
Your sister again? Em, when will you stop bankrolling them?
No reply. Her childhood roomsame floral wallpaper, same creaky wardrobesuddenly feels stifling. She slips out, coat in hand.
Where are you off to? Mum calls.
Walk. Headache.
Dont be late. And transfer Olivia that money tomorrow.
Outside, she wanders, numb. Her phone buzzesSophie again.
Em, listen. I get its tough, but you cant set yourself on fire to keep them warm.
You said you wanted your own place this year. Whats stopping you?
Em, answer me.
She stops by the Thames, watching distant office lights. Shed always wondered about the lives behind them.
Typing: Im coming.
??? Seriously? What about family stuff?
Let them sort their own stuff.
The cold air fills her lungs. Relief mixes with emptinesslike shrugging off a weight shed carried for years.
Really? No backing out? Sophie doubts.
Really. Booking tonight.
Right there, fingers trembling, she books two tickets to Malaga.
She returns late. The flats quietOlivias music faint, Mum already in bed.
Next morning, Mum corners her in the kitchen.
Transfer that money to Olivia. Shes signing the contract today.
What money? Emily pours coffee.
Mum frowns.
Your bonus. I saw the alert. Do it now, before you forget.
Emily freezes.
You what?
Dont act shocked. Weve a joint account. For household things.
A joint account. Years back, shed given Mum a card for groceries. Never imagined her wages were being monitored.
Mum, that moneys gone, she says slowly.
Gone how?
I booked the holiday. With Sophie.
Silence.
What have you done? Mum whispers. You knew Olivia needed it. I told you plainly.
And I told you plainly I was going away. Her voice sounds strangesteady, unapologetic.
Cancel it. Now. Olivias signing today.
No.
Mum stares, as if seeing her anew.
Who are you? You were always the responsible one. Now youre just selfish.
No, Mum, Emily sets down her cup. I was the convenient one. The one who paid and never complained. Olivia gets to float because you and I always catch her.
Olivia stumbles in, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
Why the shouting?
Your sister chose a holiday over your flat,
