Your bonus couldnt have come at a better timeyour sister needs six months rent upfront, Mum declared.
Emily paused in the kitchen doorway, the words catching in her throat. Her grip tightened around her phone, still warm from her bosss congratulatory text. Three voice notes from her best mate, Sophie, buzzed in her inboxtheir nearly booked two-week getaway to Spain hanging in the balance.
What? she managed.
Mum didnt even glance up from stirring her famous beef stew. Giggles floated from the tellyLucy, her younger sister, was glued to another episode of *Love Island*.
You heard. Lucy and that bloke of hers whats his name Mum frowned, racking her brain. Oliver. Theyve found a flat. Landlord wants six months rent in advance. Wheres she supposed to get that? Your bonus is just the ticket.
It wasnt a request. Just a statement. Business as usual.
Emily hung her coat on the hook, movements slow and deliberateher go-to method for swallowing frustration. Twenty-eight years of perfecting the art of keeping calm in front of Mum.
Mum, I had plans for that money, she started carefully. Sophie and I were going to
Oh, not Sophie again, Mum waved a dismissive hand, peering into the oven at her roast. Always dragging you off somewhere. Youre nearly thirty, gallivanting round Europe with your mates. Should be thinking about settling down.
Lucy flounced into the rooma carbon copy of Mum, just younger and with a tiny heart tattoo on her wrist. She grabbed a yoghurt from the fridge and leaned against the counter, smirking.
Em, why the long face? You got the bonus, yeah? Brilliant. She spooned yoghurt into her mouth. Ollie found this proper nice place yesterdaytwo bedrooms, overlooks the park, landladys sound. Only catch is, six months upfront or no deal.
Emily studied her sister. While she was all dark ponytails and tired eyes, Lucy was sunshineblonde curls, dimples, and the effortless charm Mum had always adored. *Dads little princess*, hed called her before running off with his receptionist three years back.
Lucy, why cant Oliver pay for it himself? Emily kept her voice level. Hes twenty-six. His parents could help.
Lucy rolled her eyes.
Theyre having cash-flow problems. Temporary, like. Besides, hell pay me back. Couples help each other, dont they?
*Help* each other, Emily stressed. Not expect your sister to bankroll your life.
Oh, come off it, Em. Lucy patted her shoulder. Plenty of time for your holiday. We *need* this flat. Ollie and I want to see if were compatible.
Mum snorted without looking up.
Compatible. In my day, you got married first.
Mum, everyone does it now, Lucy drawled. Right, Em?
Emily stayed silent. Four years at a corporate firm, the last one as a senior analyst. Up at six, home by nine. Weekends at her laptop. Her last proper holiday? Two years ago.
Meanwhile, Lucy had cycled through jobs since uninever lasting more than three months. Currently finding herself while dabbling in freelance makeup tutorials. Oliver was also finding himself, flitting between crypto, dropshipping, and podcasting.
Emily, Mums tone sharpened. Dont be selfish. Your sister needs you. Family comes first.
Something inside Emily snapped. *Selfish?* Her, handing over half her wages every month while Lucy blew hers on Zara hauls and bottomless brunches with Oliver?
I was going on holiday, Mum, she said quietly. Two weeks. Saved all year for it.
Holiday! Mum threw her hands up. When your sisters trying to build a life? Always thinking of yourself.
Lucy batted her lashes.
Em, *please*. Ill pay you back. Once I land a proper job.
Whens that, then? Emilys control slipped. Youve been saying that since graduation.
Not everyones a workaholic like you, Mum cut in, slamming a lid. Lucys meant for family life. Babies.
And Im not?
Mum gave her a lookhalf pity, half irritation.
When would you even *meet* someone, glued to that job? Men want a woman whos *present*. Lucys warm. Homely.
Emily clenched her jaw as Lucy snatched her phone, scrolling through Spanish resort photos like she owned them.
Blimey, five-star?! Lucy whistled. Couldve gone three-star. Or Cornwall. Still a beach.
Emily took her phone back.
I wanted nice. Once every two years, I reckon Ive earned it.
Course you have, Mum nodded. But family first. Holiday later.
*Later.* That eternal *later.*
Lucy, Emily said. Why not find a place with monthly rent?
More expensive! Lucy cried. This ones near the Tube *and* Waitrose. Landlords fine with Olivers dog. You know how he dotes on Baxter.
Baxter. A yappy Pomeranian Oliver walked religiouslyhis sole responsibility.
How much? Emily asked, already knowing shed lost.
Lucy beamed.
Twelve grand. But thats *six months*! Works out cheap, really.
Emily froze. Twelve thousand. Nearly her entire bonus.
Lu, I
Emily. Mum turned fully. You wont let your sister down. I didnt raise you that way.
The doorbell rang. Lucy squealed.
Ollies here! Mum, set an extra plate. Em, joining us?
Emily shook her head.
Ill go to my room. Knackered.
Upstairs, she stared at her phone. Five texts from Sophie:
*Bonus hit? Swimwear shopping tomorrow? *
*Earth to Em??*
*Found another hotelgotta book TODAY.*
*Hello??*
*You okay?*
Laughter floated upLucys tinkling giggles, Olivers posh chuckle, Mums approving *clink* of cutlery.
*Cant go,* Emily typed.
*WHAT?? WHY??*
She exhaled. How to explain this never-ending loop?
*Family stuff.*
*Lucy again?? Em, whens it YOUR turn?*
Emily didnt reply. Her childhood roomsame floral wallpaper, same creaky wardrobesuddenly felt suffocating.
She grabbed her coat.
Going out? Mum called.
Walk. Headache.
Dont be late. And transfer Lucy the money tomorrow.
The door shut behind her.
Emily wandered the High Street, numb. Her phone buzzedSophie, relentless.
*Seriously, I get family, 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.*
She stopped by the river. Office lights twinkledstrangers living lives shed only imagined.
*Im coming,* she typed.
*??? REALLY?? What about family stuff?*
*Theyll manage.*
A deep breath. The weight lifting.
*Seriously? No take-backs?*
*Seriously. Booking now.*
Right there on the bench, fingers trembling, she secured two flights to Malaga.
She returned late. The house was silent save for Lucys Spotify playlist.
Next morning, Mum cornered her in the kitchen.
Transfer Lucy the money. Shes signing the lease today.
What money? Emily poured coffee.
Mum frowned.
Your *bonus*. The notification came through. Do it now, before you forget.
Emily froze.
You what?
Dont look so shocked. Joint account. *Family* expenses.
A joint account. Years ago, shed added Mum to her account for groceries. Never imagined itd become a surveillance system.
Mum, that moneys gone, she said slowly.
Gone how?
I booked the holiday. With Sophie.
Silence. Thick and heavy.
*What have you done?* Mum whispered. You *knew* Lucy needed it.
And *you* knew Id saved for this. Emilys voicesteady, unfamiliar.
Cancel it. *Now.* Lucys signing today.
No.
Mum staredlike shed never seen her before.
Who *are* you? Youve always been so *good.* Now youre just selfish.
No, Mum. Emily set her cup down
