Your bonus couldnt have come at a better timeyour sister needs to pay six months rent upfront, Mum says, stirring a pot of beef stew on the stove.
Emma pauses in the kitchen doorway, the words lodging in her throat. Her fingers tighten around her phone, still warm from her bosss message about the bonus. Three unread texts from Sophie, her best friend, about the two-week holiday theyd nearly booked to Spain.
What? she manages.
Mum doesnt even glance up. Laughter drifts from the living room, where Lily, her younger sister, is sprawled on the sofa watching a reality show.
You heard me. Lily and that boyfriend of hersJason, was it?are renting a flat. The landlord wants six months rent in advance. Wheres she supposed to get that kind of money? Your bonus is exactly what we need.
It isnt a question. It never is.
Emma hangs her coat on the hook, movements slow and deliberateher way of holding back frustration. Twenty-eight years of practice at swallowing her emotions in front of Mum.
I was planning to use that money, she says carefully. Sophie and I were going to
Oh, not Sophie again, Mum cuts in, checking the roast in the oven. Always dragging you off somewhere. Youre nearly thirty, still gallivanting about with your mates. You should be thinking about settling down.
Lily drifts into the kitchena younger, tattooed mirror of their mother. She grabs a yogurt from the fridge and leans against the counter, smirking.
Em, why the long face? You got the bonus, didnt you? Jason found this amazing place yesterdaytwo bedrooms, quiet street, decent landlord. Only thing is, she wants six months upfront.
Emma studies her sister. Where Emma is all tight buns and tired eyes, Lily is sunshineblonde curls, dimples, effortless charm. Mums golden girl, just like Dad used to say before he left for his secretary three years back.
Why cant Jason pay for it himself? Emma asks, keeping her voice even. Hes twenty-six. His parents could help.
Lily rolls her eyes. Theyre having cash-flow issues right now. Besides, hell pay me back. Couples support each other.
Support goes both ways, Emma says. Not just me footing the bill.
Oh, come on, Lily says, squeezing her shoulder. Youve got ages to save for another holiday. We need this flat now. You get it, right?
Mum snorts. Living together before marriagemodern nonsense.
Thats how everyone does it now, Lily says. Right, Em?
Emma stays silent. Shes worked four years at a finance firm, the last year as a senior analyst. Up at six, home by nine, weekends at her laptop. Her last proper holiday was two years ago.
Lily? Three jobs since uni, never lasting more than three months. Now shes figuring things out while doing an online beauty course. Jasons also figuring things outflitting between business ideas, trading, and web design.
Emma, Mums voice hardens. Dont be selfish. Your sister needs you. Family comes first.
Something inside Emma snaps. Selfish? Her, handing over half her salary every month while Lily blows hers on clothes and nights out with Jason?
I was going on holiday, she says quietly. Two weeks. Ive been saving for a year.
Holiday! Mum throws up her hands. When your sisters trying to build a life? You only ever think of yourself.
Lily gives her those puppy-dog eyes. Em, please. Ill pay you back. Once I land a proper job.
Whens that happening? Emma snaps. Youve been saying that for three years.
Not everyones a workaholic like you, Mum mutters, slamming a lid on the pot. Lilys meant to start a family. Have kids.
And Im not?
Mum gives her a lookhalf pity, half annoyance. When would you even have time? Always exhausted, always working. Men dont want that. Lilys warm. Homely.
Emma clenches her jaw. Meanwhile, Lilys swiping through her phone, eyeing Emmas saved hotel photos.
Five-star? Blimey, thats pricey. You could do a cheaper one. Or just go to Brighton. Still a beach.
Emma snatches her phone back. I wanted nice. Once every two years, I think Ive earned it.
Course you have, Mum says. But right now, your sister needs help. You can relax later.
Later. That word again.
Lily, Emma says, why not find a place with monthly rent?
Those cost more! Lily whines. This ones near the Tube and shops. Landlords fine with Jasons dog, too. You know how he dotes on Max.
Max. A spaniel Jason walks three times a daythe only responsibility he keeps.
How much do you need? Emma asks, already knowing shes lost.
Lily grins. Ten grand. But thats six months! Less than two grand a month. Bargain.
Emma freezes. Ten grand. Nearly her entire bonus.
Lil, I
Emma, Mum turns fully to her. You wont say no. Youre not that sort. I didnt raise you to be.
The doorbell rings. Lily squeals. Thats Jason! Mum, set the table. Em, you joining?
Emma shakes her head. Ill go to my room. Tired.
Upstairs, she stares at the wall. Five new texts from Sophie:
Bonus come through? Swimshopping tomorrow? 
Em, you alive?
Found another hotelneed to book TODAY.
Hello?
Whys it radio silence? Everything okay?
Laughter floats up from the kitchenLilys giggle, Jasons booming voice, Mums pleased humming.
Soph, I cant go, Emma types.
WHAT? WHY??
Emma exhales. How to explain this cycle she cant break?
Family stuff.
Your sister again? Em, when will you stop bailing them out?
Emma doesnt reply. Her childhood roomsame floral wallpaper, same creaky wardrobesuddenly feels suffocating.
She slips downstairs and grabs her coat.
Where are you off to? Mum calls.
Walk. Headache.
Dont be late. And transfer Lily the money tomorrow.
Outside, Emma wanders, numb. Her phone buzzesSophie again.
Em, listen. I get its hard, 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 the city lights. She used to dream about those windowsother lives, other possibilities.
She texts Sophie: Im coming.
??? SERIOUSLY? What about family stuff?
Let them sort their own stuff.
Emma breathes in the crisp air. Theres a hollow feeling, but also relieflike shrugging off a weight she didnt know she carried.
Really? No backing out tomorrow? Sophie replies.
Really. Booking flights tonight.
And she does, right there on the embankment, fingers trembling from cold and adrenaline.
She comes home late. The flats quietjust music from Lilys room.
Next morning, Mum corners her in the kitchen.
Transfer the money to Lily. Shes signing the lease today.
What money? Emma pours coffee.
Mum frowns. Your bonus. The alert came through last night. Send it now.
Emma freezes.
You what?
Dont look so shocked. Its a joint account. For household things.
A joint account. Years ago, Emma added Mum to her account for groceries. She never thought itd be used to monitor her paychecks.
Mum, that moneys gone, she says slowly.
Gone how?
I booked the holiday. With Sophie.
Silence.
What have you done? Mum whispers. You knew Lily needed it.
And I told you I was going away. Emmas voice is steadyforeign even to her.
Cancel it. Now. Lilys signing today.
No.
Mum stares at her like shes a stranger.
Who even are you? You were always the responsible one.
No, Emma sets her cup down. I was the easy one. The one who paid, who didnt complain. And Lily? She floats because weve always caught her.
Lily shuffles in, rubbing sleep from her eyes.
Whats all the shouting?
Your sisters thrown
