Well, Natalie, this is the last time, right? Were family, you know! Sophie’s voice cracked over the phone, pleading as she always did when she needed cash.
Sophie, I’ve already helped you twice this month, Natalie replied, fatigue lining her words. And you still havent paid back the tenthousand pounds you borrowed last time.
But Im looking after Molly! Sophie’s protest shot through the line. I pick her up from nursery, I watch her. Doesnt that count for anything?
Natalie moved to the window. A fine drizzle hammered the glass, turning the pavement into a grey mirror.
In the past two months youve sat with your daughter twice, Natalie said calmly. And thats it. Ive spent on you so much that hiring a nanny wouldve been cheaper.
Natalie, dont be stingy! Sophie’s tone grew even more plaintive. Help me, will you? I promise Ill repay you next week. Ive got a situation
Natalie closed her eyes. The same tired refrain shed heard a month ago, two months ago. Sophie always knew which buttons to press, how to hit the soft spots.
Please, just help. Be a decent sister, were family!
Natalie opened her banking app, entered the amount, and watched the ten thousand pounds vanish from her account, just as it had so many times before.
Money transferred, she said flatly. But this is really the last time, Sophie. Its time you started pulling yourself together.
Thank you, love! I adore you! Sophie burst out, then hung up.
Natalie set the phone down and poured herself a mug of fresh tea. Steam curled from the cup, blurring the kitchens edges. She sank into a chair, cupping the warm mug with both hands.
After theyd left their hometown of Birmingham for London to study and then work, the bond between the sisters had frayed. Sophie drifted, changing jobs every six months, living for herself. Natalie dreamed of a steady home and family.
She had once had one. When her soninlaw walked out with a younger colleague, leaving her with a threeyearold daughter and a twentyyear mortgage, Natalie was left to fend for herself. Now Molly was five, attending nursery, while Natalie scraped by on modest childsupport and a job at an advertising agency.
Occasionally she begged Sophie to watch Molly, but lately every call turned into another plea for money, another tearfilled story of hardship.
Two weeks passed. Sophie vanished into the London rush, silent on all fronts, her debts unpaid.
Natalie didnt call first. Resentment sat heavy in her chest, a dull ache that rose each time she thought of her sister. On Wednesday she got trapped at workanother presentation dragged on, a client nitpicking every detail.
She paced the office, eyes flicking to the clock. She had to pick Molly up soon, but she couldnt slip out.
Hello, Sophie? she panted into the handset. Can you collect Molly from nursery? Im stuck at work.
Loud music thumped in the background; laughter and chatter rose from a nearby club.
I cant, Sophie snapped. Im busy. My plates full.
Sophie, you promised to help with Molly! Natalies voice rose. Ive given you money, and you cant even manage that?
Im busy, what are you accusing me of?! Sophie’s tone sharpened. I have my own plans tonight!
The line clicked. Sophie hung up.
Natalie stood alone in the deserted office, unsure what to do. Asking for a break now was impossible; shed just taken a sick day when Molly fell ill. She couldnt let her boss down again.
She scrolled frantically through contacts. Her mother lived far away in the Midlands. Friends were at work or occupied with their own children. Her eyes landed on the name Christina the former sisterinlaw, the exwifes sister.
Her finger hovered over the contact. They hadnt spoken since the divorce a year ago, but she had no choice.
Christina, hi Natalie began when the line answered. Sorry to bother you, but Im in a bind
She explained the crisis, bracing for rejection.
Of course Ill pick her up! Christina replied without hesitation. Same nursery, right?
Yes, thank you so much, Natalie exhaled, relief flooding her. Youre a lifesaver.
No problem. After all, Mollys my niece.
Forty minutes later, a photo arrived: Molly beaming in a car beside Christina, flashing a thumbsup. Heading to my place. All good, read the caption.
Natalie wrapped up the presentation in record time and raced to Christinas flat. The twobedroom apartment was styled in crisp Scandinavian fashionlight woods, white walls, leafy plants on the sill.
Mum! Molly shouted, sprinting into the hallway, wrapping her arms around Natalies ankles. Aunt Christina helped me make a pinecone hedgehog for nursery!
Come in, teas on the table, Christina smiled, clearing away modeling clay and coloured paper.
While Molly built with blocks, the women settled with their cups.
How did it come to a point where no one could pick up the little girl? Christina asked gently.
Natalie recounted the saga with Sophie, her voice tinged with bitterness and disappointment.
You know what, Christina mused. I work from home, flexible hours. If this happens again, just call. Mollys my niece, and I love her.
Natalie stared, stunned. After the divorce shed expected the exhusbands family to turn away, yet here was unexpected support from an unlikely quarter.
Thank you, truly. I cant tell you how much this means.
They left as streetlights flickered on. Molly chattered nonstop about the hedgehog and the coin tricks Christina had shown her.
From then on, Natalie and Christina forged a warm, regular connection. Christina often called, offering to watch Molly on weekends.
Let me take Molly Saturday, shed say. Well hit the puppet theatre, then grab icecream. You deserve a break.
Weeks later, Sophie’s name flashed on Natalies screen.
Natalie, listen the sister blurted out without preamble. I need money, urgently. Somethings come up
Natalie was lounging on the sofa, Molly sketching princesses with coloured pencils.
Im sorry, thats it, Natalie replied evenly. My charity ends here. No more cash. You can keep the debt, but dont expect more.
What?! Sophie shrieked. Ive been helping with the girl! If you dont give me money, Ill stop looking after her!
You let me down when I truly needed you, Natalie said, unflinching. I havent asked you to watch Molly for over a month, and I managed fine. I dont need your help, and I wont fund it.
Youve gone mad! Sophie yelled into the receiver.
Thats it, goodbye, Natalie hung up and blocked the number.
Molly looked up from her drawing.
Mum, why was Aunt Sophie shouting?
Sometimes adults argue, love, Natalie soothed. Its nothing to worry about.
The phone buzzed with a message from Christina.
Hey, lets meet at the new kids café this weekend. A friend recommended it. While Molly plays, we can plan her birthday. Shes my only niece, I cant let her miss a good present.
Natalie smiled, typing back quickly.
Great idea! What time?
She watched her daughter colour another princess, reflecting on how life can turn upside down. The closest bonds often arise from the places you never expected, while those you trusted most can falter at the worst moment. The important thing now was clear: she would no longer tolerate being taken for granted. She had a daughter, a job, and genuine support from someone who asked for nothing in return. That was enough for happiness.
