Half of my childhood was spent with my twin sister in childrens homes, until our aunt, my mothers younger sister, turned eighteen and took us in. She, and later her husband, became true parents to us, and my heart is full of love and gratitude for all they did for us.
When we reached our eighteenth birthday, they brought us to a three-bedroom flat in the heart of London, which had once belonged to our parents. For years, our aunt and uncle had let it out, but now they suggested that we sell it and split the proceeds, so each of us could have a place of our own. The idea was a good one, and we both agreed. The property fetched a handsome sum, and I had enough to purchase a lovely two-bedroom flat, of course taking out a mortgage, which I managed to pay off within a year. Afterwards, I set about refurbishing and furnishing my new home.
Our aunt and uncle were pleased to see me settled, but they worried for my sister, and were forever trying to advise her on lifes practicalities. She wasnt in any rush to buy her own place, preferring instead to spend her share on expensive gadgets, fine dining, and holidays abroad.
In the end, our aunt could stand no more and told my sister she would have to leave if she didnt buy herself a home before all the money disappeared. Predictably, it came to pass that she no longer had enough to afford a place, so she began to rent a flat instead.
By then, she had begun seeing a young man, and they soon moved in together, saving what money they could. I was glad to see her finally take some responsibility. Meanwhile, I gained a promotion at work, helped out our aunt and uncle, went away on holiday, and met a wonderful young man who I hoped to settle down with.
Not long after my new relationship began, we all gathered at my place. My sister happily announced that she was expecting a baby, and then launched into a long speech about how difficult it would be for them to rent a home now, especially with the cost of rent in these times far exceeding what they earned. The full meaning of her speech became clear when she turned to me.
Give me your flat, my sister said. The babys nearly here, and youre living aloneyou could stay with our aunt; shes got a spare room, hasnt she? Whats the harm?
I told her no. She burst into tears, gathered her husband, and left.
Afterwards, she rang me several times, checking if Id changed my decision. But I stood firm: Id worked hard to renovate my flat, earned every last thing in it, and I wasnt about to give it all away.
It was her own fault she never thought about her future.
