I come from a large family: my father, mother, older brother, two sisters and myself. We lived in a spacious three-bedroom flat, and my father had built a big cottage in the countryside. Yet, looking back, I realise we were never truly a close-knit family. The children, especially us girls, were often at odds with one another. As we got older, little changedour relationships remained distant and at times even more strained.
My brother was the first to leave. After completing his service in the army, he married and became a respectable man. However, his wife, rather oddly, didnt take kindly to our family. They had a daughter, and our parents tried to visit their granddaughter whenever possible. Sadly, the rather frosty attitude of our sister-in-law made these visits uncomfortable. This tense situation dragged on for some years until about seven years ago, when all visits stopped completely.
My eldest sister fell madly in love with an actor in her first year at university and ended up leaving her studies. For almost three years, she trailed after him and his theatre troupe as they toured different cities. Eventually, they fell out, and he abandoned her in a town far from home. Our parents offered to help, but pride prevented her from accepting. At first, she lived in various hostels, but later told us she had got married. I dont know the details of how they met; I havent seen her since her last visit, a decade ago.
My other sister was always the centre of attention in our family and seemed to get the best of everything. Possibly her striking beauty played a part. Although she wasn’t particularly bright in school, her philosophy seemed to be, A persons worth is measured by the size of their wallet. Straight after finishing her A-levels, she started seeing the son of a wealthy businessman. However, as soon as his fathers business went under, she moved on to another mana friend of hiswho was better off. They have now been living together for five years and have a son.
As for me, life hasnt been easy. After finishing university, I married and we had a daughter. However, my husband became addicted to alcohol, and I had no choice but to divorce him. Around the same time, my parents began suffering from serious health problems. For years, I found myself torn between looking after my parents and raising my child. Sadly, my siblings never offered to help, though they are all quick to claim a share of the inheritance. My father handed me the deeds to the cottage years ago, but I believe I should also have a right to inherit the flat.
Through all of this, Ive come to understand that family is more than shared blood or inheritanceit’s about supporting one another when it matters most. Its a lesson I’ve had to learn the hard way, but now I know: genuine family is built on compassion, not just on names in a will.
