For more than a decade, I had no word with my parents nor with my older sister. Looking back now, I saw quite early on that I had been the overlooked daughter. Their attitude always seemed to be: Everything for one, nothing for the other. The central figure of this story, Margaret, was just seventeen when her elder sister, Edith, fell pregnant and married. Yet when Margaret turned eighteen, her parents decided to gift Edith a two-bedroom flat. Young and wealthy as they were then, they thought nothing of such generosity. They even refurbished it and furnished the place anew.
Margaret, feeling neglected, mustered the courage to ask, Might I have a flat as well? Her parents turned her down, saying, Youre still at university. Well consider it when youre ready to settle down yourself. A few years further on, Margaret was twenty-two, freshly graduated. Although matrimony wasnt her immediate intent, she wished to live on her own. When she raised the subject again, the familys financial situation had shifted. Their fortunes, once flush, had begun to dwindle. Once were gone, that flat will be yours, her parents assured her. Its even nicer than your sistersthree bedrooms and cost a bit more. For the time being, well all continue together. Youll be here to look after us in our old age.
Reflecting, Margaret pondered, How can I formalise such a promise? My sister remains an heir to this flat as well. Seeking clarity, she asked her parents, Would you like me to have the flat in my name? Do you suppose Edith will demand her share? She already has her own home; why would she need mine? Deep down, Margaret suspected it was never about needone can never have too much space. Even back then, she recognised her parents affection was always reserved for Edith. At that time, Ediths husband had his own financial troubles, and in spite of their tightening means, her parents supported and helped them without question. Yet they never extended Margaret the same support.
Ten years on, Margaret remains estranged. Her parents took umbrage when she asked to legalise the inheritance and swore they never would. With everything thus settled, Margaret chose to rent a flat herself and live independently. Through these years, her parents made no effort to reach out, and so Margaret relies solely upon her own strength now.
