**Diary Entry – 14th June**
My younger sister, Emily, is deeply upset with me. She needs help with her son, and I refused. She’s shouting about family loyalty, conveniently forgetting how she turned her back on me when I begged her to take my daughter, Sophie, to the seaside. Her selfishness crushed me, and I won’t sacrifice myself for someone who doesn’t appreciate it. We live in a small town near Manchester, and this was the final straw.
Last month, Emily burst into my flat, eyes gleaming. “We’re going to Cornwall—me, James, little Oliver, and my mother-in-law!” They’d booked everything—the cottage, the outings—and I was happy for them. But my heart ached for Sophie. I’m a freelancer, and this year, devastatingly, I couldn’t afford a holiday. Work’s been relentless, and though the pay keeps us afloat, I’ve barely had time for my girl. Sophie’s my world, but I can’t give her the bright summer she dreams of. My mum and friends help where they can—Mum takes her to the park after her shifts, friends invite her to play at theirs. Without them, Sophie would be stuck inside.
I’m a single mum. My ex left us for another woman—they’ve got a son now. He barely remembers Sophie exists, no calls, no support. I stretch myself thin working just to keep us going. So when Emily mentioned Cornwall, hope flickered—Sophie could go with them. Four adults—Emily, James, Oliver, and her mother-in-law—surely they could manage one more child? I offered to cover all expenses if she’d just let Sophie feel the sand between her toes.
I pleaded with her. “Please, take Sophie. She won’t be a burden—I’ll pay for everything.” But Emily shut me down. “Two kids would ruin our holiday. We don’t want responsibility for someone else’s child.” *Someone else’s?* Sophie is her niece! I argued—Sophie’s quiet, I’d handle all costs—but Emily wouldn’t budge. “Your daughter would stress us out.” My heart shattered. Sophie wouldn’t see the sea this year. Resentment settled in my chest, hard as stone—I wouldn’t bend over backwards for my sister again.
Emily’s used to me dropping everything. Because I work from home, she assumes I’m free to mind Oliver—doctor’s appointments, hair salon runs—all because “we’re family.” I tolerated it, even when it drained me. But after she refused Sophie, I realised—my help means nothing to her. Just an entitlement. Her mother-inlives too far away, and now she’ll have to figure it out on her own—just like she left me to.
