Your plates overflowing, and now youve got my throat full, too? the voice hiccuped through the line.
Come on, Nat, just one more rescue, will you? Were family! Sophie pleaded, her tone the same weary pleading Natalie had learned to recognise whenever money was needed.
Ive already bailed you out twice this month, Natalie said, her voice heavy. You still havent returned the thousand pounds you borrowed last time.
Sophie shot back, Im the one looking after Emily! I pick her up from nursery, I drive her home. Doesnt that count for anything?
Outside the window, a fine drizzle smeared the pavement into a silvered mirror.
In the past two months youve sat with Emily twice, Natalie replied evenly. And thats it. Ive spent so much on you it would have been cheaper to hire a nanny.
Dont be stingy, Nat! Sophies voice grew even more plaintive. Help me, will you? I promise to pay you back next week. Somethings come up
Natalie closed her eyes. The same tune had played a month ago, two months agoSophie always knew exactly which strings to pull, which nerves to press.
Please, help, Sophie begged again, the words spilling like a tide. Were family, after all.
Natalie opened her banking app, typed in the amount, and watched a thousand pounds disappear from her account as it had so many times before.
Money sent, she said flatly. But this is really the last time, Sophie. Its time you learned to stand on your own.
Thank you, love! I adore you! Sophie chirped, then hung up.
Natalie set her phone down, poured herself a mug of hot tea. Steam rose, softening the edges of the kitchen, and she cradled the warm mug in her hands.
After they had both moved from their hometown of Birmingham to London to study and then to work, the sisters bond frayed. Sophie drifted like a dandelion, changing jobs every six months. Natalie longed for a stable home and a steady rhythm.
She had once had a marriage, but when her son was three the husband left for a younger colleague, leaving her with a mortgage that stretched two decades. Now Emily was five, attending nursery, and Natalie survived on modest childsupport and a job at an advertising agency.
Occasionally she asked Sophie to look after Emily, but lately the only thing Sophie seemed to offer was another request for cash. Every call turned into a fresh tale of hardship, tears, and pleading.
Two weeks passed. Sophie vanished into the London rushno calls, no messagesleaving the money unpaid.
Natalie felt a sour knot under her ribs, a dull ache that resurfaced each time she thought of her sister. On Wednesday a marathon presentation held her hostage; the client nitpicked every slide.
She paced the office, glancing at the clock. Emilys pickup time loomed, and she couldnt slip out.
Hello, Sophie? she panted into the handset. Could you collect Emily from nursery? Im stuck here.
Loud music thumped from somewhere, laughter and chatter bubbling in the background. Sophies voice drifted back, muffled by a clubs roar.
I cant, she said sharply. Ive got my own things to do. Im swamped.
Your promise was to help with Emily! Natalies voice rose. Ive given you money, and you cant spare a minute?
Im busy, what do you want me to do?! Sophie snapped, her tone snapping like a broken string.
A click. The call cut off.
Natalie stood alone in the empty office, the weight of the day pressing down. Shed just taken a sick day when Emily fell ill, and could not afford another absence.
She flicked through contacts. Her mother was back in the Midlands. Friends were either at work or tied up with their own children. Then her eyes caught the name Christinaher exsisterinlaw, the former wife of her exhusband.
Her finger hovered over the contact. They hadnt spoken since the divorce a year ago, but there was no other choice.
Christina, hi, Natalie said when the line answered. Sorry to bother you. Im in a pinch…
She explained quickly, bracing for a refusal.
Of course Ill take her! Christina replied without hesitation. Same nursery, right?
Yes, Natalie exhaled, relief flooding her. Thank you so much.
Its nothing. Emilys my niece, after all, Christina laughed.
Forty minutes later a photo arrived: Emily beaming in a car seat beside Christina, giving a thumbsup. On our way to my place. All good, the caption read.
Natalie wrapped up the presentation in record time and sprinted to Christinas flata snug twobedroom in a leafy suburb, Scandinavianstyled with pale wood, white walls, and thriving plants on the windowsills.
Mum! Emily shouted as she burst into the hallway, hugging Natalies legs. Aunt Christina helped me make a pinecone hedgehog for school!
Come in, teas on, Christina said, clearing crayons and coloured paper from the table.
While Emily built towers with blocks, the women settled at the kitchen table.
How did it come to be that no one could look after the girl? Christina asked gently.
Natalie recounted the endless requests, the broken promises, the bitter taste of betrayal.
Christina thought a moment, then said, I work from home, flexible hours. If this happens again, just call. Emilys my niece, and I love her.
Natalie stared, astonished. After the divorce shed expected the exfamily to turn away, yet here was unexpected support from the side shed never anticipated.
Thank you, she said earnestly. I really appreciate it.
They left together as streetlamps flickered on. Emily chattered about the hedgehog and the coin tricks Aunt Christina showed her.
From then on, Natalie and Christina kept a warm, frequent correspondence. Christina would often call, offering to watch Emily on weekends.
Let me take Emily Saturday, shed say. Well go to the puppet theatre, then have icecream. Youll be exhausted all week, you deserve a break.
Weeks later Sophies name flashed on Natalies screen.
Nat, listen, Sophie began without preamble. I need moneyurgent. Somethings come up.
Natalie was lounging on the sofa, Emily doodling princesses with coloured pencils.
Im sorry, thats it, Natalie replied calmly. My generosity has run its course. No more cash. You can keep your debt, but dont expect any more.
What?! Sophie shrieked. Ive helped you with the girl! If you dont give me money, I wont look after her at all!
You let me down when I truly needed you, Natalie said evenly. And you know what? I havent asked you to watch Emily for over a month, and I managed fine. I dont need your help anymore, and I wont pay for it.
Sophie, youve lost your mind! she howled.
Goodbye, Natalie said, hanging up and blocking the number.
Emily looked up from her drawing.
Mum, why was Aunt Sophie shouting?
Adults sometimes argue, love, Natalie soothed. Its nothing to worry about.
A soft ping announced a message from Christina.
Hey, lets meet at the new kids café this weekend. My friend recommended it. While Emily plays, we can plan her birthday. Shes my only niece, I want a proper gift for her.
Natalie smiled, typed back quickly.
Perfect! What time?
She watched Emily colour another princess, marveling at how bizarrely life could twist. The closest bonds sometimes formed with the people you least expect, while those you rely on most can vanish at the worst moment. Most of all, she decided she would no longer tolerate being treated as a resource. She had a daughter, a job, and now genuine support from someone who asked for nothing in return. That, she thought, was enough for happiness.
