Many years ago, during one long and memorable summer, my wifes cherished younger sister came to stay with us. Within the family, she was affectionately known as the centre of attention, as every gathering seemed to revolve around her accomplishmentsshe had been a top student at school, graduated from university, and landed an excellent position in her field. Everyone would go on about her, as if she were the perfect daughter.
I, on the other hand, had married the eldest daughter, who hadnt even finished her degree before we wed. Yet none of that seemed to matter to the family, possibly because I was rather comfortably off at the time, running my own business. I had a flat in London, a car of my own, and a steady income. Still, in their eyes, the younger sister forever remained the real star.
It was during that summer, with the scent of blooming gardens drifting through the open windows, that my sister-in-law arrived at our doorstep. Not long after settling in, she asked if I might lend her some money. She hoped to put down a deposit on a flat of her own, but her savings fell short. For me, the sum wasnt terribly significant, so I agreed without much hesitation. She assured me she was employed at a respectable public office and would pay back every pound on time.
She borrowed the money and almost made an oath to repay me in monthly instalments. Yet, not even a week later, she jetted off for a holiday by the seaside. I confess, the news took me aback. I couldnt help but wonder how one who claimed to lack enough to secure a mortgage deposit could so easily afford an excursion to Brighton.
She told the family shed scrimped and saved throughout the year for her trip, which, I must admit, sounded plausible at first. But something seemed offshe hadnt applied for the mortgage after all. When I inquired, she nonchalantly said shed had a change of heart.
Thats when I asked her, as politely as I could, to return the loan. She replied there was nothing left to give; she had splurged it all at the seaside. In that moment, I realised shed never truly intended to buy a flat.
I once again asked, with as much decorum as I could muster, that she settle the debt quickly, explaining that Id lent her the money for a home, not for a holiday. Her answer stung: Ill be making plenty soon, cant you wait? There just isnt any money at present.
And how do you think it all ended? Precisely as youd expect. She told my mother-in-law that I had demanded repayment before it was due, lamenting that family ought to be treated better. Before I knew it, the younger daughter was back on a pedestal, and wethe ones who had shown generositywere painted as nothing more than greedy misers.
