How could she?! Didnt even ask! Didnt stop to check with me! Who just storms into someone elses flat and takes charge, as if its her own? No respect at all! Oh, why must I endure this? Ive spent my whole life looking after her, and thats the thanks I get! She doesnt even see me as a person! Nina brushed away the tears rising in her eyes. Shes not happy with how I live! She ought to look at her own life first! Sits in her little one-bed flat, thinking shes grabbed the brass ring. No proper husband, rubbish job some remote work nonsense. What does she even live on? Yet she has the nerve to tell me how to run my life! Ive forgotten more than shes barely started to learn!
The thought nudged Nina out of her armchair. She wandered into the kitchen, put the kettle on, and leaned against the window sill.
She looked out over the twinkling panorama of London, bright with festive lights, and her tears spilled over anew. Everyone else is gearing up for New Years, like regular people and here I am with no celebration at all. On my own, completely alone
The kettle began to whistle. Nina, lost in memories, barely noticed.
She was twenty when her mum had another baby at forty-five. Nina was stunned what on earth did Mum want all that hassle for?
I just dont want you to be completely alone in the world, Mum explained. Its wonderful, having a sister. Youll understand, eventually.
I understand well enough now, Nina replied coolly at the time. But just so you know, Im not going to be running around after her. Ive got my own life, you know.
You havent got your own life anymore, Mum smiled, and for years those words echoed.
They turned out to be prophetic. The baby was just three when their mother passed away Dad had died earlier. The whole weight of caring for her little sister, Lucy, fell to Nina, who essentially became a mother to the child. Until she was about ten, Lucy called her Mum.
Nina never married. Not because of Lucy she had just never met that one, special person who swept her off her feet. She hadnt exactly put herself out there either. Home, work, sister; home, work, sister That was life.
Forced to grow up in an instant, Nina gave everything for her sister: raised her, put her through school.
Now Lucy was grown, independent, planning her wedding. She often visited Nina; the sisters were close despite a significant age gap, different natures, and wildly different ideas about life.
Nina was thrifty to an extreme. Her flat had slowly turned into a warehouse for ancient, useless things. If you looked, youd find a dressing gown shed worn a decade ago, when shed been slimmer, or council tax receipts going back to the millennium.
Her kitchen was full of chipped mugs, battered tin pans, and frying pans with missing handles. She hadnt used most of these in years, but couldnt throw them out what if she needed them? Even a simple touch-up, let alone a full redecoration, hadnt happened in ages. Not for lack of money she just saw no need; the wallpaper was intact.
Saving on comfort and herself to provide for Lucy had become a way of life.
Lucy was the opposite: cheerful, energetic. Her home was minimal, uncluttered. No hoards, just the essentials. She had a rule: If Ive not used something in a year, its time it went.
So Lucys flat was bright, open, easy to breathe in.
Shed offered to help countless times.
Come on, lets redecorate. Well sort through your things too otherwise therell soon be no room for you! Lucy would suggest.
Im not throwing anything away and I dont want anything changed, Nina would reply, and I certainly dont need redecorating.
How do you not need it? Just look at your hallway! That embossed wallpaper is ancient like going down into a cellar. All this clutter is sucking the life out of you, it really is! Itll make you ill! Lucy would plead.
But Nina always brushed her off.
So, Lucy decided to do it herself. Shed show her sister the transformation.
She chose the hallway least furniture, fewest things to worry about.
A week before New Years, while Nina was on a night shift (her job was on rota), Lucy and her fiancé James used Ninas spare keys. They stripped the old wallpaper, papered the walls fresh in pale green with gold detailing. Then they put everything back carefully Lucy dared not meddle with the rest and left.
Nina returned and instantly stepped back out. Had she got the wrong door? She checked the number no, all correct.
She walked back in.
And understood.
Lucy!
How dare she?!
Nina rang her sister, gave her a furious earful, then slammed down the phone.
Half an hour later, Lucy was at the door.
Who asked you?! Nina exploded.
Nina, I only wanted to surprise you! Look how lovely it is now fresh, light, so open! Lucy pleaded.
How dare you take over my home! Nina couldnt stop.
Lucy’s eyes filled. Thats enough. Live in your tip if you want. I wont set foot here again.
Oh? Cant handle the ugly truth? Running away, are you?
Lucys voice was small. I just feel sorry for you With that, she left and didnt call for a week.
The sisters had never quarreled so long before. And New Years was looming. Would they really spend it apart?
Nina wandered to the hallway and sat on the little stool.
Actually it is more spacious, she thought, picturing Lucy and James, busy with the wallpaper, smoothing away every bubble, picturing Ninas surprise. Why did I get so angry? It really is much better. Brighter. Even my heart feels lighter. Maybe shes right after all
Suddenly, the phone rang.
Nina, Lucys voice trembled with tears, Im so sorry I never meant to hurt you. I just wanted to make you happy
My dear girl, I havent been angry for ages, Ninas tears welled again. And youve nothing to apologise for. Youre absolutely right and the wallpaper is beautiful. After the holidays, lets tackle my mountains of clutter. If you dont mind, of course.
Of course not! Id love to help! What about tonight? I cant face New Years Eve without you
Me neither
Then come over! Lucys voice sparkled with relief. Everythings ready: a real fir tree, fairy lights, candles just how you like it! And dont dash to the shops; Ive already done it all. I knew wed make up and be together for New Years. Take your time; James will come pick you up.
Nina walked to the window once more. Now, gazing at the jubilant city, she saw it bright and new.
She watched, and in her heart whispered, Thank you, Mum For giving me my sister.Nina dabbed her eyes and took a steadying breath, letting the hope bloom gently where grief had throbbed. She went to her bedroom and changed into a warm jumperone that Lucy had gifted her last Christmas, soft and sapphire blue. It still had the faintest trace of Lucys perfume, and as Nina inhaled, her heart seemed to unclench completely.
She gathered her things and, before locking up, lingered in the hallway. Her fingers traced one swirling gold motif on the new wallpaper. She managed a small smile, picturing her sisters hands, careful and strong, smoothing the seams. For the first time in years, she realized, she truly wanted to leaveexcited for what waited elsewhere, instead of clinging to what was behind her door.
Outside, Jamess car appeared, headlights slicing the glittery darkness, and Nina hurried down, her breath making clouds in the air. When she slid into the front seat, he squeezed her hand, grinning. You ready for this?
I am, she said, surprising herself. She felt lighter. Younger, even. The drive was dotted with laughter as they recounted funny storiesNina remembering Lucys first knock-knock joke as a toddler; James sharing his own DIY disastersuntil Ninas anxious heart eased completely.
Lucys flat glowed golden, warm and alive. When Lucy opened the door, they fell into each others arms, apologies and relief tumbling out in wordless tears. The little flat was full of pine scent and soft carols, fairy lights spilling sparkles across the walls. The tree was decked with delicate ornaments, many Nina recognized from her own childhood. Lucy had found them, carefully cleaned and hung them with pride.
Together, they carried the old into the new, and Nina felt the years between themonce heavy and dividingmeld into something precious, unbreakable. As midnight drew close, the sisters stood by the window, glasses raised, watching the world erupt in fireworks.
For the first time in ages, Nina didnt count what shed lost, but what she hadher beautiful, flawed, utterly stubborn, loving family. The bells of London peeled out, the sky burst with color, and Nina whispered, Happy New Year, Lucy. Lets begin again.
Lucy squeezed her hand, eyes shining. Together, always.
