The doorbells relentless ringing jolts Emily awake. She squints at her phone screen in disbeliefher cousin, Sophie, whom she hasnt spoken to in over two years, is calling.
*”Asleep? Lucky you. I havent stopped crying,”* Sophies voice cracks through the line.
*”Of course Im asleepits half one in the morning,”* Emily snaps, glaring at her alarm clock.
*”If youre sleeping this soundly, you clearly dont know yet,”* Sophie replies cryptically.
*”Sophie, get to the point,”* Emily sighs. *”Ive got an early start.”*
*”You can sleep later. Theres been a tragedy in the family!”* Sophies tone turns accusing, as if Emily is somehow to blame.
*”What kind of tragedy?”* Emilys stomach tightens, fearing the worst about her mother.
*”Uncle Edward died this morning,”* Sophie sobs. *”Completely sudden. Aunt Margarets in shock. Theres no money. We need to chip in. My brother and I are going to the village tomorrow. Are you coming?”*
*”No, I cant. Ill just come for the wake,”* Emily says flatly.
*”Then transfer me the moneywell give it to Aunt Margaret tomorrow,”* Sophie insists. *”Five hundred quid.”*
Emily sends the amount straight away via her phone and drifts back to sleep.
She isnt particularly heartbroken by the newsshe hasnt spoken to her fathers side of the family in years. After his death, they cut ties with Emily and her mother, claiming they were no longer family. Still, she decides itd be rude not to help.
After the transfer, no one calls her. Sophie forgets her instantly.
Emily tries repeatedly to reach Sophie for the wake details, but her cousin ignores her. Eventually, she tracks it down through mutual acquaintances and goes to pay her last respects.
Aunt Margaret greets her with a scowl, as if Emilys presence is more offensive than her husbands death.
*”You came? Who invited you? You shouldve just sent money,”* she sneers.
*”I transferred five hundred pounds,”* Emily counters.
*”Funny, I never saw it,”* Aunt Margaret sniffs dismissively.
*”I gave the money to Sophie”*
*”Oh, pull the other one,”* she huffs, folding her arms. *”Sophie and Daniel only brought a grand. Five hundred each. No mention of you.”*
*”That doesnt make sense,”* Emily mutters, scanning the room for Sophie.
Of course, her cousin is nowhere to be founduntil Emily spots her outside by the gate.
*”Sophie, did you not give Aunt Margaret my money? Where is it?”* she demands.
*”I did,”* Sophie mumbles, avoiding her gaze.
*”She told me it was just from you and Daniel”*
*”Shes mistaken,”* Sophie shrugs.
*”You gave her a thousand?”*
*”Yeah.”*
*”That was for both of younot three of us!”* Emilys voice sharpens.
*”Well, whos paying for petrol then?”* Sophie rolls her eyes. *”Five hundred quid for a two-hour drive. Besides, why should I cover your travel?”*
*”Do you want me to give it back, is that it?”* Sophie smirks.
*”Yes, actually.”*
*”Not now. Ill transfer it later,”* Sophie turns on her heel and strides off.
Fuming, Emily refuses to stay a minute longer. Disgusted by her aunts coldness and her cousins deceit, she quietly calls a taxi and leaves.
A week later, her mother calls in tears.
*”Emily, is it true you took back the money you gave for Edwards funeral?”* she whimpers.
*”I gave the money. I never took it back.”*
*”Aunt Margarets telling the whole village you did. Shes upset you werent more welcoming,”* her mother sighs. *”Im ashamed to show my face here.”*
*”Mum, thats not what happened!”* Emilys blood boils. She explains the truthhow Sophie pocketed the cash and lied.
*”She never gave it back,”* Emily finishes bitterly.
*”That girl took the money from Aunt Margaret and blamed you for taking it? Cheeky cow! I hope it chokes her!”* her mother snaps.
At first, Emily considers calling Sophiebut she swallows her anger and decides silence is wiser.
Months pass before Sophie resurfaces.
*”Were putting up a headstone for Uncle Edward. Thatll be a grand from you,”* she announces briskly.
*”Not a penny more.”*
*”Thats no way to treat family,”* Sophie gasps. *”Honestly, Im stunned.”*
*”So am II didnt expect to be swindled and slandered.”*
*”What are you on about?”*
*”You stole money from Aunt Margaret, pinned it on me, and now you think Ill play along?”* Emilys voice hardens. *”After you said Mum and I werent familyyoull get nothing!”*
She blocks Sophies number before another word slips out.
