Youre on your own let your sister have the house. Its harder for her right now, my mother said. Its easier for you, but your sister has a big family. You need to understand.
Why the long face?
My sister settled beside me on the sofa, clutching a glass of squash. Her children were screeching round the table while her husband animatedly shared a story with his mother-in-law, gesturing with a fork topped with a piece of cake.
Im fine, I managed, glancing away. Just tired. Work was an absolute nightmare.
She gave me a rueful smile and tucked a strand behind her ear.
Ive been meaning to talk to you for a few days. About Dads house.
Im listening.
She leaned closer, lowering her voice.
Weve been thinking you and James, you dont need the old house. The two of you have your flat. But were stuck renting a cramped two-bed with three kids. If we moved there fresh air, a garden, room for everyone.
I fell silent, watching my niece blowing out the candles on her birthday cake. Six years old. The eldest of their three.
You honestly dont need that house, she pressed on. Its just an expense for you leaking roof, wobbly fence, one repair after another.
And how will *they* manage all that? I wondered, but said nothing.
Mum agrees its only fair, she added. Were not asking for a handout, just could you give up your half? Well work out the details later.
I nodded, but something tightened inside me.
On the drive home, James kept his eyes on the road.
So, what happened?
They want me to give up my share of the house.
What, just give it away?
Yes. They say they need it more weve got enough.
Enough? he scoffed. A poky flat on a mortgage?
The next day Mum rang.
Have you thought it over?
Theres not much to consider. The house is half mine.
All you talk about is your rights, she retorted. But what about family? They have three kids. And youre on your own.
Our flats mortgaged. Ten more years of repayments.
And they havent even got that.
I was the one looking after Dad in the end, I said. Taking him to appointments. Picking up all his medication. My sister showed up, what? Twice?
Youre the eldest. You should understand. Youre free no ties.
Free. The word stung.
That evening, I sat in the kitchen with a mug of tea.
And shes on their side too? James asked.
She is.
The next day, I met up with a friend.
When did your sister last help you out? she asked.
I couldnt answer.
Do they even know how much you spent on IVF?
No.
Nearly fifty thousand, she said quietly. Not a single pregnancy. Yet they still think your lifes easy.
I decided to visit the house.
I went alone.
The garden was wild with weeds. The gate squeaked. The air was thick with dust and memories.
I found Dads old ledger, his handwriting still clear a list of jobs for the next round of repairs. Hed made his plans, but never got to them.
The apple tree wed planted together when I was little stood by the shed, its branches just budding.
That house wasnt just bricks and mortar. It was memory.
When Mum arrived and started, You have no family, you have it easier I didnt hold back.
Three rounds of IVF. Three, I said.
And for the first time, I stood my ground.
The house is mine. I wont give it up.
Silence fell. But for once, it felt like peace not emptiness.
Spring came early.
The neighbour popped her head over the fence. He was always waiting for you, you know.
I sat on the porch, a cup of tea warming my hands, wearing Dads old jumper, the apple tree waving before me.
It was my home.
Not because I gave in.
But because I had the right.
