I started to feel uncomfortable.
Not for the money.
But because each conversation seemed like a carefully rehearsed performance.
Until one day I decided to speak clearly.
I invited my sister for coffee. Aidfamiliar
I wanted a concrete answer.
Nothing aggressive.
Nothing dramatic.
I just needed to know when they planned to return the money.
“You don’t have to pay me everything at once,” I told him. “We can make a plan. Even if it’s just 100 dollars a month.”
She remained silent for a few seconds.
Then he took a sip of coffee.
And he said something I will never forget.
—The truth is, you shouldn’t expect us to give you anything back.
I looked at her without understanding.
—What do you mean, no?
He shrugged.
As if he were talking about the weather.
—This whole issue has caused too much stress. It’s best to leave it behind.
I felt my heart drop to the ground.
—Leave it behind?
-Yeah.
—The $25,000?
—Well… you decided to help us.
I watched her, waiting for a smile.
A sign that he was joking.
But there wasn’t one.
I was completely serious.
“It wasn’t a gift,” I replied.
