Your father would have wanted you to share with your siblings, my mother said, trying to secure her childrens future at my expense.
Emily drove slowly along the familiar streets of her hometown. A decade in London had faded many memories. She reached her mothers flat using her satnav.
The front door opened before Emily could ring the bell. Her mother stood in the doorwayolder, wearier.
So youve finally come, Margaret Smith said tersely. Come in.
Emily stepped inside. Teenagers crowded the narrow hall. Her stepbrother and stepsister eyed her with open curiosity.
Kids, this is Emily, their mother introduced her. Your sister.
A girl of about fourteen gave Emily an obvious once-over. The designer coat, the costly handbag, the polished shoesall marked her as a successful city woman.
Shes got such a nice car, the girl whispered to her brother.
Quiet, Lucy, their mother snapped.
A middle-aged man emerged from the kitchen. The stepfather gave Emily a silent nod. His gaze lingered on her clothes before settling on her expensive watch.
The living room held a worn sofa and threadbare armchairs. The telly looked like it had seen better days. Emily sat, taking in the modest surroundings.
As you can see, we dont live lavishly, her mother began.
Emily nodded.
John works as a foreman at the factory, Margaret went on. The wages arent much. And the kids need so many things.
The teenage boy sat in the corner, glued to his phone. The screen was cracked. Lucy tugged at the frayed sleeve of her jumper.
Mum, when will you get me new trainers? the girl asked loudly. Everyone in my class has decent ones, and Im stuck with these old things.
Lucy, not now, her mother hissed.
Emily stayed quiet. The tension in the room thickened.
You must be tired from the journey? the stepfather asked.
A bit, Emily admitted.
And hows your job in London? her mother pressed.
Fine, everythings fine.
I heard your father left you the company, Margaret ventured carefully. Things must be going well there?
Emily sighed. Yesterday, shed met with the firms manager. The scale of the business had stunned her. The companys turnover ran into the millions.
Yes, its doing well, she said.
John exchanged a glance with his wife. Something calculating flickered in their eyes.
Emily, could we talk? her mother asked. Just us.
They retreated to the bedroom. Margaret shut the door.
Love, you see how we live, she began quietly. The children need so much. Lucy needs a maths tutor. And James wants to take coding courses.
Emily listened without speaking.
There are layoffs coming at Johns work, her mother continued. We dont know what to do. And now youve come into all this money
Mum, I only just got here, Emily said gently. Lets give Dad a proper send-off first.
Of course, of course, Margaret agreed. But family is family. Your father always said we should help each other.
Emily nodded. She didnt want to argue.
When she returned to the living room, she walked into a hushed discussion. John was whispering to the children. They fell silent when they saw her.
Emily, how long will you stay in town? the stepfather asked.
Not sure yet. Ive got Dads affairs to sort.
Is the house he left big? Lucy asked.
Lucy! her mother scolded.
What? Im just curious, the girl shrugged.
James finally looked up from his phone.
Is it true your dad had a construction firm? Must be brilliant being the boss.
Emily studied this family and realisedeverything revolved around money. *Her* money. No one asked how she was coping with her loss. No one cared about her plans.
Right, Ill head to a hotel, Emily said, standing.
What hotel? her mother protested. Youre home! Stay with us.
No, Mum. Id rather rest alone.
Margaret walked her to the door, pulling her into a tight hug.
Think about what I said. Blood is thicker than water.
Emily returned to the hotel with a heavy heart. Her mothers words looped in her mind. The next day, she bid farewell to her father. The service was simple. Her mother and her family kept their distance.
After the burial, Margaret approached her.
Come for supper tomorrow. Aunt Valerie and Uncle Peter are coming. We need to talk as a family.
Emily agreed. Refusing wouldve been awkward.
The following evening, she arrived at her mothers flat. Relatives sat around the tableAunt Valerie and Uncle Peter. Their expressions were grave.
Sit, Emily, her mother gestured to an empty chair.
The air was thick with tension. Lucy and James stayed quiet, stealing glances at Emily.
Weve been thinking, Margaret began. Your father was always fair. He valued family.
Aunt Valerie nodded.
Robert always spoke of family duty, of sticking together.
What are you getting at? Emily asked carefully.
Uncle Peter cleared his throat.
See, Emily, youve a hefty inheritance now. And your brother and sister are struggling.
Its not right, the aunt added. One child rich, the others scraping by.
Emily stiffened. The conversation was turning ugly.
We think, her mother pressed on, you ought to share with Lucy and James. At least give them half.
What? Emily couldnt believe her ears.
Whats wrong with that? John shrugged. A true sister wouldnt leave family in need.
Your father wouldve wanted you to share with your siblings, her mother said coldly.
Lucy looked at Emily hopefully. James, too, waited for an answer.
Its family duty, Aunt Valerie cut in. You were in London for years. Never helped. Nows your chance to set things right.
Exactly, Uncle Peter agreed. Fairs fair. The kids deserve an equal share.
Emily scanned the expectant faces.
Im not obliged to give anything, she said quietly.
How can you say that? her mother exploded. Were your family!
Emily replied,
If Dad wanted the inheritance split, hed have written it in his will. But he never mentioned you in our talks. Never said he loved you. And why would he? You became strangers. Im his only child.
Margaret seethed.
So thats it? Youve no care for us?
Not exactly
No? her mother cut in. Then prove it! Give the children their share!
John leaned forward.
Emily, be reasonable. Youve millions. Were barely keeping afloat.
Lucys applying to uni soon, the aunt added. No money for her education.
And James needs a proper computer for school, Uncle Peter put in.
Emily saw the childrens faces. Resentment and hope warred in their eyes.
Choose, her mother said harshly. Share the inheritance, or lose your family forever.
Silence fell. Emily stood slowly.
No, she said firmly.
Margaret shot up, knocking over her chair.
What? Have you no heart? How can you deny these children?
Selfish girl! Aunt Valerie shouted, waving her arms. Gone for years! Couldnt even visit for your mothers birthday!
Cold as stone, the stepfather muttered. Thought you had some decency left.
Lucy burst into tears.
I hoped we all hoped And you
James glared, his voice shaking with rage.
You rolled up in a flash car! Your bag costs more than our food bill! And Ive got holes in my shoes!
The lads right, John said. Youre living it up while were barely surviving.
Emily moved to leave, but her mother blocked her.
Stop! Margaret shrieked, gripping her arm. Walk out now, and dont come back! Youre no daughter of mine!
Ill tell everyone how tight-fisted you are! the aunt threatened. The whole town will know you abandoned your family!
And your business will suffer, John warned. Ive mates. Well make your life hell here.
Go! Lucy cried. Never come back! We dont need you!
A disgrace! Uncle Peter spat. Your fathers spinning in his grave!
Emily pushed past her mother. Shouts followed her:
I curse you! Margaret screamed. May you never know happiness!
Youll die alone! Aunt Valerie yelled.
The door slammed. The shouting still seeped through the walls.
The next day, Emily moved into her fathers house. She changed the locks and set things in order. The place was
