Right, this will be your room make yourself at home, said Lily as she swung the door open and stepped aside for her sister.
Agnes paused at the threshold, clutching her worn overnight bag. The small room had a narrow single bed beneath the window and an old wooden desk that James had hauled in from the loft especially for her stay. The wallpaper, a faded floral print left by the previous tenants, had never been replaced, but now Lily was glad: it gave the room a cozy, country-cottage feel.
Lil, I really dont know how to thank you enough, Agnes finally stepped in, her palm smoothing the coverlet. Mum said you agreed straight away. Didnt even hesitate.
Whats there to think about? Youre my sister, after all.
Lily leaned against the frame, watching as Agnes gingerly set her bag down, as if afraid shed break or spoil something. At twenty-three, her younger sister still looked like a girl all delicate wrists, blonde braid over one shoulder, wide-eyed and overwhelmed by city life.
Weve still got the mortgage to keep up, mind, Lily gestured vaguely, This three-bed is costing James and me a small fortune. But theres room for all. James doesnt mind, I asked. He said himself youre welcome to stay.
Ill find work and pay for the room, Agnes blurted, as though fearing her sister would reconsider. Ive already drafted my CV, and Im off to interviews tomorrow. I promise I wont be a burden, Lil.
Calm yourself, well manage just fine.
Lily moved closer and gave her a squeeze about the shoulders. So slight, all awkward elbows. Mum had made the right call. There was no future for Agnes in their village no jobs, no prospects, only the slow fade of longing for something more. Lily had escaped a decade ago, and still remembered vividly the moment life truly began.
Mum said youre clever, Lily drew back and met her sisters eyes. She said you just need a chance.
I wont let her down. Or you.
The first week passed in a blink. Agnes was always the first up, bustling in the kitchen, and by the time Lily dragged herself from bed, breakfast was on the table hot porridge or toasted crumpets with berries. Then her sister disappeared all day, off to interviews. Shed return in the evening, exhausted but lit with excitement, chattering about firms, managers, and what questions came up.
Your sister will do alright, said James that night, once he and Lily were tucked in and the light was off. His hand circled her waist, familiar and comforting. She could never blossom in some poky village. Here shell have her chance.
Do you reckon so? Lily turned towards him, though she couldnt see his face in the dark.
Im sure of it. Shes full of life she just needed the opportunity.
Lily smiled, grateful. Not every husband would welcome a wifes family indefinitely. But James had always been steady, kind, and unwavering. That was just one of the many reasons shed fallen for him.
Saturday morning arrived as usual, with the smell of coffee wafting from the kitchen. Lily threw on a dressing gown and shuffled down the hall, not quite awake, and pushed the kitchen door open.
Then she froze.
Agnes stood by the hob in nothing but a pair of tiny shorts and a clingy vest-top that scarcely covered what it should. She was dishing up omelette, bending low over the pan Lily stopped herself imagining the rest. Then Agnes turned to the table, where James was sitting, and set his plate in front of him with a flourish that seemed more suited to a smitten lover than a morning family meal.
There you are, James. With herbs, just as you like.
That smile. Those batting lashes. The distinct swaying of her hips as she made her way back to the stove.
Lily glanced at her husband. James was hunched over his plate, poking at his food with studied indifference. He didnt look up at Agnes not at her bare legs, nor her neckline, nor her not-so-subtle display. He just ate his breakfast as though nothing unusual was unfolding.
Thank heavens for that. What luck to have such a decent man.
Good morning, Lily said as she sat opposite her husband.
Oh, Lil! Agnes turned with a dazzling grin. Shall I fix you some?
Ill get it myself, thanks.
Lily waited a beat, then, locking eyes with her sister added pointedly, Aggie, arent you chilly? It is January, after all
Me? Her sister fluttered her lashes. Not at all! The place is toasty might as well be summer.
Hmm.
James looked up and met Lilys gaze, a hint of relief in his eyes thank goodness youre here, Im not alone with this now. Or perhaps thats just what Lily hoped. She smiled, and reached for the coffee pot, carefully ignoring Agnes, who kept flitting around the kitchen in her insubstantial outfit.
Maybe she was imagining things. Maybe Agnes simply hadnt thought about how it looked. She was a country girl, after all things were more straightforward in the village, everyone knew each other since forever.
At least, perhaps.
The following fortnight turned into a draining contest of boundaries that Lily had never agreed to play.
Agnes seemed to be testing her limits, going that little bit further each time. Shed accidentally brush past James in the tight hallway. Shed sit so close on the sofa their knees touched. Shed quiz him about work with a breathy interest better suited to reciting sonnets than quarterly results.
Aggie, Lily once caught her sisters arm just as she bent over James to peer at his laptop. Shouldnt you be busy with your own things? Get your CV out, line up some more interviews?
I was only asking James about an app, replied Agnes, wrenching her arm free with narrowed eyes. Nothing wrong with that.
Just get on with your own bits, will you.
Agnes snorted and stormed to her room, slamming the door so hard the post rattled in the hallway. Lily caught James eye; he shrugged, though relief flashed across his face.
Agnes mask of gratitude had started to crack. No more early rising and cooked breakfasts. No more offers to help out. Gone, too, was the shy thankfulness. Instead, disorder crept through the flat: mugs left on the sitting room sill, towels mouldering on the bathroom floor, breadcrumbs scattered everywhere. Her bedroom was a mess, and she left the door wide open so everyone could see the chaos.
Aggie, we need to talk, Lily said one evening, stepping carefully around Agnes jumble of clothes. When did you last go to an interview?
Not your business.
Actually, it is. This is my flat, in case youd forgotten.
Agnes lay back on her bed, not even glancing at her.
Ill sort myself out. Dont need your advice.
Mum wanted you to get a job. To make something of yourself remember?
Maybe I have other plans, Agnes finally turned, her eyes flashing with that unmistakable anger which made Lily step back involuntarily. Maybe I dont need a job to set myself up.
Lily wanted to ask what she meant, but thought better. She turned and left, heart heavy with foreboding.
That evening, she stayed late at the office, taming an overflowing inbox. It was nearly nine when she crept home, quietly easing her key into the lock. The hall was dark except for a glow at the bedrooms end.
Lily slipped off her boots and made her way down the corridor. As she reached for the bedroom door, voices drifted out.
James, just look at me. Im better for you so much better. And younger too.
Lily froze in her tracks. Through the gap, she saw Agnes pinning James against the wardrobe, her palms on his chest. Her husband looked trapped as though a venomous snake was closing in.
Id be grateful, Agnes slid up closer, angling for his lips. You dont know just how grateful leave her, marry me. Id make you the happiest man alive.
Lilys breath snagged in her throat. She couldnt move or make a sound.
Thats enough! James suddenly pushed Agnes away, sending her stumbling back. Get out, now! Did you hear me?
James, what are you
I shouldve said something sooner! he shouted, his voice so fierce Lily hardly recognised it. Ive put up with you, hoped youd realise theres nothing for you here. But youve just got more brazen by the day!
Lily pushed the door open and stepped in. Both heads snapped towards her, fear flickering over Agnes face.
Lily, its not what you think! Agnes spread her hands, her eyes wide. He started
Youre going back to the village tonight, said Lily, shocked at her own calmness.
No anger, no tears. Just statement of fact.
What? Lil, you cant! Its the middle of the night!
Trains run all hours.
Please, Lil, please, Im sorry, I dont know what came over me! Ill never I promise!
Lily pulled herself free and stepped away.
Pack your things.
James joined her, steady and unswerving at her side. Agnes glanced between them, and her tears dried up as fast as they had come.
Youll regret this, she spat, but quailed under their stern gaze.
An hour later, the flat was quiet again.
Lily sat in the kitchen, cradling a cooling mug of tea, when her mobile buzzed.
Lily, love, Mums voice was weary and uncertain. Aggie called. I can gather what happened please forgive her, for my sake. I never thought shed Please.
Lily stared out at her own reflection in the inky window for a long time.
Tell her, Mum. I havent got a sister any more.
She set down her phone. Reaching out had very nearly cost Lily her marriage. Yet, though the storm had passed, she knew this: kindness must always have boundaries. Trying to save others should never come at the cost of losing yourself, or those who truly value and respect you.
