« I think it would be a wonderful experience, » she said into the phone, in a light and carefree tone. « The program costs a little more, but it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, isn’t it? »
I sat there, clutching the phone to my chest, trying to understand what she had just said.
I was already struggling to cover her day-to-day expenses, and now she wanted me to pay for a semester abroad.
When I spoke to my parents about it, hoping they would eventually understand, they persisted in their mistake.
« This is an incredible opportunity, » my mother said. « You’ll find a solution. You always do. »
I was stunned.
No recognition of my efforts.
No worries about my well-being.
They simply expected me to continue sacrificing myself, because apparently that was my role in the family.
Meanwhile, Lauren’s behavior became impossible to ignore.
She would call to complain about the most insignificant things, such as her roommate borrowing her shoes or the campus cafeteria not offering real lattes.
She also started making subtle digs at me.
She laughed at the fact that I worked all the time and joked that I was married to my job.
« She doesn’t appreciate you enough, » a colleague told me one evening when I was confiding in her during my break. « You bend over backwards for her, and she acts like you owe her something. »
For the first time, I began to wonder if they were right.
The family dinner was supposed to be an informal gathering.
My parents invited me to spend some time with them, and Lauren was back in town for the school holidays.
I didn’t want to go, but I figured I could hold out for a few hours.
When I arrived, the atmosphere was already tense.
My parents were worried about Lauren, asking her how her classes were going, her social life, and if she needed anything else for school.
I sat quietly, waiting for someone — anyone — to ask me how I was.
But of course, that never happened.
In the middle of dinner, Lauren started talking again about the study abroad program.
She kept talking about how amazing it would be and how everyone she knew did it.
She looked me straight in the eyes and said:
« I hope you’re ready to put in a little more effort, Big Brother. These programs come at a cost. »
I froze.
I couldn’t believe she had the audacity to say that in front of everyone as if it were obvious.
« Maybe you should find a part-time job, » I said, trying to keep a light tone.
Lauren a ri.
« Me, a part-time job? That’s funny. I’m too busy with my studies. »
That’s all.
The straw that broke the camel’s back.
I put down my fork and stared at it.
« You’re joking, aren’t you? You think I’m going to keep funding your lifestyle indefinitely while you just sit idly by? »
Silence fell in the room.
My parents looked at me as if I had just sworn at the dinner table.
Lauren was speechless, but she quickly recovered.
« What’s your problem? » she snapped. « You’ve always been so bitter. Just because your life is at a standstill doesn’t mean you have to take it out on me. »
It felt like a punch in the stomach.
After everything I had done for her — sacrificing my time, my money, my dreams — that’s how she saw me.
A failure.
His words landed like a slap in the face.
My blood was boiling, but I wasn’t going to let her have the last word.
« Bitter? » I said, leaning forward. « You think I’m bitter because my life isn’t moving forward? Lauren, my life isn’t moving forward because I was too busy financing yours. »
My parents immediately came to his defense.
« That’s not appropriate, » my mother said sharply. « You’re her brother. It’s your duty to support her. »
« My job? » I repeated, letting out a bitter laugh. « Since when is my job to work two jobs so she can live in luxury? Since when is my job to sacrifice my entire future so she can have everything handed to her on a silver platter? »
Lauren crossed her arms and looked up at the sky.
« Ah, there it is, » she murmured. « The martyr’s number. »
That’s all.
I was finished.
« You know what, » I said, standing up, « go ahead, call me a failure, Lauren. But at least I worked hard for everything I have. And what have you done? Nothing. You spend your time wasting my money thinking you’re better than me. »
I turned to my parents.
« And you two are no better. You’ve encouraged his selfishness at every opportunity, and I’m tired of playing along. I’m not paying anything anymore. Not his rent, not his tuition. Nothing. »
The silence was deafening.
Lauren’s face paled and, for the first time, she looked genuinely shocked.
« You can’t do this, » she said, her voice trembling. « How am I supposed to live? »
« Figure it out yourself, » I said, grabbing my jacket. « I’ve been doing it for years. Maybe it’s time you learned. »
I left that dinner with a mixture of anger and relief.
For the first time, I had defended myself.
But I knew the repercussions would happen.
And indeed, it didn’t take long.
The next morning, my phone kept ringing and receiving text messages.
First, there was Lauren.
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