I never asked for more.
Ever since I was a child, I felt that everything in our family was divided unequally. Not as it should be.
My brother always got more – more attention, more praise, more support. My parents never admitted it, but I could see it. His needs were always more important than mine.
When he wanted a new bike – he got it immediately.
When I asked for something – it was always “maybe another time.”
When he needed money for college – dad proudly paid for his education.
When I wanted to take a course, mom said, “We can’t afford it.”
I got used to it. I never asked for more.
And then my parents left. And left me an inheritance that was supposed to be divided equally.
At least that's what I thought.
My brother was silent for a long time. We didn't talk about the inheritance, I didn't want to cause a conflict. But one day he called.
„Sister, we need to talk– he said.
We met at a café. He looked at me tensely, as if he was preparing for something difficult.
„You know my parents' house would be more useful to me than you,– he began, turning the cup in his hands.
„We're supposed to split everything equally,– I replied calmly, although I could already feel that something was wrong.
„But you don't need him,– he sighed. „You have your own life, your own apartment. And I have kids, loans, lots of expenses.”
I looked at him in silence.
„You should understand– he added, raising his voice slightly. „You've always had fewer needs. You're not materialistic. Giving me your share won't make a difference to you.”
Won't make a difference to me?
It wasn't about the money. It was a matter of principle.
“Brother, why do I always have to give up?– I asked quietly.
His face hardened. He hadn't expected resistance.
“Don't be selfish– he finally said.
Selfish.
All his life, he'd been the one getting more. And now that I was owed something, suddenly I was the selfish one.
I looked at him and realized one thing: to him, I would always be the one who had to give back.
But this time, I wouldn't give in.
„No” – I replied calmly.
He looked at me for a long time, then stood up, only saying:
„I didn't think you were so petty.”
And I just smiled sadly.
Because for the first time in my life I set a boundary.