I’ll Make Everything Right Again, I Promise

Dear Diary,

Im writing this after a week of endless squabbles with my sisterinlaw, Victoria, and her demanding sister, Alison. It began yesterday when Alison burst into the sitting room, eyes red and cheeks wet, pleading for help.

Michael, cant you lend me something? she sobbed. I have a crucial interview tomorrow and I have nothing suitable to wear!

Victoria, normally calm, seemed to simmer with irritation as she shifted from foot to foot. You have a whole wardrobe, Victoria noted dryly. But none of it will work for me, Alison wailed, dabbing her nose with the sleeve of her jumper. I need to look serious and expensive, not like Im still in school!

Alisons tears grew louder, her voice trembling with feigned desperation as she pressed her hands to her chest, as if praying. If I dont get this job Ill be out of money. This is a brilliant opportunity and I cant find anything else thats decent!

At that moment Michael walked in, hearing the commotion. Whats happening? he asked.

Alison turned to him, eyes wide. Michael, can you imagine? I have an interview and Victoria wont let me borrow any clothes. What a miser!

Victoria glared at him. These are my personal items, Michael, she began, but he cut her off. Whats wrong with you? Alison is asking for help in a tight spot and youre acting like a miser.

Alison sniffed and looked at Michael with gratitude. Victorias lips tightened; the pressure from both sides was unbearable.

Please, Victoria, please, Alison persisted. Ill be careful, I wont damage anything. I promise Ill return everything in perfect condition!

Michael nodded, supporting his sister. Shell bring it back, surely. Its just clothes, after all.

Seeing resistance was futile, Victoria finally gave in. Fine, take what you need, she muttered through clenched teeth and disappeared toward the bedroom.

She paused by the wardrobe, her hand drifting to a darkblue trouser suit shed bought for special occasions, only worn a couple of times. She carried it back to the sitting room on a hanger.

Alison clutched the suit, reverently smoothing the fabric. Oh, its gorgeous! Thank you so much. Ill look like a queenno, like Princess Diana! she exclaimed.

Then she changed tack. What about shoes? This suit needs proper shoes. She turned to Victoria. And some jewellery, a clutchotherwise the whole look falls apart.

Michael chimed in, She cant go to an interview in trainers, can she?

Victorias fists clenched. She fetched a pair of black pumps with modest heels, a modest pearlset of earrings, and a small black leather handbag from the hall. Here, that should do. Youll have to sort out your underclothes yourself, she snapped, handing over the rest.

Alison clapped her hands delightedly. Youre a lifesaver! Ill return everything in better condition, I promise! She gathered the items hastily and bolted for the door.

Michael wrapped an arm around Victorias shoulders. See how happy she is? Why did you resist such a simple request? He whispered. Your suit isnt going to be ruined, is it?

I just dont like sharing personal things with strangers, Victoria replied honestly. Shes not a stranger; shes my brothers sister. Michael scoffed. Shes family, not some street girl.

She retorted, To me shes a stranger, and you know that.

He shook his head and muttered something about womens fickleness as he drifted to the kitchen.

A week later, Victoria finally called Alison, her voice tight. Alison, when are you returning my things?

Alisons voice sounded weary. Oh, hi Victoria. Something terrible happened I spilled coffee on the suit, theres a stain I cant get out. Then my bag was snatched on the high street, and the heel on the shoes broke when I chased the thief. Ill send the earrings back later, okay?

Victoria stared at the phone, disbelief washing over her. How could everything be ruined at once?

A month later Alison appeared again, looking even more dishevelled. Victoria, help! I have a corporate event and nothing to wear!

Victoria snapped back, Youre still asking after everything thats happened? No way.

That evening Michael, in a foul mood, confronted Victoria. What did you do to Alison? She called, crying! How could you treat her like that?

I wont give her any more of my clothes, Victoria replied coolly. She ruined my suit and other items!

Michael tried to defend his sister. Well buy you a new suit! On my salary?

What, with my wages? Victoria retorted sharply.

The argument stretched into the night, but Victoria held firm.

A couple of days later she returned early from work to find Victorias wardrobe in chaosclothes strewn across the bed, hangers tangled. Her favourite burgundy evening dress, a pair of new heels, gold sapphire earrings, and a petite pearl clutch were missing.

She called Michael frantic. Did you wreck our wardrobe? Where are my things?

Alison came over, Michael said calmly. I told her to take whatever she liked. Shell bring everything back tomorrow.

Are you out of your mind? Victoria shouted. You let her take everything because I refused to share!

She drove to Alisons flat at breakneck speed. When Alison opened the door, her expression was one of feigned innocence. What things? she said.

Victoria shoved past her and entered the bedroom, where the previously ruined suit hung pristine, the shoes intact, the bag lying on the shelf. You lied! Victoria whispered. Nothing was damaged or stolen!

Alison tried to flee, but Victoria blocked the doorway. Explain why you lied!

I I didnt want to give them back, Alison stammered. I liked them too much

Victoria erupted, Youre a brazen thief! She began pulling Alisons possessions from the wardrobe. If you ever touch my things again, youll answer to me and my brother!

She hauled the bag of her own belongings out, slammed the door, and turned to Michael, who waited, pale and silent.

Michael, let this be the last time your sister makes a demand like this, she said firmly. If it happens again, Im leavingfor good. Choose what matters more: our marriage or this selfishness.

Michael could only mutter, I didnt know she was lying I swear.

Victoria stared him down. From now on, no one touches my things without my permission. Theyre mine, not shared property for your relatives.

I write this now, exhausted but certain: boundaries must be respected, even among family. If you let selfishness slide, it erodes trust and destroys the home you both strive to protect.