I lent my sister my car for a month while I recovered from surgery. When I got it back, I was ready for a life-changing interview, but the engine sputtered to a stop. My sister hadn’t refilled the tank. Her careless excuse cost me my job and she was about to learn exactly what my kindness was worth.
I’ve always been the sister who says yes. The one who drops everything when family calls. Maybe that’s my biggest flaw.
Three months ago, I went under the knife. Nothing dramatic, but serious enough that the doctor wagged his finger at me. “One month of rest, Rebecca. No driving until you heal. No working. Just rest.”
I nodded like a good patient. What choice did I have?
Two days into my recovery, my older sister Kathy called. Her voice cracked through the phone like broken glass.
“Becky, I’m totally screwed. My car just died on me.”
I shifted on my couch, wincing as my stitches pulled. “What happened?”
“The mechanic says it needs a new transmission. Costs around $3,000.” She let out a shaky breath. “I don’t have three grand. Hell, I barely have $300 in my checking account.”
A long pause stretched between us.
“Becky, I hate to ask this, but… could I maybe borrow your car? Just until mine’s fixed?”
My Honda sat in the driveway like a loyal dog waiting for its owner. I hadn’t touched it in weeks.
“Of course!” I said without hesitation.
“What? Really? You’d actually let me borrow it?”
“You’re my sister, Kathy. I’m stuck on this couch for four more weeks anyway. The car’s just sitting there collecting dust.”
Her voice went soft, almost childlike. The way it used to sound when we were kids and she needed something.
“Are you absolutely sure? I don’t want to impose anything.”
“Dead serious. Just take care of it like it’s yours, okay?”
“I will. I swear on Mom’s grave, I will. God, Becky, you’re literally saving my life right now.”
For four weeks, our arrangement worked like clockwork. She even drove me to the doctor’s appointment once.
“See?” she said that afternoon, sliding into the driver’s seat after my appointment. “This is working out perfectly. I help you, you help me. Win-win situation.”
I watched her adjust my mirrors and change my radio station to some pop nonsense I couldn’t stand. My fingers curled around the door handle, but I forced them to relax.
“I really appreciate everything you’re doing,” I said.
“Hey, it’s the least I can do. You’re letting me use your car for free. Most people would charge for something like this.”
Family helps family, I told myself. That’s what we do.
***
The fourth week brought news that should have made me happy. Kathy bounced through my front door, my car keys jangling in her hand like Christmas bells.
“Guess what? My car’s ready! Can you actually believe it? They found a used transmission that won’t completely bankrupt me.”
Relief flooded through me. Not because she was leaving, but because I could finally reclaim my independence. I had my job interview at Morrison & Associates the following day. It was a position I’d been chasing for months.
“That’s wonderful news,” I said, trying to match her enthusiasm. “When do you pick your car up?”
“Tonight after work.”
“Perfect.”
She dropped my keys on the counter that evening. They clinked against the granite like coins in a wishing well.