My parents bought my older sister a flat and gave me their own apartment. When I insisted on making the arrangement official, I became an outcast in my own family.

For over a decade, I hadnt exchanged a word with my parents or my elder sister. Looking back, its clear now: I was never the cherished daughter. Their way was always, everything for one, nothing for the other. At seventeen, IEmilystood by as my older sister, Margaret, became pregnant and swiftly married. When I turned eighteen, my parents decided to gift Margaret a splendid two-bedroom flat. At that time, they were still young, flush with money, and made no hesitation in giving such a generous present to their favourite child. They even refurbished the whole place and bought her brand new furniture.

Feeling rather neglected, I finally mustered the courage to ask, Might I have a flat as well? My parents dismissed the idea entirely, saying, Youre still at university, Emily. Well talk about it when youre ready to start a family of your own. Years passed, and at twenty-two I finished my degree. I wasnt planning on marrying just then, but I longed for some true independence. When I brought the matter up again, I found things had changed for the worse: the family business was faltering, nothing like in the old days. When were gone, they said, this flat will be yours. Its better than your sisters, three rooms and rather dearer. For now, well all continue living together, and youll be able to look after us in our old age.

I quietly pondered how I might make this promise more concrete. After all, Margaret was also an heiress; shed have a claim to the flat. So I pressed them: Would you have the flat officially transferred to me? Do you think Margaret will contest it? She has her own placewhy would she need mine as well? In my heart of hearts, I knew Margaret would never think twice about claiming another home, if it were on offer. Years ago, her husband had fallen on hard times and, despite their own limited means, my parents had stepped in to support them with money. Yet they never extended the same courtesy to me.

A decade on, our rift remains. My parents took offense when I insisted it all be formalised and resolutely refused. Everything came to a standstill then; I moved out, rented my own flat, and started my life afresh. In all those years, my parents never once reached out to me. Now, I rely on myself alone. And whenever I remember those days, I wonder if things could ever have been different.