Marina had always known that Lena would show up exactly when she was least expected. As if she had a special radar for the most inconvenient moments. And today was no exception: Marina was trying to concentrate on a report for management when the door slammed, and a familiar voice sounded from the hallway:
“Igorek, I’m here! Mom’s nagging me again with her lectures.”
Igor looked up from his laptop and smiled — that smile always appeared on his face whenever his younger sister was mentioned. Marina pressed her lips together. Twenty-six years old, and still “the little girl” who kept running away from their mom to her brother.
“Hi, Lenka,” Igor stood to greet his sister. “What is it this time?”
“She’s been nagging me with ‘When will you get married? When will you start working properly?’ I’m trying to find myself! Not everyone is born with a calling like some people.”
Lena said the last phrase, glancing toward Marina, who continued staring at her screen, pretending to be absorbed in work.
“All right, sit down. Want some tea?” Igor headed to the kitchen.
“I will. By the way, I have news! I’ve decided to become a lashmaker. Found some great courses — though expensive…”
Marina sighed inwardly. Over the past three years, Lena had tried being a makeup artist, manicurist, hairdresser, and even signed up for barista classes. Each time Igor faithfully paid for the courses, and each time Lena dropped out halfway, finding a new passion.
“How much?” Igor asked without any extra questions.
“Thirty thousand. But it’s an investment in my future!”
Marina clenched her teeth. Thirty thousand was a third of her monthly salary before the raise. Yet Lena talked about it so casually, as if buying a bun.
“All right, I’ll transfer it tomorrow,” Igor nodded.
“You’re the best!” Lena hugged her brother. “How are you guys? Marina, aren’t you overworking yourself?”
“Fine,” Marina answered shortly without looking up from the screen.
In reality, things were far from fine. She had been working like crazy all year, rewriting presentations ten times, staying late, sacrificing weekends. The goal was to get promoted by the end of the year. The sales department manager position was practically hers; the bosses hinted the decision was made.
But December passed, then January, and the promotion never came. “A slight delay in closing the last deal,” the director explained.
Lena settled on the couch with a cup of tea and began talking about her plans. How she would become the best lashmaker in town, open her own salon, maybe even a chain of salons. Igor nodded and agreed, Marina kept working, glancing at the clock from time to time.
At nine in the evening, Lena was still there.
“Len, isn’t it time to go home?” Marina finally couldn’t hold back.
“What’s there to do at home? Mom’s asleep, the TV is old, the internet is slow. At least here I can talk to people.”
“Talking to people” meant Igor. Marina was more like part of the furniture to Lena, occasionally making noises.
This went on all spring. Lena did start the lashmaker course but a month later said the instructor didn’t provide constructive knowledge and she’d self-study. Then she got interested in becoming a travel blogger, then decided to try beauty consulting.
Igor consistently funded these whims but made Lena promise she’d at least finish the lash course.
Meanwhile, Marina was sinking deeper into work. Then in March, the thing she had waited for so long finally happened.
The deal with a major client she’d worked on for six months was officially closed on all fronts. A two-year contract, serious money, prestige for the company. The next day, the director called her into his office.
“Marina Sergeevna, congratulations! From April 1, you are officially the sales department manager.”
Her heart pounded wildly. Finally!
“And as a bonus for outstanding results, the company is giving you a trip to Turkey. Seven days, five stars, all inclusive. You deserve it. Rest well; there’s a lot of work ahead.”
Marina barely restrained herself from jumping for joy right in the director’s office. Promotion, bonus, and a trip — everything she dreamed of.
Colleagues held a small celebration right in the office. They brought cake, congratulated her, wished success. Marina felt like the queen of the world.
At home, she was met by Lena lying on the couch flipping through a magazine.
“Oh, our workaholic is back!” Lena didn’t even look up. “Igor’s in the shower.”
“Lena, I have news!” Marina couldn’t hide her joy.
“Hm?”
“I got promoted! I’m now the sales department manager!”
“Cool,” Lena replied indifferently, turning the page.
At that moment, Igor came out of the bathroom.
“Darling, did you say something?”
“Igor, can you believe it? I got promoted! And got a trip to Turkey for outstanding results!”
Igor’s face broke into a broad smile.
“Sweetheart, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you!”
“Congratulations,” Lena finally looked up from the magazine. “Turkey, huh? Nice. When are you going?”
“Corporate trips are usually open-date, can use it anytime this year. I think I’ll take vacation in May.”
“Awesome! I want to go somewhere too; I’m sick of being stuck here,” Lena stretched. “By the way, Igor, I finished my courses. Think it’s time to start practicing. Can you buy some materials? For eyelash extensions?”
“Of course, Lenka. Make a list of what you need.”
Marina shook her head. Even on her celebratory day, the conversation switched to Lena’s needs.
The weekend passed as usual. Marina planned to rest, but Lena showed up Saturday morning and stayed until late evening. Sunday repeated the story. She talked about promoting herself on social media, showed photos of works from the internet, asked Igor to evaluate her “artistic vision.”
Sunday evening, when Lena finally left, Marina turned to her husband:
“Igor, can we talk?”
“Of course, honey. About what?”
“About your sister. I think she’s here too often.”
Igor frowned.
“Marina, she’s my sister. Besides, she’s bored at home.”
“Being bored isn’t our problem. She’s twenty-six; it’s time to be independent.”
“She’s trying to find herself. That’s normal.”
“At our expense?”
“She’s family, Marina. If I can help, why not?”
Marina sighed. Arguing was pointless. Igor never saw a problem with his sister’s behavior.
Monday morning she dove into work with new responsibilities. Leading the department was harder than she imagined, but it was her dream, and she was ready for the challenges.
On Tuesday, Lena showed up again at their place.
“Igorek, I’m stressed!” she announced from the doorway. “Mom started on me again about work. Says I should stop playing around and get serious about life.”
“What happened?” Igor put down dinner.
“She saw I ordered eyelash supplies and said, ‘Your brother’s paying for the consumables again. How long will these investments last?’”
Marina almost choked.
“Lena, is mom right?” she asked cautiously.
“In what way is she right?” Lena turned to Marina, defiant.
“Well, you really change your hobbies often…”
“I’m finding myself! That’s a normal process. Not everyone finds their calling right away.”
That phrase again sounded like a reproach toward Marina, as if her career success was luck, not merit.
“All right, girls, no arguments,” Igor intervened. “Len, maybe you should try finishing something?”
“I do finish things! Sometimes you realize it’s not for you.”
“After two months of training?”
“Should I suffer for years at a job I hate?”
That jab was clearly aimed at Marina. She got up from the table.
“You’re always working,” Lena grumbled. “You need to relax sometimes.”
“Not everyone is lucky to live off their relatives,” Marina snapped.
Silence fell. Lena flushed; Igor tensed.
“Marina, why do you say that?” he said softly.
“Sorry,” Marina sighed. “I’m just tired.”
“Got it,” Lena said coldly. “If I’m a burden here, I’ll go home.”
“Len, don’t be offended…”
“Whatever, Igor. I understand not everyone likes my presence.”
Lena dramatically packed her things and left. Igor watched her go, then turned to his wife.
“Why did you hurt her?”
“Igor, she’s here every day! She has a home, a mother. Why should she live with us?”
“She’s not living here, she just comes over.”
“Every day! And you pay for all her new hobbies she quits in a week.”
“That’s my money.”
“Our money. We’re family.”
“Then she’s family too.”
Marina felt the conversation was going nowhere. Igor would never admit his sister was taking advantage of his kindness.
The next day Lena didn’t show up. Neither did the day after. Marina almost believed the conflict was beneficial. But on Friday Lena returned with red eyes.
“Igorek, I have depression,” she announced, collapsing on the couch. “Nothing works out, life’s a mess.”
“What happened, Lenka?”
“Everything! Mom nags constantly, all my friends are married or working, and I’m running around like an idiot. And I think I’m having a midlife crisis.”
“At twenty-six?” Marina was surprised.
“Are crises only after thirty?” Lena snapped back.
“Lenka, don’t be so upset,” Igor sat next to his sister. “Things will get better.”
“I need a break somewhere, clear my head. I’m totally lost.”
Marina became wary. There were familiar notes in Lena’s voice — the same when she asked for money for courses.
“How about a weekend trip somewhere?” Igor suggested. “To the dacha, for example.”
“No, I need a complete change of scenery. I want a vacation, by the sea.”
“Len, I can’t just take a vacation…”
“I’m not asking you. I’d go myself but have no money.”
Igor thought for a moment. Marina saw the calculations in his head. A trip for one to Turkey would cost about fifty thousand. That was a serious amount for their budget.
“Len, let’s discuss this later, okay?” he finally said.
“Okay,” Lena nodded, but Marina noticed a sly gleam in her eyes.
That evening, after Lena left, Igor was thoughtful.
“What are you thinking about?” Marina asked.
“Lenka. She really looks unhappy.”
“Igor, she just needs to pull herself together and start living independently.”
“Easier said than done. Not everyone finds their place in life quickly.”
“And living off her brother — is that finding her place?”
“Marina, don’t be mad. I just feel sorry for her.”
Marina understood where this conversation was going but hoped she was wrong.
Saturday morning, while she lay in bed planning lazy days off, Igor brought her coffee and sat on the edge of the bed.
“Honey, I want to talk.”
“I’m listening.”
“About Lena. I have an idea how to help her.”
Marina sat up in bed.
“What idea?”
“Well, you said you have that trip to Turkey…”
Her heart skipped a beat.
“And?”
“Honey, I gave your trip to your sister; she needs it more — she’s having a crisis,” Igor blinked innocently, saying it like he was telling her he’d bought bread.
Marina was silent. Her brain refused to process what she’d just heard.
“What?” she finally squeezed out.
“Well, think about it. You have work, you just got promoted, new responsibilities. Lena’s free, and she really needs to clear her head…”
“You gave MY trip away? The one GIVEN TO ME for MY achievements?”
“Sweetie, don’t shout. I thought you’d understand…”
“I should understand that you arranged my reward without my consent?”
Igor looked confused.
“But it’s family…”
“Family is me and you! And she’s your sister, living off you and now vacationing on my award!”
“Marina, she’s going through a crisis…”
“And what about me? I worked my ass off for this promotion! I earned that trip!”
“Well, we can go another time; I’ll pay myself…”
“Another time? Igor, that was a company gift! Recognition of my merits! And you just gave it away to the first person who asked!”
“Lena’s not the first person, she’s my sister!”
“Who hasn’t worked a day in her life! Who lives off you!”
“She’s finding herself!”
“How much longer can you look for yourself at twenty-six?!”
Igor stood up and nervously paced the room.
“Marina, I don’t understand why you’re so angry. It’s just a vacation.”
“Just a vacation?” Marina stood. “It’s not just a vacation! It’s recognition of my achievements! It’s what I worked like crazy for all year!”
“But we can go another time…”
“NO! We can’t go another time! Because this time was special! And you stole it from me!”
“I didn’t steal…”
“You made the decision about my gift without me! What’s that called?”
Igor fell silent. Marina saw confusion and incomprehension in his eyes.
“All right,” he gave in. “We can cancel the trip…”
“What, and hurt your beloved little sister? No way.”
“Marina, what do we do?”
Marina silently walked to the computer and opened the travel agency’s website.
“What are you doing?”
“Buying a trip for myself. To Bali. Ten days.”
“Honey, that’s expensive…”
“Very expensive. Three times more than Turkey. And I’ll pay from our joint account.”
“Marina, be reasonable…”
“I will be reasonable. From now on, every time you make decisions for me, I will compensate my losses. From our joint account.”
She booked the trip and turned to her husband.
“That’s it. Tomorrow I fly to Bali. Alone.”
“Igor, you can’t…”
“I can. And I will. Every time you decide that your sister’s interests are more important than mine.”
Igor turned pale.
“Honey, I didn’t mean to…”
“Now call your sister and explain to her that from now on her problems are her problems. And let her learn to solve them on her own.”
“Igor…”
“Or we get a divorce. Your choice.”
Silence filled the house. Igor looked at his wife as if seeing her for the first time.
“Are you serious?”
“Absolutely.”
“All right,” he said quietly. “I’ll talk to Lena.”
“And ask her not to come here every day anymore.”
“I’ll ask her not to come every day.”
“Good.”
Marina began packing her suitcase. Two days later, she was in Bali, on the ocean shore, cocktail in hand, feeling that finally her life belonged to her.
Igor called every day, apologized, assured he talked to Lena. And when Marina returned tanned and rested, flowers and a letter from her husband awaited her.
“Forgive me. I realized I was wrong. Lena won’t interfere in our life anymore. You deserve better.”
Lena really stopped coming every day. Now she came once a week, briefly, and no longer asked for money for new hobbies. Marina learned an important lesson: sometimes you have to protect your boundaries decisively and without compromise.
Igor also learned something. His wife was not only patient and hardworking but also determined enough to put anyone in their place who dared threaten her achievements. And that even scared him a little — but in a good way.
