I’ve always been the sister who says “yes,” the one who drops everything when family needs help. It’s how I was raised—and maybe my biggest flaw. I never thought that generosity could cost me the chance at a life-changing job.
Three months ago, I had surgery and was told to take a full month off—no driving, no working, just rest. Two days into recovery, my sister Kathy called in a panic. Her car’s transmission had failed, and the repairs would cost thousands she didn’t have. She asked to borrow my Honda until hers was fixed.
I didn’t hesitate. I wasn’t driving anyway, and she was my sister. For four weeks, she used it daily. She even took me to a doctor’s appointment once, joking that it was a “win-win.” I trusted her to take care of it, and she promised she would.
When she returned my keys the night before my big interview at Morrison & Associates—a role I’d been pursuing for months—I felt a weight lift. After three months without income, this interview was my lifeline. I laid out my outfit, polished my résumé, and mapped my route.
The next morning, I slid into the driver’s seat full of hope—only for the engine to sputter and die. I tried again. Nothing. Confused, I called Kathy. She admitted she had returned it on an empty tank, assuming I’d “handle that part.” I reminded her about my interview, which I’d mentioned all week. Her answer? “Just call a rideshare.”
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