Am I being ungrateful? - Fay

Fay was looking to purchase a car due to her job's travel requirements. As a rookie in a sales position, her income was volatile and she had little savings. A car loan from a bank seemed risky.

Her sister offered a solution. "I can lend you the full sum without interest."

Fay was relieved and grateful. No interest meant she could manage the repayments even when sales were slow.

After purchasing the car, her sister informed Fay of an additional arrangement.

"I'll be using the car on weekends," her sister said. "Consider it a token of appreciation for the loan. You'll remain fully responsible for the upkeep of the vehicle, of course."

Fay felt something tighten in her chest. "Wait, that wasn't part of our agreement. I need the car for work trips that sometimes fall on weekends. And if you're using it, shouldn't you contribute to petrol and maintenance?"

Her sister's face hardened. "I'm doing you a favour by lending you money interest-free. This is the least you can do."

Fay tried to discuss it with their father, hoping he would see the unfairness.

Instead, her father sided with her sister. "You should be thankful to have a car given your current financial position. Your sister is being generous. Don't be ungrateful."

Fay realised she was trapped. The "interest-free loan" came with a price after all. Just one that wasn't disclosed upfront.