I’m 25F, studying at uni and working part-time. My 31-year-old brother means the world to me—I see him as a father figure, and he’s always been a big support in my life.
Lately, life has been hectic. Uni has been intense with assignments, especially a group assessment I had to submit last Sunday. Between keeping up with my part and waiting for my teammates to finish theirs, I’ve barely had time for anything else—including seeing my brother or our sister, who lives near him.
Last Saturday, a friend invited me to her husband’s birthday boat party. I went, had a few drinks, and didn’t notice my brother’s call until later. I meant to call him back, but I forgot.
On Sunday, he called again. I started to explain, but he interrupted and asked, “When was the last time you saw your sister?” I didn’t know what to say. Then he just said, “Bye, I gotta do some things,” and hung up.
I feel so guilty. His words made me feel like I’ve been putting my friends before my family, and that really hurts. I never meant to make him feel that way. I’m just overwhelmed, but now I feel like I let him down. I feel like a piece of shit and feel like I did the worst thing ever