The rumours that my sister lived in complete chaos were false. She had disposed of all the hoarded belongings from one room in her flat and was now busy painting it white. Her bedroom was also very neat and tidy. The beautiful green carpet was clear of debris, with all my sister’s clothes neatly tidied away in a handsome chest of drawers.

Only the kitchen and sitting room needed serious attention.

I wondered whether the complaints about the state of her flat were simply a ruse to generate pity?