My Lifesaving Money, My Last Straw
"Julia, the money's gone."
"What money?"
In a sheepish tone, Mom explains, "We used the 68 grand you left with us to help your brother buy a house for his upcoming wedding."
At that moment, dread swallows me whole.
Just last week, I left my hard-earned savings with my parents to keep it from being discovered by my abusive husband. But now...
I choke up, and my voice trembles as I speak. "Mom, that is the only money I have for myself after the divorce!"
My father scolds me from the side. "Why are you getting a divorce in the first place?"
I shoot back, "You know he has been hitting me. If I don't leave him, he will beat me to death!"
Dad slams the table angrily. "All women put up with stuff like that just fine! If your brother can't get married, it will be the end of our lineage. That's the more pressing problem!"
I look at them, my blood running cold.
"Take that 68 grand as my final payment to you for raising me. We'll cut ties right here and now. In the future, don't ever come to me and ask me to support you when you grow old."