Carla took control of everything — the bills, the bank accounts, the mail. Mom had left money behind for Noah and me, and Dad always said it was meant for important moments: college, school expenses, milestones.
Apparently, Carla had decided those things no longer mattered.
About a month before prom, I mentioned I needed a dress.
Carla barely looked up from her phone.
“Prom dresses are a stupid waste of money.”
“Mom left money for things like this,” I reminded her.
She gave a cold little laugh.
“That money keeps this house running now. And honestly? Nobody wants to see you parading around in some overpriced princess dress.”
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