I showed them the confirmation on my phone. The winning numbers. The prize amount.
My mother studied it. Then immediately started planning.
“This is wonderful news for the family. You’ll give half to Selene. She and Marcus need a house.”
“What? Mom, this is my money—”
“We’re a family. We share. Selene is starting a life. She needs support.”
My father nodded. “You’re single. Fewer responsibilities. Selene has priorities.”
I tried to reason with them. Listed my debts. My needs. My plans.
They didn’t care. Didn’t listen. Just kept insisting that family meant giving Selene half.
“If you won’t share, you won’t benefit from it either.”
That threat. That certainty. That assumption that they could control my money.
Continue on the next page:
