When my mom passed away two months ago, I thought the hardest part would be living without her. I was wrong.
After the funeral, when the house grew quiet and the grief settled in, my stepsister Brianna demanded half of the $40,000 Mom left me for college. Mom had made me promise to use it for my education. But Brianna, newly engaged, said weddings were expensive and claimed she deserved the money because she had “sacrificed” three years caring for Mom.
I refused. She called me selfish and walked out of my life.
Days later, while packing Mom’s things, I found a note taped to her mirror: If your sister asks for money, go see your aunt. My aunt arrived that same day with a box filled with receipts—proof that over three years, Mom had given Brianna more than $160,000 for tuition, debts, travel, and “emergencies.” That’s why Brianna received nothing in the will. There was nothing left to give.
The only money Mom protected was the $40,000 for my future.
Now I’m torn. Part of me wants to confront Brianna with the truth. Another part wonders if it’s worth reopening the wound.
What I do know is this: that money isn’t selfish. It’s my mother’s final promise to protect my future.
