I never thought a gift from my late mother-in-law would tear my family apart. But when my teenage niece crossed the line for “likes,” I had to stand my ground.

My mother-in-law, Eleanor, was the kindest woman I ever knew. After losing my own mom young, she became like a second mother. One night, she gave me her elegant charcoal coat, saying, “It’s yours now, sweetheart.” Weeks later, she passed. That coat was the last piece of her I had — smelling of lavender and vanilla, it wasn’t just fabric, it was Eleanor.

I wore the coat to my sister’s house. When I left, I felt wet paint splash down my back. My niece Ava was filming, smirking, saying, “$20K coat vs paint prank 😂💅.”

The dry cleaner said the coat was ruined beyond repair. Eleanor’s last gift destroyed for a few seconds of clout.

I asked my sister to make Ava pay. She dismissed me, saying, “Get your rich in-laws to buy you another.”

This wasn’t about money. It was about respect and consequences. So, I filed a small claims suit.

My husband said, “She’d be proud of you.” I believe he’s right. Sometimes love means standing up — even to family.