For most, parents protect you. Mine used me as their personal ATM.

It started with stolen rent money and designer bags, but after surgery, I was drowning in medical debt, working overtime just to survive. My tax refund was my last hope — then a letter came: “Funds seized to settle debts in your name.” Debts I never made.

I confronted my mom. She shrugged it off: “You’re my daughter. It’s your job to help.” My dad yelled about keeping a roof over my head — but I’d done homework in the dark.

Court records showed they’d signed bills in my name, hiding notices from me. When I confronted them, they called me selfish. I called my lawyer friend, Eli.

Within days, we filed identity theft reports, froze wage garnishments, and subpoenaed mail records. Mom laughed, but the case flipped — debts wiped, credit recovering, and my parents facing charges.

My sister called ungrateful. I blocked her. For the first time, no guilt — just relief.

Family isn’t automatic. Family is earned.