When my sister Ava moved in to recover from a serious illness, I thought it would bring us closer. At first, everything seemed fine, but soon she became withdrawn.
Through tears, Ava confessed that my wife, Dana, had been secretly asking her for “rent” money—nearly $1,600 from the allowance meant for her care. Heartbroken, I confronted Dana, who tried to justify it, but I reminded her that Ava was family, not a tenant.
Dana admitted she wanted more financial freedom, but the trust was broken. We eventually separated. Sitting with Ava later, she said, “People show you who they are when they think no one’s watching.”
That moment brought clarity—and strengthened our bond.
