I couldn't help but remember the summer after high school graduation when my parents practically kicked me out of the house and demanded I find work. They called me ungrateful and selfish for not earning money to support them, even though I had just turned eighteen.
So, I worked in a factory for nearly a month, planning to head home and use the computer to register for college. But as I reached the front door, I overheard Dakota sweet-talking my parents.
"Mom, Dad, you two are so smart. With Amy off working, you won't have to pay as much for her college."
"Once I get into Yale, I'll find a rich guy, and we'll all live in luxury!"
My mom beamed with pride as soon as she heard those words, showering Dakota with compliments. I shouldn't have been surprised. After all, my sister had managed to scam a married man into supporting her through middle school with just a few texts and videos.
For months, Dakota brought home money to give to our parents, and they were hooked. They treated me like a burden, the kid who was good for nothing but draining their finances. I spent years feeling guilty for not contributing enough, ashamed that I couldn't provide for them the way they expected.