Growing up, I had a college fund my mom set up. After my dad remarried, my stepmom took over finances—and every year, about $5k disappeared for holidays and trips. When I questioned it, my dad brushed it off as “family money.”
They never paid it back. Eventually, they went bankrupt, and the fund was gone.
I worked three jobs to finish school and went low contact to move on. Years later, I’m finally stable—then my dad suddenly asked me for $40,000, calling it a “loan” with no explanation. I said no.
The next day, he and my stepmom showed up at my door, having pressured my aunt for my address. He blamed me for “holding onto the past,” saying raising me cost more than what they took and that I should “help family.”
I didn’t argue—I told them to leave and shut the door.
Now I feel torn. Part of me knows I’m justified. Another part feels guilty… because he’s still my dad.
