Mom had died five years before Dad.
She had always worried about leaving us unprepared. She had created savings accounts for our education, school activities, first cars, and important milestones.
“It isn’t enough to make them rich,” I once overheard her telling Dad. “But it should help them begin their lives without fear.”
After Dad died, CARLA became our legal guardian. Somehow, that also gave her access to nearly every dollar connected to us.
At first, she claimed she was protecting the money.
Then packages began appearing at the front door.
Shoes.
Jewelry.
Decorations for rooms she redecorated three times.
And now a handbag that probably cost more than the dress I had shown her.
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