My parents bequeathed their ENTIRE estate to my brother, so I ceased covering their expenses. Weeks later, my mom texted

You want to be the golden child? Start paying their damn bills. I’m done being your personal bank. Eric looked away, suddenly very interested in the pavement.

Mom took a deep breath, recalibrating her guilt trip. Jake, he’s your brother. I nodded.

Yep. And I’ve supported him longer than you ever have. Dad’s face darkened.

You’re being selfish. I laughed. A real, genuine laugh.

Oh, that’s rich coming from you. I gestured between them. You two decided that Eric deserved everything, and I deserved nothing.

And now that it’s time to pay the price for that choice, you’re trying to manipulate me into fixing it for you. Not happening. Mom’s voice sharpened.

We thought you’d be mature about this. I raised an eyebrow. Mature? You mean, quietly accept that I was betrayed and keep paying your bills? Because let’s be real, that’s what you wanted.

Dad stepped forward, trying to loom over me like he used to when I was a kid. Jake, we raised you. We fed you, clothed you, gave you everything.

The least you can do is help us now. I looked him dead in the eye. I already did.

For years. And you repaid me by cutting me out. Mom’s lip trembled.

We thought you’d understand. I exhaled, shaking my head. Oh.

I understand perfectly. I understand that I was never family to you, just a paycheck. Silence again.

A suffocating, undeniable silence. I turned to Eric, who was still pretending to be invisible. And you.

What’s your excuse? You had years to grow up, to get your life together, to contribute. But you didn’t. Because you knew they’d take care of you.

And when they’re gone, you just expected me to step in, huh? Eric finally snapped. What do you want me to say, man? I didn’t ask for this. I nodded slowly.

Right. You didn’t ask. You just benefited.

His mouth opened, then closed. Nothing. He had nothing.

Mom tried one last guilt trip. Jake. We’re family.

Family takes care of each other. I stared at her for a long moment before answering, exactly. So why didn’t you take care of me? She froze…