Julian tried to laugh, insisting that it was “family” and shouldn’t become a legal issue. My father simply told him to put Brenda on speakerphone. She immediately explained that someone was taking the Camry and that Julian had told her I approved it. I quietly said I had never agreed. My father explained that the vehicle was still legally protected under his practice’s program and ordered Brenda to return it and sign the necessary release. For once, she had nothing to say.

Julian turned on me. “You could have helped my mother,” he snapped. But I finally recognized the manipulation. He wasn’t apologizing for giving away something that wasn’t his. He was angry because I had refused to accept the consequences. My father asked where I wanted the car delivered. “Here,” I answered. Julian stared at me. “You’re really doing this?” I looked at him and said, “You did this. I’m just finished covering it.”