My Sister Got A $10k House Down Payment. I Got “Maybe Start Small For Now?” I Smiled And Left. I Didn’t Tell Them When I Bought My First Property. Or My Second. Or My Fifth. Then Mom Looked Up My Name Online AND SUDDENLY…

Time to invest in your future.”

Kayla held up the check like a communion wafer. $10,000. The kitchen lights reflected off the ink like it was holy.

Mom clasped her hands. “For the house, honey—our little homeowner.”

Kayla was 26. I was 28.

Kayla had been politely dismissed from three jobs in two years and treated the concept of budgeting like a rumor. But sure, homeowner. “That’s amazing,” I said, and meant it.

Just not in the way they wanted. The meatloaf went rubber in my mouth. Mom tilted her head like she’d remembered a grocery item.

“Oh, Leah, you’re still in that apartment, right? Still in that same place. Still in that same place,” like a holding cell with beige walls and a lesson.

“I’ve been thinking about buying,” I said. “Maybe a small rental. I’ve saved.”

Dad laughed.

Actually laughed. “Come on, that’s over your head. You manage apartments.

You don’t own them. Try a nicer rental first. Baby steps.”

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