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…

Kayla smirked. “You should come see it. Maybe it’ll inspire you to move somewhere nicer.”

Maybe.

Or maybe I’d outgrow the urge to narrate my worth to people who had already chosen their ending. In the kitchen, Dad slid in beside me as I scrubbed a plate. “Your sister’s making something of herself,” he said like it was a sports commentary.

“That’s what happens with smart decisions. Stable job, good man, plans ahead.”

I scraped harder at an imaginary stain. “I’m happy for her.”

“You could have that, too.

Get a real career, Leah. You’re smart. You just hide.”

The urge to tell him—the folder, the keys, the appraisal—rose like a wave, then receded.

“I’m doing fine.”

He snorted. “Don’t wait too long to grow up.”

When he left the room, I rinsed the plate and made another decision. Property, too.

I wanted it. I would find it. I would do it before anyone thought to ask whether I had permission.

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