“Cover my son’s college expenses,” my brother said, handing me a $16,000 bill for the dorm, laptop, and meal plan. I calmly told him that wasn’t going to happen.

“It’s a holding account.”

“No, it isn’t,” Ethan said. “That same account received my $4,800 student loan refund. I never approved it.”

Questions erupted around the table.

Mark raised his hands.

“He doesn’t understand how the portal works.”

“I understand where my money went,” Ethan answered.

Mark changed his explanation several times.

First, he blamed the university.

Then the credit union.

Then Ethan.

I waited until he ran out of stories.

“Were you dismissed from Heritage Home Interiors in October?”

His face emptied.

Mom stared at him.