there were charges I hadn’t made—electronics, gas, pizza. I froze the account and reported the card stolen. Two days later, Kendra called. “We’re at the police station. You’ll tell them we had permission, right?” Then the officer came on the line. “Did you authorize them to use your card?”

I took a breath. “No, officer. That card was stolen.” They were caught trying to use it again at the store. The system flagged the card, and police were called. I didn’t press charges—but they still got a fraud record and a few nights in custody. Mom came home days later, quiet and subdued. No apology—but plenty of my favorite meals. Mark and Kendra never said sorry either. But they never asked for my credit card again.