I need some very honest opinions and advice about my scandalous situation with my family. So, I (35F) live by one rule: blood is blood, but debt is debt. I don’t lend money to family. Ever.

That rule came after my parents “borrowed” $2,500 years ago and never paid it back. I let it go, but I learned my lesson. Money and family don’t mix. Last week, my sister (37F) called crying. Her 4-year-old was diagnosed with a rare disease. There’s an experimental treatment not covered by insurance. They need $20,000 right now. She begged me to lend it, swore I’d get every penny back, even said she’d do anything.

I told her no. Calmly. I said I was sorry, but I don’t break my rule. She called me a monster and hung up.

Then the flood hit: parents furious, brother disgusted, old relatives suddenly “checking in.” And the kicker? My sister posted a video online, shaving her head, saying she’s “doing what she can because her greedy sister turned her back.” It went semi-viral in our town. I got hate DMs. Even my boss asked if I was okay.

Now I’m sitting here wondering if I’m actually the villain. But deep down, I know that one broken rule can wreck years of boundaries.

So yeah, maybe I’m cold. Or maybe I just learned that a broken heart costs less than a broken bank account.”