Sarah organized her group’s annual girls’ getaway and fronted $2,000 for a lakeside cabin—$250 each for eight friends. Everyone agreed to repay her before the trip, but as the date neared, excuses piled up: car repairs, student loans, “next paycheck,” and then radio silence. A week out, Sarah was still out the full amount and felt taken advantage of.

She hatched a plan. On departure day, she stocked the cabin with food, drinks, and fire-pit supplies—then left, taking the keys and garage opener. From a nearby café, she told the group she’d “forgotten the keys” and was on her way back. When they arrived and found the place locked, panic texts and annoyed calls began pouring in.

Sarah then laid down the condition: she’d return with the keys once everyone sent their $250 share. Suddenly, the payment apps lit up—Venmo, PayPal, Zelle—until every dollar was covered within an hour. Only then did she drive back to the cabin.

At the door, she confronted them: friendship requires trust and respect, not excuses. Chastened, the friends apologized and owned their behavior. The weekend went ahead, but with a clear lesson learned—no more freeloading, and no more taking Sarah for granted.