He wasn’t being sarcastic. He really didn’t know. There were no transfers, Dad.
Not one. His fork clattered against the plate. He turned to Mom.
Leona. She kept her eyes on her bowl. The silence stretched until it became unbearable.
I’ve been sending it to Soraya, she said at last, her voice even. She needs it more. Dad’s mouth opened slightly but no words came out.
She’s in fashion, Byron Mom continued. It’s expensive. She has events people to meet.
She has to maintain a certain image. I blinked. And I don’t need to eat.
Mom glanced at me like she was startled to hear my voice. I’m not saying you don’t need help. She said carefully.
I just thought, you’re stronger. You’ve always managed. Soraya’s more sensitive.
Dad stood up slowly. You told me you’d send it. Every month.
For Iris. You let me believe she was fine. Mom said louder now.
She always is. Dad looked at me again this time with something that felt heavier than shock. It looked like guilt.
I pushed my chair back. I came here for answers. I didn’t expect them to be so… simple.
Mom turned toward me but I was already on my way down the hallway, her voice fading behind me as I reached my room and closed the door. Dad knocked that night. I didn’t answer but he opened the door anyway slowly like he wasn’t sure if he had the right to be there.
I couldn’t sleep, he said. I just keep going over it all. I sat up waiting.
She told me she was sending it. Every month. I thought you were okay.
I thought you were… comfortable. I didn’t say anything. He sat on the edge of my bed.
You remember when Soraya got her car? I nodded. I got maybe next year. He exhaled through his nose like the memory hurt more now.
I said we could only afford one vehicle at the time. She told me you didn’t mind. I did.
I said simply. He nodded slowly. I keep thinking back.
This summer you wanted to do that medical camp. She said you changed your mind. Said you wanted to stay home and save money.
I cried for a week when she told me we couldn’t afford it. Soraya went to Italy that summer. He looked away.
I should have asked more questions. She made it easy not to. He was quiet for a long time.
Then she always said you were independent. That you didn’t need as much. That you’d find a way.
She wasn’t wrong, I said. I did find a way. I just shouldn’t have had to.
His jaw tightened. This isn’t about strength, Iris. It’s about fairness.
And I missed it. For too long. I could hear them arguing again downstairs.
Mom’s voice rose sharp. Something about loyalty. His response lower angrier cut through the walls.
I closed my eyes. It wasn’t just about the money anymore. It hadn’t been for a long time.
The next morning I found dad in his study glasses low on his nose scrolling through bank statements. He didn’t hear me approach. Iris, he said when he noticed me.
I need you to know I didn’t just believe your mother. I handed her access. To what the trustee said.
The one set up for you and Soraya. Split evenly. I thought it was locked until you turned 25.
But apparently she’s been diverting funds. To a separate account. In Soraya’s name only.
He rubbed his temples his voice tight. 250,000 so far. I felt something shift inside me.
Not shock exactly. Just confirmation. What now? I’ve already called the attorney.
We’re starting the process to reverse the transactions. It’ll take time. I nodded.
That was all I could do. Later that night their voices rose again. This time sharper.
Messier. You didn’t even ask me. Dad shouted.
That money was for both our daughters. She needs it more. Mom snapped.
I did what was best. For her. He said.
Not for us. Not for Iris. Hearing my name like that.
Loud, defended, not dismissed. Sent something through me I didn’t have words for. I stood at the top of the stairs listening.
I trusted you. He said again. Quieter now.
And you stole from our own child. I turned away before I could hear her answer. I already knew what it would sound like.
Soraya called two days later. Her voice was tight clipped at the edges. Mom told me I’m only getting a thousand a month now.
Is that true? Yeah. I said. Dad’s handling the finances now.
She exhaled sharply. I can’t live on that. Rent classes materials I know.
There was silence like she was waiting for me to offer a solution. I didn’t. Do you really think this is fair? She asked.
I think it’s overdue. She hung up. That night I caught mom slipping money into an envelope.
She didn’t see me standing in the hallway but I knew what it was for. Later dad did too. He didn’t raise his voice.
He just stood across from her in the kitchen and said I can’t do this anymore. She stared at him unblinking. I was trying to protect her.
He didn’t flinch. And who was protecting Iris? Iris is fine, she said. She’s always been fine.
He looked tired. You keep saying that like it justifies everything. I just wanted the best for Soraya.
He shook his head. And what did Iris get? Mom didn’t answer. The next morning he called a lawyer.
By the end of the week he had filed for legal separation. The house felt different, quieter, like something had cracked and let in air that had never been allowed before. Mom moved through the days like she was underwater.