The 300th IOU

"From the time I was ten until I turned eighteen, my parents made me write 299 IOUs.Every time I needed money, I had to borrow it and pay it back as an adult.Then I got into a car accident. I needed money for surgery but was still short by 3,000.With no other options, I went to my parents for help.But they just gave me cold smiles.“Clara, you’re eighteen now. We have no obligation to give you money anymore. If you need it, write another IOU.”While holding back tears, I wrote my 300th IOU.After my surgery, I saw my adopted sister’s social media post.In the pictures, she was celebrating her 18th birthday on a cruise. She was the center of attention, like a princess.My parents had given her a luxury apartment in the city and a Maserati as birthday gifts.Even my childhood friend was looking at her with love in his eyes.She said they were the ones she loved and thanked them for giving her the best of everything.I looked down at the crumpled IOU in my hand and suddenly laughed.Once I paid off my debt, I would no longer need such a family."