When Carla’s father demanded she move out to make room for a new baby, she felt her world crumble again. With help from her grandparents, she rebuilt her life and uncovered family secrets, forcing her to choose between independence and family ties.

“My name is Carla, and I’m 21 years old. My life hasn’t been easy, especially after losing my mom when I was 10,” Carla begins. Her dad remarried when she was 15, bringing a stepmother, Linda, and her daughter, Megan, into their home.

Carla worked from age 16 to gain independence. When she turned 18, her dad demanded rent. “Carla, you’re an adult now,” he said, asking for $500. Five months ago, her dad told her to move out for the new baby. Devastated, she turned to her grandparents for help.

Carla’s grandfather offered her three options: stay, move in with them, or get her own place with his support. She chose independence. “This is to help you start on your own,” her grandpa said, giving her a $15,000 check.

During a visit to her Aunt Lisa, Carla learned her grandpa was financially supporting her dad, who now had to pay rent. “Grandpa is making him repay the $15,000 he gave you,” her cousin explained. Shocked, Carla confronted her grandparents, who revealed they were teaching her dad responsibility.

Carla decided to stay independent but maintain relationships with her siblings. She set boundaries with her dad. “Just keep working hard, and you’ll do great things,” her grandpa encouraged. With her grandparents’ support, Carla felt ready to face her future.