When my sister asked to use my house for Ethan’s 7th birthday,

I agreed without a second thought. I’d be out of town,

and she said she needed the space. I even left snacks,

decorations, and a $400 LEGO castle gift for him.

Her thank-you texts made me feel like the world’s best aunt.

But when my flight got rescheduled and I came home early,

things felt… off. A half-deflated pink balloon arch drooped by the door.

Inside, a “Congratulations, Jessica’s Baby Shower!” banner hung across the patio.

Baby shower? Jessica? What happened to Ethan’s party?

There was no birthday party.

My sister had rented out my home to strangers for $900

, used the snacks and decorations for them, and paid for catering with the money I left.

A neighbor even asked if I was now renting my house. I felt betrayed—and deeply used.

When I confronted her, she shrugged and said, “You weren’t even using it.”

Mom told me not to make it a big deal. But this isn’t about money—it’s about trust.

And once someone shows you how little they value it,

no amount of balloons or cake can make it whole again.