When my friend Kyle begged me for $6,400 to replace his wrecked car — claiming he’d lose both jobs otherwise — I gave it to him without hesitation. That money was my escape fund from a moldy basement, but friendship mattered more. He promised to pay me back in three months.
As time passed, he stopped replying. Meanwhile, his Instagram filled with beach vacations, fancy dinners and brand-new sneakers — all obviously bought with my money.
After seven months I blocked him and tried to move on, telling myself karma would handle it. Then out of nowhere I got a wire transfer from him for $10,100 — and messages begging: “That was a mistake! Send it back NOW!”
I returned $3,600 (what I never lent him), and kept $6,400 plus a bit extra for the pain he caused. My final message: “We’re even now. I’m not like you.” Then I blocked him for good. Everyone knew he’d treated the loan as a “gift.” His credibility vanished. Mine stayed intact.
The next day I put a deposit on a new apartment — with sunny windows, no leaks, and no trace of Kyle. That accidental transfer gave me more than money back. It gave me closure, confidence, and confirmation that some debts don’t just get paid — they get settled.