Chapter 21 - LILY LEARNS THE MONEY
At sixteen, Lily learned about the protected account created from restitution and settlement funds.
Approximately $184,000 after years of investment.
Not millions.
Enough for education.
Therapy if needed.
Future opportunities.
She stared.
“That’s because of the videos?”
“Partly.”
“Can I spend it?”
“Under rules now. More control later.”
“I don’t want it.”
I understood.
Still:
“The money exists because people used your work without permission. Refusing to touch it does not undo that.”
“Feels gross.”
“Then leave it invested.”
She did.
At eighteen, she used a small portion for college tuition.
No moral crisis.
Money became money.
At twenty-two, she used some to fund a community legal clinic helping parents understand child-content contracts.
I warned:
“You don’t owe advocacy.”
“I know.”
“Then why?”
“Because forms are boring and people sign them.”
May you like
She sounded like me.
I apologized.
