My Klepto Mom Made Me Her Scapegoat

My mom, Brenda, has kleptomania. She just can't resist stealing.

But she's terrified of getting caught, so she's always used me as her scapegoat.

When I was little, she'd stuff candies from the grocery store into my pockets.

When the clerk caught us, she'd immediately turn on me: "Are you that greedy? I'll stitch your mouth shut when we get home!"

When I was older, Mom took me to a friend's house.

She quietly pocketed my friend's iPhone.

Once it was discovered, she burst into tears, screaming, "How could you steal again?! How did I end up with a daughter like you!"