Hi, I’m Kristen, 17, and this is the story of how vanity clashed with values. My late mom set up a college fund for me, and I added to it with every tutoring and babysitting gig. Things were going fine — until Tracy, my stepmom, moved in with her ring light and beauty obsession.

One day, Tracy casually announced she was borrowing $5,000 from my fund to get veneers. I was stunned — she brushed off my protests like I was overreacting. Dad wasn’t thrilled either, but didn’t stop her. So, the money was gone, and Tracy got her perfect smile.

She flaunted her teeth like she was ready for Hollywood — until a summer BBQ changed everything. One bite of corn, and crack! — her cheap veneer snapped clean off, leaving a gaping hole and a mortified grin.

That’s when Dad finally stepped in and made her repay the money she stole from my future. Tracy’s now laying low with her broken smile, and my college fund is getting back on track. Lesson learned: karma may take its time, but when it hits, it knows exactly where to bite.