My trans nephew has absolute shit parents.

[Not Heidi]

Myles is 17 and lives in Missouri with his parents, Myndi (my sister) and Travis. He's worked at McDonald's since the day after his 16th birthday. His parents take over half his income as "their right." They do not honor who he is. They dead-name him. They never supported him in school. They bitched about cheerleading being just another financial drain, never went to his concerts or games, didn't care when he graduated early and with excellent grades. It's clear to me that Myles was to them a later-in-life "mistake" (Myndi was 38 when he was born), and Christ, do they ever treat him like it.

Last night, after work (after midnight), Myles was driving a co-worker's car and wrecked it. After he called 911, he called his parents multiple times, but neither of them answered. He called continually from the ER for 90 minutes, and neither of them ever answered. The police were sympathetic and drove him home.

At around 4:00 am, Myles woke Travis to talk about what had happened. Du miracle, Travis was reasonable, and "actually said he was sorry and he wishes he could have done something." Piss-poor weak, but at least he didn't strike the young man. As they spoke, Myndi awoke and began screaming. (Myles didn't elaborate on the screaming, but I imagine she was pissed at being awakened and then pissed at the reason.)

This kid has been discounted, mistreated, used, beaten, and ignored by his shit parents all his life. He and I text daily, often marathons. I do everything I can for him from 1,800 miles away, but it's inadequate. He needs the presence of an adult who cares about him.

I've been trying to talk him into taking a trip out here for a week or two, but he is afraid to ask for time off from work. Also, his quasi-boyfriend, Michael, is afraid Myles will get hurt if he comes out here. I don't know what Michael is talking about.

He's moving out of the parents' house on his 18th birthday next February. It can't come soon enough.

Myles weighs heavy on my heart every waking minute - and sometimes I dream about him, his loathsome parents, and his impossible situation.

Thank you for listening.