For heaven's sake take more than $2000. That won't get you anywhere.

Take either all that is left or $13,500 which is half or stay where you are. If you don't feel that much is due you, leave an IOU. Pay it back when you get a job.

I don't know the whole story or what you deserve, but taking a 3 yr old and $2000 in a car that doesn't even run to some place where you have no job and friends who "might" let you stay sounds like an invitation to disaster to me.

smile