Upon hearing that her mother was sick, Ruth's heart ached. "Mom...how did she get sick?"

"Because you pissed her off!" Her father snapped.

Ruth's voice trembled. "Dad, what exactly did I do wrong? Are you doing this to me simply because I refused to help my cousin? I can understand that you want to be nice to her because she lost her parents when she was still a child. I've never protested that you favor her over me. But she went as far as to attack me with sulfuric acid, and mom is angry at me instead? If you don't want me as your daughter, just say so, dad. I'll just stay away from now on. Don't worry, though, I will still pay every penny to support you and mom."

Ruth had never been so determined before until now. She was devastated!

Her father's tone softened at her words. "You have always had your parents right by your side for your entire life, do you have any idea how frustrating life could be for a kid without parents? Try putting yourself in her shoes. What if both of your pare