11
After David’s explanation, I was emotional.
I remembered when Lily first arrived, timid
and cautious.
I welcomed her, sharing toys and snacks. John and Sarah were pleased. “Rachel, be kind to your sister. Don’t fight or bully her.” “Or Dad will spank you.”
I nodded. “I won’t bully my sister.”
I never dreamed I’d be the one bullied.
David asked about my plans, if I’d return to
the Carters.
Bitterly, I shook my head. “No. It’s not my
home anymore.”
David said gently, “If you have nowhere to go,
stay with me for a while.”
“It’s too dangerous for a girl to sleep under a
bridge.
Hesitantly, I asked, “Wouldn’t that be too
much trouble?”
“I live alone. It’s no trouble at all.” David
smiled. “After all these years, let me repay
you for saving my life.”
I hesitated, then agreed.
The next day, the Carters arrived.
Sarah, full of affection, opened her arms to
embrace me.
“Rachel, we’re sorry!”
I stepped back.
Sarah froze, tears falling. “Rachel, Mommy’s
sorry. Forgive us, okay?”
John was full of remorse. “Rachel, we’re
sorry.”
“We were blind, didn’t see Lily’s true nature.”
“We’re sorry for all the pain.”
Mark, eyes red, knelt.
“Sister, I’m sorry.”
“It’s all my fault.”
“I shouldn’t have hit you. I deserve to die!”
He slapped himself repeatedly.
“Enough!”
I stopped him, coldly saying, “John, you said
you disowned me, told me to leave.”
“I did!”
“Now leave. Don’t disturb my life.’
وو
Sarah cried, “Rachel, blood is thicker than
water. You’re my daughter, flesh of my
flesh!”
“Without us, you wouldn’t exist.
“”
“Everyone makes mistakes. Why can’t you forgive us?”
“Oh, you know about ‘blood is thicker than
water‘ now. You know what it means for a
tiger not to eat its cub,” I said, my eyelashes fluttering. “I tried to explain that I was
innocent, that Lily was acting!”
“But you didn’t listen, you sued me, wanted
me in jail!”
I clenched my fists, becoming more agitated.
“I want to ask you…”
“Where were you when I was hungry,
scavenging for recyclables?”
“Where were you when I was cyberbullied,
rejected?”
“Where were you when I had no home,
sleeping under a bridge?”
“Where were you when I was attacked,
almost losing my innocence?”
They were speechless.
I pushed them out, slamming the door shut. Sarah’s sobs could be heard. John sighed,
then left with his family.
