Emma’s Room is Taken
Emma was called home from university by her father. When she arrived, she discovered her stepbrother Jacob needed her room. Her father said, “Jacob’s going to be staying with us for a while. His old room is now Linda’s office, so he’ll be taking yours.” Despite her protests, she was told, “You can stay on campus.” Feeling betrayed, Emma packed her things and moved into a cramped dorm.
New Beginnings
Emma struggled but managed to secure a better job and rent a small apartment. Just as she was settling in, Linda called her urgently, “Emma, you need to come home.” Emma arrived to find their house in ruins from a fire caused by Jacob’s reckless party.
Confrontation and Change
Facing her devastated parents, Emma couldn’t hide her frustration. Her father admitted, “I should never have kicked you out. This is all my fault.” Emma agreed to help but insisted, “I won’t be treated like a second-class citizen in my own family.”
Rebuilding Together
Emma offered her small apartment to her family. Living together was challenging, but they gradually rebuilt their relationships. Emma’s father and Linda made efforts to make amends. Emma continued her studies, and her family worked to support each other. Slowly, they started to rebuild their home and their lives, growing closer through the process. Emma reflected, “We’re family, Dad. We have to stick together.”