Shirley quietly sorted through the vegetables, her mind occupied with the errands she had been running for Mr. Davis. She had given away all of her savings, not keeping a single dime for herself, yet she had never received a word of thanks from anyone.

It had always been like this, fixing her father's messes as if it was her duty as a daughter. She had firmly stated her unwillingness to get entangled with Mark again. Her mother had supported her decision at first, but soon changed her tune, singing praises of Mark at every opportunity.

Mrs. Davis was about to start cooking, but Shirley felt like she had lost her appetite. She could already imagine her father arriving and both of her parents persuading her to marry Mark. She slowly put down the vegetables she was holding. Was it time to send her mother away? She couldn't bring herself to do that.

Sure enough, when Mr. Davis arrived, the couple started discussing Mark. Shirley remained silent, not engaging in the conversation at all. The situation was awkward for her parents, and they eventually left. Shirley was left alone to wash the dishes before she sat down on the couch, lost in thought. It wasn't until midnight that the front door was pushed open. It was Abner, returning home with a slight stoop and new bruises covering his body.

Seeing Shirley still awake, he quickly asked, "Shirley? What's wrong? Did something happen?"

Shirley had always known, deep down, that the love from her parents wasn't as plentiful as she had wished. Facing this reality was painful. Seeing Abner, her tears started flowing.

Abner, ignoring his own pain, threw his backpack aside and asked, "What's wrong? Did your parents cause trouble again?" He was still unaware that the money he had sent to Mrs. Davis had been intercepted by Mark.

head, hastily wiping her tears, not wanting to burden him. He was in his senior year of high school, with studies being his top

Abner

surprised. When

e'

against his chest, she could even feel the

straight, "Just got a bit

fingers curling slightly before he dropped his gaze. "If there's anything

protect her. Shirley smiled, ruffling his hair.

was at a tutoring session.

a private

a sigh of relief, her sorrow lessened by his commitment to his studies. In

she had brought from the countryside who

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