Cara had a hard childhood because she hated her mother Lydia because she thought Lydia was cheap and greedy. His shocking death in an accident left Cara feeling lost and angry. Henry, her father, was her rock. When she found out that her mother had spent all of her college cash, it hurt even more.
After many years, Cara learnt that her mother had died. She found Lydia’s book while going through her things, and it would change everything.
The diary showed a shocking truth: Lydia wasn’t cheap because she was greedy, but because she was desperate. Henry’s business failed, and they are now deeply in debt. He started gaming, which made their money problems even worse.
Lydia’s diary notes showed how hard it was for her to support her family and make sacrifices for Cara’s health. They didn’t lose their home or car because of the school fund. Cara’s view of her mother changed when she realised Lydia was acting out of love, not greed.
Cara’s eyes filled with tears as she read the last entry: “Today, I finally paid off the debt.” Cara no longer has to carry this weight. She felt the weight of her guilt on her. She was wrong about her mother and never tried to understand Lydia’s problems.
The diary stays on Cara’s bookshelf as a painful reflection of what she got wrong. She has a new view of her mother now that she knows she was a caring woman who gave up things so her family could live.
Cara’s story is a strong lesson to not just assume things on the surface and to try to understand. The truth can sometimes show a complicated web of love, suffering, and strength.
In the end, Cara learnt to forgive her mother and appreciate how hard she worked. The book helped her understand the woman she thought she knew better and the things she had to give up for love.
