For most of her life, Cara resented her mother, Lydia, due to her harsh frugality. Their strained relationship worsened when Cara’s father, Henry, the one person who made her childhood bearable, died in an accident. But the breaking point came when Lydia drained Cara’s college fund.

Growing up, Cara’s father had been her source of joy, sneaking her treats and special outings. In contrast, Lydia’s frugality meant thrift store clothes, minimal birthday celebrations, and no pocket money. Lydia’s strictness extended to Cara’s earnings from a part-time job, with Lydia taking a significant portion for household expenses.

The loss of Henry deepened the rift, and Cara found her mother more focused on funeral logistics than grief. As Cara prepared for college, she discovered Lydia had used her fund to pay off debts accumulated from Henry’s failed business ventures and gambling.

After Lydia’s death, Cara found her mother’s diary. It revealed Lydia’s desperate sacrifices to protect Cara’s home and memories of Henry. Overwhelmed with guilt and understanding, Cara realized her mother’s actions were driven by love, not greed.