After divorcing my father, Mary took me away and married Sam, giving birth to Tony and Yolanda.
At that time, I was not liked by Sam. I remember that every time he came back home, he would only bring two toys or food.
One was for Tony and one for Yolanda.
He didn't even look at me after giving gifts to them.
As I pinched the corner of my clothes, I wanted to say that I wanted a gift too, but Mary immediately pulled me into the kitchen and said, "Alice, you are already eight years old. Why are you still so greedy? Those things are expensive. You are their sister. You should give in to your younger brother and sister.
"You need to be more sensible and don't let me lose face in front of Sam.
"You have to learn to please him, so you will have a good life. Come on, help me cook the dinner."
At dinner time, three-year-old Tony and Yolanda were sitting around Mary and Sam at a four-seater dining table.
I tactfully sat on the small stool in the kitchen.
Mary's face was filled with a smug smile, and she said to Sam, "I didn't lie to you. I told you Alice is very sensible."
It was at this time that I would see a slight smile on Sam's face.
Seeing Sam smile, Mary smiled more happily.