The narrator, Jane, shares her experience of growing up with a single father and later having a stepmother and stepsister, Kate. Kate is portrayed as mean and manipulative, often causing trouble and hurting those around her. Despite Jane's initial dislike for Kate, she tries to make amends and help her when Kate gets into trouble. However, their relationship remains strained until Kate reaches out to Jane before she leaves for art school in Paris, returning a valuable painting that belonged to Jane's mother. Kate apologizes for her past behavior and expresses her desire to make amends and start anew, and the two sisters begin the process of healing and rebuilding their relationship.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The narrator, Jane, grew up in California with her single father, who was a doctor.
2. Jane's mother was an artist who had passed away, leaving behind a few paintings.
3. When Jane was 14, her father got married to a woman who had a daughter, Kate, who was the same age as Jane.
4. Kate had a hearing problem and often pretended she couldn't hear.
5. Kate was mean to Jane and would often insult her and make fun of her.
6. Jane's stepmother was kind to her, but Kate was rude to her as well.
7. Kate would often get into trouble, such as destroying her teacher's garden.
8. Jane tried to help Kate, but Kate would often push her away.
9. Kate's behavior worsened, and she would often fight with Jane and their parents.
10. Kate's parents decided to send her to therapy, and she left the house without saying goodbye.
11. Jane focused on her studies and got a scholarship to a prestigious art school in Paris.
12. Before Jane left for Paris, Kate came to visit her and apologized for her past behavior.
13. Kate gave Jane a painting that their mother had made, which Kate had tracked down and bought back.
14. Jane forgave Kate, and they started to make amends.