Laura, a narrator from Denmark, shares her childhood experiences and the impact of her parents' divorce on her life. She was raised by her mother, who had a strained relationship with her father due to his unexplained disappearance when Laura was a year old. Laura's mother had trust issues and was overprotective, which led to conflicts with Laura's aunt, Lily, who Laura looked up to.
Laura's cousin, Emma, was often jealous of Laura's closeness with Lily and the attention she received. This jealousy escalated to the point where Emma started stealing from Lily and running away from home. When Laura found out, she confronted Emma, leading to a series of events that ultimately resulted in Emma being arrested for theft.
After Emma's arrest, Laura moved back in with her mother, who had always been distant and strict. However, Laura found solace and support in her mother's friends, who helped her through her difficult times. Eventually, Emma was released from prison and moved back in with Lily.
Laura's life took a turn for the better when she started college, moved out of her mother's house, and found a part-time job. She also reconnected with Emma, who apologized for her past actions and returned some of the stolen items. Laura's mother, despite her initial reluctance, eventually accepted Emma's apology and they both expressed a desire to mend their relationship.
Throughout her narrative, Laura expressed her love for her mother and her regret for her actions towards Emma. She also expressed her desire to move forward and build a better relationship with her mother. The story ends on a hopeful note, with Laura expressing her willingness to help Emma reintegrate into society.
1. The speaker, Laura, is from Denmark.
2. Laura's father was described as a "horrible person" by her mother.
3. Laura's father disappeared when she was a year old after saying he was going to buy milk.
4. Laura's mother developed trust issues after her father's disappearance.
5. Laura's mother worked as a banker and they lived in the same apartment building as Laura's favorite aunt, Lily.
6. Laura's aunt, Lily, was kind and fun, and Laura had a close relationship with her.
7. Laura's cousin, Emma, didn't seem to like Laura much.
8. Laura and Emma had a fight over a gold medal during a mother's day function.
9. Laura's aunt, Lily, had to leave the house due to a dispute with Laura's mother.
10. Laura's mother called Lily irresponsible.
11. Laura's mother was strict and uptight, while her aunt, Lily, was more understanding and fun.
12. Laura felt that Emma's jealousy towards her affected her relationship with Lily.
13. Laura found out that Emma was seeing her father, who had a gambling problem.
14. Laura confronted Emma's father and he threatened her.
15. Laura's mother found out about Emma's relationship with her father and insisted that they tell Lily.
16. Laura found out that Emma had run away to live with her father.
17. Laura's aunt, Lily, moved out for good after discovering that Emma had stolen from her.
18. After completing school, Laura started college and found a part-time job.
19. Laura saw Emma dressed in ragged clothes and went after her.
20. Emma hugged Laura and they reconnected.
21. Emma moved in with Laura's father after moving out of Laura's apartment.
22. Emma was arrested for stealing thousands of dollars from her boss.
23. Laura's aunt, Lily, visited Emma in prison every day.
24. After Emma was released from prison, she moved back in with Lily and started school again.
25. Months later, Emma showed up at Laura's apartment, bringing back all the stuff she had stolen from Laura.