The narrative revolves around Amber, a girl from New Orleans, who shares her childhood memories, family struggles, and personal growth. Amber's father built a treehouse for her when she was four, which became a special place for her. She shares a close bond with her sister Rose, who was two years younger. They had a lot of fun with walkie-talkies, hiding from their parents, and exploring the outdoors.
Their lives took a turn when their aunt and cousin moved in. Amber's aunt was a twin sister to their father, who cared deeply for her. However, their aunt and cousin started to cause problems, including a heated argument with their mother. Amber's mother had to leave the family temporarily, taking Amber and Rose with her.
While their mother was away, Amber and Rose had to move into a smaller apartment. Amber's mother was struggling to make ends meet, and their father was only paying for their school fees. Amber was upset when she found out her father had used their credit card to buy a Rolex watch for a man who dropped off their mother.
One day, Rose was diagnosed with a heart condition and needed a donor. This led Amber to research and apply for a heart donation funding program. Rose's condition improved, and they started to spend more time together at the hospital. Amber discovered that her aunt had been using their mother's credit card to buy expensive gifts for her and their father's new partner.
After finding evidence of her aunt's wrongdoing, Amber confronted her father. Her father apologized, and Amber's mother gave him a second chance. Their family slowly started to heal and become whole again. The narrative ends with Amber reflecting on her experiences and the importance of seeking the truth, even if it hurts.
1. The speaker, Amber, is from New Orleans.
2. Amber's family was filled with happiness and love.
3. Amber's father worked hard to provide for the family.
4. Amber's father built her a tree house in their backyard when she was four.
5. Amber's sister, Rose, was two years younger than her.
6. Amber and Rose had a lot of fun playing together.
7. Amber's aunt and cousin visited them, bringing two big suitcases with them.
8. Amber's aunt and cousin were twins.
9. Amber's aunt didn't find a job and stayed with them for a long time.
10. Amber's aunt and cousin started to become a nuisance.
11. Amber's mother planned a party for her and Rose, but her aunt suddenly fell sick.
12. Amber's aunt and cousin were not invited to the party.
13. Amber's aunt and cousin started to make Amber and Rose feel like outcasts.
14. Amber's aunt and cousin were in the same class as her.
15. Amber was selected to be the class president, but her presentation was replaced with a video of her singing and dancing.
16. Amber's aunt spilled tea on her books, causing a fight with her classmate Shirley.
17. Amber's aunt was caught digging in her mother's bag.
18. Amber's mother's car engine heated up and her phone died.
19. Amber's mother was dropped off by a strange man who later turned out to be her boss.
20. Amber's mother bought her father a Rolex watch with their credit card.
21. Amber's mother rented a small apartment after leaving her husband.
22. Amber's sister Rose had a problem with her heart and needed a donor.
23. Amber applied for a funding program called the Heart Foundation for Rose.
24. Amber was suspended from school for two weeks after a fight with Shirley.
25. Amber and Rose snuck out of the hospital and went to their tree house.
26. Amber's father found them at the tree house and helped her climb down.
27. Amber's father and mother found out that Shirley and her boyfriend were at the tree house.
28. Amber found out that her aunt was using her mother's credit card to buy a Rolex watch.
29. Amber's sister Rose's application for a donor heart was approved.
30. Amber's father apologized to her for believing her sister over them.
31. Amber's mother forgave her father after he kicked out her sister and Shirley.
32. Amber learned that a good leader is a truth seeker.