The narrator, Marian, recounts her childhood in a mansion with her wealthy grandmother, who was kind to her but cruel to others. Marian's parents wanted her to become a doctor, but she was more interested in art. Her grandmother hired a tutor, Laila, to teach Marian art, and they became close friends. Laila, who was a talented artist, revealed that she was homeless and had been living on the streets. Marian's grandmother was cruel to Laila, calling her a "dirty thief" and ordering her to leave the house.
Marian stood up to her grandmother, but Laila left anyway. Marian's grandmother eventually apologized and asked for forgiveness. Marian forgave her, and they began to rebuild their relationship. Meanwhile, Marian received a note from Laila, asking to meet at their favorite hiking trail. When Marian arrived, she found her grandmother, who had written the note. Her grandmother apologized and offered to adopt Laila if they ever found her.
Just then, Laila appeared, and Marian chased after her. Laila got stuck between two rocks, and Marian rescued her. They fell on top of each other and started laughing. Laila was moved by Marian's words of appreciation, and they reaffirmed their close bond. In the end, Marian and Laila reunited, and Marian's grandmother apologized and offered to adopt Laila.
Here are the key facts from the text:
1. The narrator, Mariam, lives with her parents and wealthy grandmother in a mansion.
2. Mariam's grandmother is a millionaire and very protective of Mariam.
3. Mariam's parents want her to become a doctor, but she is interested in art.
4. Mariam's grandmother hires an art tutor, Laila, for her.
5. Laila is a 17-year-old girl who is also a student at Mariam's school.
6. Laila is homeless and has been living on the streets after her parents died.
7. Mariam's grandmother discovers Laila's past and kicks her out of the house.
8. Mariam and her parents move out of the mansion and into a smaller house.
9. Mariam receives a letter from Laila and meets her at a hiking trail.
10. Mariam's grandmother appears at the hiking trail and apologizes for her past behavior.
11. Mariam forgives her grandmother, and they reunite.
12. Laila gets stuck between two rocks and Mariam saves her.
13. Mariam and Laila reconcile, and Mariam tells Laila that she considers her family.
14. Mariam's grandmother offers to adopt Laila if they ever find her.