I thought Ta likes him to be homeschooled. What made him decide to send him?”

“Punishing her isn’t going to make her feel bad for what she did. It’s just going to make her feel bad that she was caught”

Her mother brushed away a single tear. “I know, but it hurts me so much that Devory would do this to you”

“She accused you? Just like that? With no proof?”

“I can’t believe someone would blatantly lie about another girl regarding such a serious matter. I want to get to the bottom of this”

“Why am I insensitive? This kid has everything. Big deal if her housekeeper cooks instead of her mother"

“Being angry all the time takes a lot of effort, and it uses up so much of your energy, you don’t have much strength left for anything else”

Miri felt like a proud grandmother. Seeing her stepfather take interest in Eli filled her with immense joy

“Maybe you can talk to Devory,” Rikki said. “Tell her that her father is suing for so much money, and the Friedmans will lose their house!”

“Okay, good.” Ruchie’s face was flushed. “So, let’s forget about what I said. It was totally lashon hara”

“Please, Hashem,” she whispered, “give me the ability to help Devory. She has so much pain inside"