Bella resided in Greenwich Village, New York City, alongside with her family. Her father, Mr. Sky, was employed as a bricklayer, while her mother, Mrs. Valerie, worked as a market vendor. Bella actively contributed to her family's efforts by assisting her parents in their respective professions.
Eventually, Bella gained admission to Brooklyn High School, which prompted her father to utilize his savings to cover her school fees. On her first day, she experienced feelings of alienation due to the affluence and attire of many of her fellow students.
Despite her initial apprehension, the other students proved to be welcoming, and she quickly formed a friendship with Kim, the class captain.
Kim exhibited both intelligence and confidence, qualities that Bella found both intriguing and relatable. Together, they complemented each other effectively.
That evening, Bella shared her experiences from her first day of school with her family. Subsequently,
Mr. Sky received a phone call regarding a job opportunity in Mexico, which induced joy within the Sky family.
He had only two days to prepare for his impending departure. Mrs. Valerie felt a complex mix of happiness and sadness, as she would deeply miss her beloved husband.
Bella reassured her mother that she would take on the responsibility of caring for her younger siblings. When Bella's younger brother, Luke, started to cry, Mr. Sky comforted him, promising that he would take Luke along once he had achieved success.
As the day of departure arrived, transportation to facilitate Mr. Sky's journey was organized.
Mrs. Valerie expressed her emotions, stating, "Promise you will return to us."
In reply, Mr. Sky assured, "Yes, I will return and protect us from this poverty."
The family exchanged heartfelt farewells. Following Mr. Sky's departure, Bella resolved to assist her mother at the market each morning before attending school.
Kim encouraged Bella to maintain her resilience, assuring her of unwavering support. Grateful for her friend's kindness, Bella accepted an invitation from Kim to visit an amusement park. After a day filled with enjoyment, they parted ways.
Upon returning home, Bella went directly to the market to assist her mother. As evening approached, Mrs. Valerie decided to close the market and returned home with Bella. Kira and Joan had prepared a meal for the family.
Mrs. Valerie called out from the porch, "Kira, Joan, and Luke, I have returned! Please assist me with some items!" Her children promptly rushed to help.
Bella expressed her astonishment at the meal prepared, exclaiming, "What a substantial meal! Are we celebrating an occasion?"
Kira replied, "No, I simply wanted to try something new." Mrs. Valerie commended them for their efforts, indicating that they need not have gone to such lengths.
Joan added that it was challenging to assist their mother with work while also cooking.
"That is why I have all of you," Mrs. Valerie stated, to which Bella agreed alongside her younger sister. They collectively sat down to enjoy a joyful dinner.
The following day, Bella awoke, donned her uniform, and accompanied her mother to the market while Kira prepared the younger siblings for school. After completing her duties at the market, Bella hurried to school.
Upon her arrival, she discovered it was nearly 9:00 AM. The principal summoned her to his office and informed her that she had been arriving late.
Bella apologized and explained the circumstances surrounding her tardiness. The principal cautioned her that further late arrivals would not be tolerated and could result in severe consequences.
Dejected, Bella exited the office and encountered Kim, who offered her consolation. Bella received a text from her father inquiring about her well-being, which filled her with excitement, as it had been several months since their last communication.
Mr. Sky had also sent financial support, prompting Bella to express her joy through dancing.
Kim inquired about her excitement, and Bella announced, "Kim, my father has just texted and sent me money! I am going to purchase new clothing for myself!" Kim shared in her enthusiasm, and they embraced before entering class together.
Their teacher, Mrs. Stacy, announced that a test would commence the following day, which induced anxiety in Bella due to her limited study time resulting from her market responsibilities.
Kim reassured Bella of her commitment to assist with her calculations, and they proceeded to the library to engage in focused study.
Meanwhile, Mrs. Valerie collapsed while at the market. Concerned neighbors transported her to the hospital, where a diagnosis of hypertension was made, indicating potential serious complications.
The doctor inquired about her family, but the neighbors clarified their role as mere acquaintances and offered to inform her daughter.
While Bella was studying at the library, her phone rang.
She excused herself to answer, "Hello, who is speaking?" The neighbor replied, "Is this Mrs. Valerie's daughter? Your mother has collapsed at the market, and we are at the hospital.
" Bella exclaimed, "What?! Which hospital?" She promptly informed Kim, and they rushed to the hospital.
Upon their arrival, Bella requested assistance from the receptionist, stating, "I am seeking Mrs. Valerie."The receptionist guided bella to Mrs Valerie hospital room, where Bella, was found in tears . Bella questioned her mother's condition, exclaiming, "What happened to you, Mum?" However,
Mrs. Valerie was unable to respond due to her unconscious state. Following this, the neighboring patrons exited the hospital and resumed their daily activities, while a doctor approached Bella to present the medical bill.
Bella expressed her inability to afford the stated amount to the doctor. In response, Kim, a supportive friend, assured Bella that she would explore options to assist with the financial burden.
Bella expressed her gratitude to Kim. As dusk approached, Kim informed Bella that it was time for her to return home.
Bella accompanied Kim to the exit and then returned to the hospital to remain by her mother's side.
The doctor informed her that Mrs. Valerie would remain hospitalized until she regained consciousness. Subsequently, Bella contacted her father to inform him about the situation, and he sent the limited funds that he could afford.
Upon arriving home, Bella found it difficult to remain at the hospital since she had an upcoming test and needed to manage sales for her mother at the market. She entered the house, visibly distressed.
Her sister, Kira, inquired, "Bella, what is wrong? Why do you appear so troubled?"
Before Kira could finish her sentence, their sibling Joan interjected, questioning, "Furthermore, why have you returned alone? Where is Mum?"
Luke went outside to check for Mrs. Valerie's arrival but, upon finding no sign of her, grew increasingly curious. Bella then detailed the incident to her siblings, emphasizing the need for them to remain strong for their mother and to pray for her recovery.
She instructed Kira that they both needed to assist with their mother's market responsibilities.