Like a Phoenix Rising From the Ashes, Soaring in the Sky

For a decade, my mother selflessly supported Martha Allen, a struggling tenant who collected trash to raise her disabled son, Joe. We never expected anything in return for our charity. However, everything changes the moment I turn eighteen. Instead of showing gratitude, Martha begins relentlessly pressuring my mother to force me to drop out of school. Now, our years of kindness are met with an unexpected betrayal that threatens my entire future plans.

Chapters

Chapter 3

"Hey, ladies, what's the topic today?"

As I approached, the group of women immediately fell silent, though their expressions remained skeptical.

"What's this about? Come to start another argument? We didn't even mention your mom today," one of them scoffed.

I smiled. "No, you've got it all wrong. I'm not here to argue. I actually wanted to discuss how we can finally deal with all this garbage piling up in the hallway."

The women exchanged surprised looks.

"Haven't you always been close with Martha Allen? Your mom gives her all sorts of food. Why are you suddenly on our side?" Mrs. Rogers asked, her voice laced with distrust.

I sighed and shook my head. "It's not like that. My mom would love to resolve this issue, but she's too soft-hearted to handle someone as difficult as Martha. We need everyone's help to sort this out.

"I was wrong to argue with you all before, and I'm sorry for that." I bowed deeply to show my sincerity.

Seeing my genuine attitude, the women's expressions softened. Mrs. Clark was the first to step forward, speaking earnestly. "Juliana, I don't want to sound harsh, but Martha Allen is nothing but trouble. Everyone knows how much your family has helped her, but you don't know what she says about you behind your back. You can't trust someone like that."

Mrs. Price, a tall and thin woman, chimed in, "Exactly. We've never blamed your mom. We just can't stand Martha. You've been too good to her, but she doesn't appreciate it. People like that are best kept at a distance."

"That's right, that's right," the others echoed, growing more indignant by the second.

I felt a wave of emotion. If only my mom and I had seen Martha's true colors earlier, we wouldn't have ended up the way we did.

Clenching my fists, I said, "I appreciate your advice. That's why I'm here—to ask you all to join me in confronting her. Today, we're going to make sure she clears out all that junk!"

The women were quick to agree.

"Absolutely, I've wanted to do this for a long time," Mrs. Clark said, rolling up her sleeves while the others nodded in support.

With that, I led a group of determined women as we marched toward Martha Allen's unit.

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