Rebecca grew up in a wealthy family. Her father bought her everything she ever wanted, but he rarely spent any real time with her. He was always busy with his business and worked long hours. When he did come home, it was usually to visit his mistresses, not to see his daughter. It was rumoured that one of his women was not much older than Rebecca herself.
When it came time for university, Rebecca chose to study education, even though her father had hoped she would become a dentist. But she stood her ground and followed her own path.
As she grew up, Rebecca refused to accept money from her father and chose to live on a scholarship. During the summer holidays, she took on a placement working at a childrens camp, even though her father offered her a holiday abroad. She turned him down, because she truly loved working with children.
One evening, a coach arrived bringing children from a local orphanage. The children quickly settled themselves into the house, but the last one off the bus was a girl who looked small and frail, with eyes that seemed far too old for her age.
Later that night, some of the children started complaining that there was a strange smell in the house. Everyone suspected it was the girl from the orphanage. Rebecca went to see what was going on. She soon discovered that the girl had hidden pork chops under her pillow after dinner, and they had gone off.
The girl looked up at Rebecca, her face full of guilt, and finally said,
Theyre for my brother.
Where is your brother? Rebecca asked.
Hes in another orphanage.
As soon as she heard this, Rebecca immediately called her father and asked him for some money.
At last! My daughters finally asking me for somethingI thought she was angry with me, her father thought to himself.
Darling, why do you need so much money? Are you looking to buy yourself a car?
No, Dad. I want to buy as much food as possible for the children at the orphanage.
You have such a kind heart, Rebecca, her father replied, smiling.
