Rebecca grew up amid wealth and privilege. Her father granted her every wishluxury, gifts, anything she craved. Yet, he was rarely present. The demands of his business kept him perpetually occupied, and when he did return home, it was only to meet his various lovers. Rumour had it that one woman he saw was several years older than Rebecca herself.
When it came time for university, Rebecca chose to pursue education, despite her fathers desire for her to follow dentistry. She stood firm, choosing her own path.
As she matured, Rebecca refused to take a penny from her father, living instead off her scholarship. During summer, rather than accepting her father’s offer of a holiday abroad, she worked as a counsellor at a childrens camp. She turned down the trip, for her love for children outweighed all else.
It was dusk when a bus arrivedfull of children from a local orphanage. They hurried inside, eager to settle in. Rebecca noticed a frail girl lingering at the door, her eyes carrying a weight far beyond her years. Later that evening, complaints echoed through the house about an unpleasant smell.
She was told a girl was to blame. Rebecca stepped inside, searching for an explanation. She discovered the child stashing pork chops under her pillow after dinner, now gone sour.
With guilt etched across her face, the girl looked at Rebecca and whispered, Theyre for my brother.
Rebecca knelt beside her. Where is your brother?
Hes at another orphanage, the girl replied, eyes lowered.
Rebecca felt a surge of urgency. She immediately rang her father, requesting financial help.
On the other end, her father’s thoughts swirled. Finally, she asks for my help. Perhaps shes angry with me, he mused.
How much do you need? he asked. Is it for a new car?
No, Dad, she replied, I want to buy as much food as I can for the children at the orphanage.
A rare smile crept onto his face. My dear Rebecca, you truly have a heart of gold, he said softly.
