She stayed at her mother’s house, replaying every choice she had made, haunted by the fear that the girls saw her not as a mother, but as someone who had stepped into their lives out of obligation. But a week later, Carrie called quietly, asking her to come home.

Nervous and uncertain, Ruth returned, expecting confrontation—only to step into a completely transformed home. The girls had spent months working part-time jobs, saving money, and secretly renovating the house as a surprise gift.