chapter 5

As soon as that voice rang out, everyone turned their heads.

It was Chester Corrington, slowly walking over with his cane.

"I was the one the landlord saw back then!" he said, voice full of anger.

"Abby was giving me needle treatment, so I had to take off my shirt!

"I had no idea it would lead to this huge misunderstanding. I feel awful about it!"

Chester looked really upset, his face turning red with emotion.

"I can confirm that, too!" Chester's friend, Lou Jackson, stepped forward.

"Abby has always cared about us older folks. She gives us needle treatment and therapy every week!"

"Yeah, all of us have been treated by her," the other elderly men chimed in.

[People really do jump to conclusions so fast.] One of the comments stated.

[I feel terrible. I actually believed those awful rumors about Abigail.]

[I'm crying. This is too touching.]

...

Hearing so many people defend me made Alison's face go pale with embarrassment.

"This is ridiculous!" she shouted.

"Why would you go to her rental for treatment?

"You guys must be lying or hiding something!"

Chester's hands shook with anger. "Watch your mouth, young lady!"

"We went there because we care about Abby!

"She's working three jobs a day—it's just way too much!"

Chester's voice trembled, his eyes getting misty.

"We couldn't stand seeing her waste her only break traveling back and forth, so we went to her place instead."

Hearing that, Mom whispered in disbelief, "How could that be? Abigail couldn't have been so kind ... "

Alison's eyes darkened with frustration. "Mom, don't listen to them! They're clearly lying.

"She probably doesn't even know needle treatment!"

Hallie gave a sarcastic laugh.

"Oh yeah? Then why don't you ask Gordon who fixed his throat?"

"No way ... " Alison muttered, shaking her head. "If she really knew needle treatment, she could've made tons of money. Why would she be drowning in debt?"

Hallie paused, her face showing a flicker of guilt. "That's my fault," she admitted.

"I didn't listen when Abby warned me. I took in too many orphans and the elderly, and we couldn't afford it.

"To keep things running, I borrowed money from loan sharks. When Abby found out, she made them transfer all the debt to her name instead."

As tears rolled down Hallie's face, I felt a sting in my chest.

I never blamed her.

Everything I did was my own decision.

Because honestly, this place felt more like home than my real one ever did.

"Abby gave so much, and what did you all do to her?" Hallie said bitterly.

"You're her mom, her brother, and her childhood friend.

"You were supposed to love her the most, but you're the ones who hurt her worst.

"You don't deserve to call yourself her family."

Anthony's eyes filled with regret.

Even Mom, who had always been cold to me, looked guilty for the first time.

"Where is she now?" Mom asked quietly.

"Can I see her?"

"You believe this woman now?" Alison asked, shocked.

"Did you forget how she used to treat me?"

Mom's face wavered. "Ali, maybe we were wrong about your sister."

"Yeah, Ali," Anthony added, "Let's hear her side of the story."

He turned to Hallie. "Can you bring Abigail out to meet us?"

Hallie gave a sad, tired smile. "Abby's here in the welfare home. If you really want to see her—go look for her yourself."