Zora breathed out in relief when Jill spoke with such confidence. Nothing about Jill's excuse of "doing it for Sallie" struck her as odd or hard to believe.
If anything, she pitied Jill even more. "Jill, you need to put yourself first sometimes. You're always backing down for Sallie, but she never shows you any gratitude. She constantly finds fault with you."
Jill shook her head, smiling softly. "Mom, it doesn't bother me." But her ashen complexion and watery eyes said otherwise.
As Zora expected, her heart ached for Jill even more.
She wrapped Jill in her arms, rubbing her back gently. "You look so frail. Are you feeling sick again? Sallie's like a curse. Your health problems started because of her, and now even a simple hospital visit has her making you ill with frustration. She's such a disappointment."
