I was abandoned in the freezing stairwell.The icy wind howled as it billowed down my collar, making my teeth chatter.Pain throbbed through my arm, the back of my head, and my heart, but it was nothing compared to the discomfort and stress I felt from hearing the word "ridicule".I hammered my fists on the door and screamed my apologies."I've learned my lesson, Mom! I won't do it again! Please let me in! I'll never embarrass you again. I'll never let anyone ridicule you ever again!"Mom didn't say a word.I curled up into a ball in an icy corner and listened to Mom's voice resounding from within the house."I'm so sorry, Gabriella. It's my fault for raising Claire into a greedy person who loves to lie. I'm sorry that she caused such a commotion."Aunt Gabriella immediately replied, "The gifts were with me the entire time. I didn't put them in my bag. Amanda's eyes must have been playing tricks on her. Claire didn't do anything."However, Mom ignored Aunt Gabriella's words. "
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