Nine

The next day, I was sitting in the living room when Jack walked in with a big smile on his face. "I've got a surprise for you, Karen," he said, his eyes shining with excitement.

My mother's face lit up. "Oh, Jack, what is it?"

Jack nodded towards the window. "Go take a look outside."

My mother got up and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains. Her eyes widened in shock. "Jack, is that... a new car?"

Jack nodded. "Yes, it is."

My mother's face lit up as she gazed at the sleek, new car parked outside. "Jack, it's beautiful! Thank you so much!"

But as she turned to him with a smile, Jack's eyes flicked to me, and he said, "Actually, Karen, the car is for Sophia."

My mother's expression faltered, and she looked taken aback. "Oh, I... I thought it was for me," she stammered.

I felt a surge of embarrassment, but Jack just smiled and said, "I thought Sophia deserved a new car. She's been working hard and needs a reliable ride. She doesn't need a stranger to give her a ride home."

My