The quarrel

Erica's frustration boiled over. She had known this would happen, that Lydia wouldn't help her. But she was desperate for money.

"Don't be so heartless, Mom," Erica spat. "If I don't pay them back, they'll destroy me. My reputation will be in shreds! Do you want that to happen to your daughter?"

"It's your problem." Lydia pivoted and pinned a stern glare at her. "You owed them, not me. Why would I help you? I warned you so many times to be careful, but you never listened. You're reckless, just like your father. His debts ruined our family once, and now you are dragging us down the same path."

"I'm sorry, Mom," Erica apologized. She stepped closer and held her hands as she tried to appeal to the small shred of compassion she hoped still existed in her mother. "I know I messed up. But I swear, if you help me this one last time, I'll change."