Isabel lay back against the pillows and pressed her phone to her ear.
"What do you mean she's refusing?" she asked.
"She says she doesn't want to tear our family apart," Sophia said with a sigh. "No matter what I say, she refuses to leave my dad."
"But your family has already torn apart," Isabel objected. "Your dad did that with his violence and drinking and gambling."
"I know," Sophia said miserably. "But she's traditional. Even if it's not a happy family or even a healthy one, she thinks she needs to protect it."
Isabel sighed, "Just don't give up, okay? Keep trying to convince her, please."
"I guess," Sophia said doubtfully. "Anyway, I have to go. Just wanted to check in with you and let you know what my mum said."
"Yeah thanks," she said. "I'll talk to
