Personal Narrative Essay

We’ve all been asked one of the world’s hardest questions, who is your favorite parent. Now Ashleigh must answer, mom or dad. Ashleigh’s parents have been divorced since she was six. Their traits are complete opposites of each other. Her mom is as “straight as a ruler” and her dad an “irresponsible bum”. When her dad, in desperate need, asks her to steal two hundred dollars from her mom, she is forced to chose between mom or dad . Ashleigh will chose dad because she is sorry for her dad’s situation, he makes her feel special, and she doesn’t want to disappoint him.
Ashleigh's father is obviously in dire straits, and she feels sorry for him. When her dad describes the divorce he said, “‘She’s (her mom) the most level- headed women I know. As

In Ashleigh’s case that is her dad. He makes her feel special and that would cloud her judgement on whether to take the money or not. At first, Ashleigh didn’t think much of her dad but then she realized that,“Dad gave me roses or sang a song he’d written for me….. And I realized he still called me Ashes, where Mom couldn’t hear him to be annoyed. And that made me feel special all over again” (Pfeffer 1). The way her dad treats her makes her feel special. She would help her dad because he did all these wonderful things that made her feel special. Ashleigh’s mom is described to be somewhat of a straightforward, down to earth person. On the other hand, her dad is described to be a dreamer. Her mom does not give her hugs or tells her how awesome she is so when it comes from her dad it means a lot. Her dad also uses a lot of hyperboles to describe her such as "one in a million girl". When her dad asked her if she could take the money her definite answer would be yes. This is a man who called her a one in a million girl, why else wouldn’t she listen to him. Ashleigh's father isn't very wealthy and she knows that. When her dad offers to take her out to eat she asks "'Can you afford it?' ..... 'For a special date with my daughter?' He replied. 'Of course I can afford it'" (Pfeffer 2). Even though her dad is poor he still goes out of his way for her. He is trying to be the best dad is can

Based on her dad’s emotions and reactions, Ashleigh can tell that this money means a lot to him. He really needs her help and she knows it would really disappoint him if she doesn’t help. She is faced with a choice between what is ethical and what her morals are, don’t steal and don’t disappoint, or disobey your parents. She doesn’t want to steal the money but she also doesn’t want to disappoint her father. Her thoughts clearly show that she wants to help him. “I could hear my father’s car keening in the distance. ‘You’re one in a million.’ it cried” (Pfeffer 4). There is an internal struggle going on inside Ashleigh. She knows what she is doing is wrong, there is a voice in her head that tells her “this is wrong”. However there is a bigger voice that shouts “this is your dad”. When Ashleigh’s dad is making plans to steal the money she tries to lead the conversation to a conclusion, “‘Why don’t you sell your car?’ I asked him” (Pfeffer 4). This conclusion does not involve stealing the money. What is mainly going through Ashleigh’s mind is helping her dad, so she is trying to help her dad and not disappoint him without doing anything wrong or unethical. Ashleigh was constantly asking her dad about the details, “‘You’ll be able to pay her back?’ I asked………. ‘What do I do if Mom’s already there?’ I asked” (Pfeffer 4). Ashleigh has already come to the conclusion that she will help her dad and not disappoint