Nellie and Nels in “Unfinished Business”

Nellie

I can't get over that essay. Nancy truly views herself as a helpless victim, surrounded by people who hate her.

Nels

Every day, we prove to her the exact opposite. How could she possibly think that?

Nellie

I don't know, but Mother's always saying how much Nancy looks like me.

Nels

It's true.

Nellie

Well, maybe she thinks that's the only reason you adopted her.

Nels

Well, I admit it started out that way, but it's not true anymore.

Nellie

Then I think you need to prove it to her.

Nels

How?

Nellie

I'm not sure, but she did get ignored a lot since I've arrived.

Nels

She did?

Nellie

Think about it. I guess it was a time when we should have made an extra effort to pay more attention to her.