When Penelope’s Dad insisted she change her appearance to resemble her stepmom for a spot in his will, it felt like a cruel joke. But the real reason behind his demand, unveiled at a family gathering, left her in shock and tears.

I need your help. Please. I’m Penelope, but everyone calls me Penny. I’ve never asked for advice online before, but I’m at my wit’s end here. Everyone’s celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks and barbeques, and all I have are fireworks exploding in my chest. Thanks to my Dad, my heart feels like it’s been trampled by a herd of angry bulls.

My parents, Charlie and Nina, divorced ten years ago in a messy, public brawl. Dad remarried Eloise, and after that, I barely saw him. He called me recently and asked me to “fit in” with the new family by dyeing my hair blonde and getting contacts. I was furious.

At the party, I wore a wig and contacts, and Dad was shocked. He confessed he couldn’t bear to see me because I reminded him of Mom. I can’t change who I am, but I hope he can find a way to accept it.