When Michael was 16, disaster struck. John was diagnosed with cancer and passed away a few months later. Maria was saddened and tried to cope with the loss of her husband.
Michael stepped up to support his mother and help her take care of his younger siblings. He took a part-time job after school and would often prepare dinner and clean the house while Maria was at work.
Despite his efforts, the animosity between Michael and his step-siblings didn't loosen up. If anything, it grew worse. They despised him for being the outsider in their family and would often blame him for things that went wrong.