Chapter 9
Dad even praised her for having good sense when he saw the “Three House Rules” she posted in the group chat.||
Looking at these three rules, I cried like a fool.]
I slapped myself hard, hating that I had fought with Mom.
Even more, I hated that I had never cared about her.[]
I had successfully escaped this suffocating family, but she had no way out.
Cheating husband, rebellious daughter, her own serious illness…]
in her final moments, what was she thinking?]
Did she regret giving birth to me?]
During those two years I was out of contact, Dad tried to trick me into coming back or to ask me for money.
Ito
But I never responded to any of it.[]
From Aunt Cheryl, I learned that over those two years, Mom had lived in absolute misery.]]
She was diagnosed with kidney failure and needed dialysis every week
To force me to surface. Dad first tried every way possible to prevent her from getting dialysis.]]
He fought with her daily and brought his mistress and illegitimate son home to torment her
He even brought his mistress to live in the house and made Mom sleep in my room.[]
Mom’s health deteriorated rapidly, and she soon became critically ill.
Only then did the relatives realize Mom was dying.[]
Mom prevented everyone from contacting me and wrote her will in advance–all her assets would be inherited by me.]
The joint property she shared with Dad was just some pots and pans, and if Dad needed them, he could have them.]
In her final moments, she held my photo tightly, repeating one phrase over and over.[]
“Don’t come back, never come back.”
Her only dying wish was for me to fly far away.
And I never expected that the $200,000 transfer would lead me to uncover the truth that had been buried for a year.[]
Such an ugly yet tender truth
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7
I bought Mom a burial plot in the city where I work
can visit her anytime.[]
Dad finally married his mistress, and after marriage continued subsidizing his hometown bottomless pit.]
In less than six months, the mistress couldn’t take it anymore. They came to blows and called the police several times
Finally, the mistress ran off, abandoning the child.
Now Dad is raising the kid alone, living miserably.
Without the school district house, his son can only attend a remote public school
The father and son don’t get along well either.
Dad has tried contacting me, wanting me to take over the bastard’s education.]
I blocked, all his contact methods once again.
Let him sue all he wants. When he’s old and comes demanding support money. I’ll give him some every time he sues.
But don’t expect anything else.]
I sold the hometown house, and with that money plus my previous savings, I bought a small two–bedroom apartment.
I converted one room into a study, bought lots of plants, and decorated it very warmly.
On the first night in my new home, I had a dream.]
I dreamed I had just walked out of the SAT exam hall, and Mom was standing outside waiting to take me home.
The sunlight that day was brilliant, and the breeze was gentle.
