Chapter 7
I lowered my eyes slightly
A full two weeks, and only now did they remember I existed?[]
“So it took you two weeks to calm Violet down, make her feel secure, before you had time to deal with me, is that right?”
Violet’s Facebook had been showcasing her blissful life these past two weeks without pause, like a boast, or a warning.
Traveling with MY biological parents in Bali, captioned:[]
“They said my happiness comes first.“[]
At a church, a prayer written in Blake’s handwriting:
“I wish for my Violet to live a hundred years without worry, filled with joy and peace.“[]
Hiking in the mountains, showing Ethan’s tall, strong silhouette.[]
“He said sweating helps forget troubles, but I still held him back-“]
Two weeks–so much could happen.[]
Violet’s depressed mood warranted every effort to cheer her up.[]
However, while I battled serious illness, I just got two brief text messages and a few unanswered calls.[]
Should I thank my parents? At least they expended the effort to come find me in person, didn’t they?[]
So… I looked up and told them sincerely:[]
“Thank you. You’ve really gone to a lot of trouble.“[]
They seemed to breathe easier.[]
“If you understand, then let’s go home. Your con
is still
early stage–completely curable. Don’t worry too much.“]
I smiled and shook my head.[]
“No need. I’ve already scheduled chemotherapy with a top specialist in the city. My affairs won’t trouble you anymore.“[]
“I respect your feelings and understand your choices. So I hope you can show me the same respect and understanding.“]
“Since we’re not on the same wavelength, it’s better we each live our own lives. You chose to discard me, and I have the right to refuse you too, don’t I?“]
From the initial recognition, to the engagement, even to blindly believing Violet’s tearful accusations every time.[]
And finally, knowing I had a serious illness, yet still deciding to prioritize Violet’s emotional wellbeing.[]
Actually, I was just giving up on my ridiculous fantasies about this family relationship.[]
It didn’t matter. I never truly had it anyway.[]
“Olivia, are you angry with Mom and Dad?”
I responded in a serious tone:[]
“No. I just have no more value to you, and I want to live for myself this once in my remaining life.“]
The woman lowered her head. The man sighed heavily.[]
As they left, I didn’t follow to see them off.
Instead, the children who had been peeking through the fence swarmed around me.[]
“Teacher, were they bullying you?“]
I shook my head and said:
Chapter 7
“No.”
The little girl’s innocent voice asked:
“Then why are you crying?“]
Was I crying?
Unexpected tears fell, though my heart felt strangely calm.]
Perhaps even when discarding a meaningless object, one can’t help feeling a twinge of reluctance, right?]
But life is about constant letting go, isn’t it?
