Family Ends Here, For Eternity

Every single one of them was urging me to apologize. I couldn't even be bothered to open them.

When I returned home after my business trip, I discovered a trap waiting for me.

My father, who couldn't stand city life, had come up from the countryside especially and my aunt was there too.

My aunt was softly soothing my mother, while Melody kept giving me meaningful glances, urging me to soften my stance.

I watched everything unfold before me with a blank expression.

My aunt looked at me with disapproval as she asked, "Sylvia, no offense, but why are you counting your croissants? Your mother hasn't slept well for days because of you."

"Apologize to your mother. There's no such thing as holding a grudge overnight between mother and daughter."

I said nothing and didn't move.

The air seemed to freeze as my father opened his mouth, "You're in the wrong here. Your mother's been working so hard to take care of you. You can't just dismiss all her efforts over something this trivial, can you?"

"You can't go through life without a conscience."

He was usually a man of few words, but speaking so much this time showed he was truly upset with me.

My mother wept even harder.

Suddenly, my sister stepped in front of me and whispered softly to my mother, "Mom, it's my fault she's like this. If only I'd remembered to share the croissants from the plate, you two wouldn't have argued."

"It's all my fault, every single bit of it. Please don't be angry with her."

My mother's face softened with tenderness as she said, "Look! How could anyone not love such a sensible child? It's only right that I care for her a little more."

My aunt gave my sister a satisfied look, then spoke to me earnestly, "Sylvia, the heart naturally leans toward the left side. Besides, Melody truly deserves extra affection. There's no need to nitpick over every little thing."

Easy for her to say.

"Then do you know what gift my mother gave you for the New Year? As I recall, it was the carton of milk nearing its expiry date, right?”

“But she gave a fifty-dollar shopping voucher for another aunt."

"Auntie, do you think her favoritism is only toward her own children?"

My tone was too serious and my aunt unconsciously loosened her grip on my mother's hand.

"And on birthdays—you got a silver bracelet, right? But another aunt got a gold necklace."

"Last time both of you needed money, but my mother lent it to another aunt first."

My aunt stared at my mother in disbelief.

"Sister, is what she is saying true? Aren't we both your sisters? Why make a difference when giving gifts between your little sisters?” 

“Don't you know I needed the money for medical treatment, while her situation wasn't urgent at all compared to me?!"

My mother denied it repeatedly, "I didn't. She's making things up. She just wants to tear this family apart. Trust me!"

She glared at me, as if she wanted to tear my mouth off. But I went to my room, found a notebook and handed it to my aunt.

I smiled as I explained, "Mom, you said I'm petty and calculating, didn't you? You're right—I really am good at keeping score."