For Our Anniversary, My Gift is My Departure

I had no idea how much time had passed before I opened my eyes and found myself lying in a familiar room.

Victor sat by the bay window,sipping tea and reviewing financial statements.

I tried to sit up,pushing myself upright.The moment I moved,Victor noticed.

He let out a quiet sigh of relief,though his face remained impassive."How are you feeling?Still unwell?"

He walked over as he spoke,"I had someone in the kitchen make porridge.I’ll go serve it for you…"

As he talked,he caught a glimpse of me getting out of bed and rushed over to help.

"You should stay in bed and rest.The doctor said your health is very poor.You need to take care of yourself."

I avoided his touch and staggered toward the living room.

My daughter-in-law was cooking porridge in the kitchen.When she saw me,she invited me in to eat.

My little grandson had just returned from school.Beaming with joy,he rushed toward me like a spinning top.

My heart immediately softened as I crouched down,having difficulty embracing him.

But unexpectedly,he ran right past me,bumping into me just enough to make me stumble and threw himself straight into Vivian’s arms.

"Vivian,you’re so pretty and smell so nice.Not like Grandma…She’s always messy and smells like oil and sweat."

The air in the living room instantly turned heavy.

Victor remained silent for a long time and then gently patted my shoulder."Children are just too innocent.Don’t take it to heart,Elena."

I could only stand frozen.

Watching my grandson cling to Vivian,I looked down at my loose,worn clothes and rough hands.A lump formed in my chest.

Perhaps sensing my downcast mood,Victor pursed his lips and rubbed our grandson’s head.

"Why would you say that to Grandma?Apologize to her."

His tone was not stern,but the boy frowned.

"I’m not apologizing.I didn’t say anything wrong."

He pouted and stomped his feet in anger."You adults are such hypocrites."

"Grandpa,you clearly said Grandma was dirty and smelly and that you didn’t want to sleep in the same room with her."

"You also said she was as fat as a pig,staying at home all day doing nothing,just lazing around.You said she’s not as hard working as Vivian,who still goes to work even though she’s pregnant."

"Grandpa,you obviously agree with me,so why should I apologize?"

My little grandson looked up with a flushed face,speaking with surprising logic and confidence for someone his age.

I was completely stunned upon hearing that.

Looking at my reflection in the kitchen glass,I saw a warped figure in sloppy,rumpled clothes.

For a moment,my mind went blank.I had worked tirelessly for the past thirty years like a servant,a slave.And yet,this was what I got?Slander and contempt from the very people I loved?

"Hello?Who is this?Say something."

Victor’s voice rang out from behind me,snapping me out of my thoughts.

I turned and saw him holding my phone,answering a call.The line was open,but there was only silence on the other end.

Victor frowned and was about to speak when I snatched the phone from his hand.

"Who said you could answer my calls?"