Her Three Toasts, My Final Goodbye

Since the tickets were tied to her ID, she got the refund notification too.

The next moment, she stormed up to me, waving her phone in disbelief.

“You canceled the trip! It’s only five days away! What are you doing?”

For the first time, I didn’t rush to explain.

I just calmly watched her shouting at me, suddenly finding it all meaningless.

Under my gaze, she shifted uncomfortably.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Nothing.”

I smiled, my voice steady.

“I have work next week. Can’t go on the trip, so I canceled.”

She immediately grew frantic.

“Why cancel ours if you can’t go? Emily and I can still go!”

“You won’t go, and you won’t let others go either?”

I suddenly remembered the summer after middle school.

Emily had seen Disneyland on her phone and begged to go.

Mom instantly bought tickets to take her.

I thought I was included. I packed happily, even helped Emily pack her clothes.

But on the day of departure, I realized Mom hadn’t bought me a ticket.

She said earnestly,

“You’re too old for Disneyland.”

“Besides, you’ve been to places like that before. Emily hasn’t, so I’ll just take her.”

When I looked upset, she frowned.

“A trip like that is expensive. One less person saves a lot. Why can’t you be considerate of your mom?”

“I raised you both on my own. If you really want to go, make your own money and go later!”

Her words made me feel worthless and guilty.

That summer, while they were gone, I barely spent a few dollars on cucumbers and tomatoes, gnawed on plain noodles without even adding vegetables.

When Mom and Emily returned, glowing with excitement, they discussed all the fun things.

When I didn’t understand, Mom looked at me with disdain.

“You really don’t know as much as your sister.”

But she forgot—

When I was little, the “playgrounds” I’d seen were just makeshift rides in the village.

Disneyland? Emily had never been.

But neither had I.

Back in the present, I returned her words with a smile.

“Mom, aren’t you a little old for trips like this? You and Emily have already been, it’s all the same stuff.”

“I work hard enough to support this family. If you really want to go, buy your own tickets.”

At my words, Mom jabbed her finger at me, furious.

“You’re my daughter! Isn’t it your duty to support me? Emily doesn’t earn money yet!”

True—Emily had just gotten into college. She wasn’t earning yet.

But when I had just graduated middle school, neither was I.

“You’re so stingy! I—”

She was about to continue scolding me when we both heard the slam of the front door.

Mom rushed out.

“Emily, why do you look upset?”

“I don’t want to get a part-time job! After graduation, I just want to relax and have fun, not earn tuition!”

Her voice was full of resentment, but Mom quickly nodded in approval.

“Then don’t. When your sister makes money, she’ll pay your tuition!”

In the past, I would’ve felt guilty for them.

I would’ve happily emptied my savings, thinking I was finally useful.

But the truth was—it didn’t matter.

Their hearts were cold.

They would never remember my sacrifices.

Without hesitation, I refused.

“I’m not paying her tuition. Mom, you’ll have to cover it.”

“I don’t have money!”

She glared at me, eyes full of disappointment.

Before, that look would’ve made me give in.

But this time, I just shook my head.