Mom's Love Doesn't Belong to Me

　　The memories slowly faded away, and I sat on a chair, staring at my withered and pale face.

　　I felt so sad that I wanted to cry.

　　My stomach growled

　　It was rare for me to feel hungry.

　　I thought of going to the kitchen to find something to eat, but all I saw was the leftover food that my mother and Wanda had left.

　　They had ordered a takeaway, but there was none for me.

　　I looked at the remains at the bottom of the plate. Under the influence of an invisible force, I picked it up.

　　Let me taste the warmth of my loved ones.

　　I could tell everyone that I had family after I died, and they loved me so much.

　　In that case, no one would dare to bully me.

　　The porridge was just about to reach my mouth when I heard the sound of the code lock being opened.

　　It was my mother and Wanda coming back, followed by my father.

　　"Baby, I specially asked your father to come back, so that we can accompany you to the exam tomorrow."

　　They were talking and laughing, with their eyes twinkling like pretty stars.

　　But the atmosphere changed instantly when they saw me.

　　I knew I was a real downer because they stopped smiling when they saw me.

　　My mother frowned even more and gave me a sharp look.

　　"Nina, do you time your father's return just to make me look bad in front of him and eat leftovers? How can you be so cheap?

　　"How can you change those rural habits even after being back for so many years?

　　"You have to deliberately go against me and make me look bad, right?"

　　Her words were like knives, mercilessly piercing me.

　　My stomach clenched in a spasm, and I nearly lost my balance.

　　My father remained silent for a moment before separating us, "Wanda, take your mom back to rest."

　　Then he handed me a delicate box.

　　Inside was a Cartier bracelet.

　　"Don't get angry with your mother, she has a sharp tongue but a soft heart. Look, she specially asked me to buy this bracelet for you.

　　"All relationships require adjustment, including family relationships. After all, you've been away for a long time, and she is too strong-willed. It's inevitable that you will have some conflicts. Things will get better in the future."

　　The bracelet was put into my hand.

　　My tears couldn't be held back anymore, falling in big drops on the floor.

　　It had been four years. I still couldn't integrate into this family. Would things be fine in the future?

　　I couldn't help asking, "Will things really get better in the future?"

　　"Of course, don't think too much about it. After all, she is your biological mother, and she went through a lot of hardships looking for you. You are a sensible child, so just be nice to her.

　　"Tomorrow is the Scholastic Assessment Test. Wipe your tears and change into clean clothes. I will take you out for seafood dinner tonight."

　　When I turned around, I heard him call Wanda's name.

　　"Wanda, I have booked the car you like. I'll gift it to you when you get your driver's license."

　　Suddenly, I felt that the bracelet on my hand was very heavy, even to break my arm.

　　A biased person would never admit to being biased, but will only accuse others of being immature.

　　My dad was no exception.

　　Suddenly, I felt drained of energy.

　　Like a deflated balloon, the breath in my body slowly seeped out.

　　Before I fell, I used my last bit of strength to move myself back to my room.

　　I curled up on the bed I had slept on for four years.

　　I thought I should leave.

　　That was great.

　　I could see the people I wanted to see again.

　　It was getting dark, and I saw the twinkling stars.

　　I heard the sounds of insects and wind. They are so pitiful, just like me, fading away like a flash of lightning.

　　I also heard the harsh sound of car horns.

　　That was my dad's car.

　　But I couldn't get up. My phone rang many times, and I didn't have the strength to pick it up.

　　My mother came.

　　She kicked open my bedroom door violently and raised her voice.

　　"Are you dead? Why didn't you answer the phone? Hurry up and come out for dinner.

　　"You only know how to sleep every day and look lifeless. What bad luck."

　　Seeing that I didn't speak, my mother became even angrier.

　　She screamed at the top of her voice, "I risked my life to give birth to you, and now you hate me, don't you."

　　"You can be angry with me. If you have the guts, don't eat with us for the rest of your life."

　　When she left, the door slammed shut with a loud bang.

　　My eyes gradually grew hazy until I sank into a silent darkness.

　　I had no idea how long it had been until my vision cleared again.

　　I thought I hadn't died completely.

　　But my body was still curled up in bed.

　　My hand could pass through the wall, the table, and the phone.

　　I must have done something terribly wrong, I thought, for God to punish me by keeping my soul here on earth.

　　I was lying on the window sill when I saw the three of them returning.

　　"Wanda, go home and have a good sleep. Don't be nervous. With your grades, there won't be any problem," said Dad.

　　"That's right, Wanda is like me, she's always been good at school," said Mom.

　　Wanda stood in the middle, surrounded by my parents' love, with a mischievous smile on her face.

　　Without my presence, they were so happy.

　　I thought my existence was a mistake.

　　In their midst, I was like a rat suddenly appearing in a bustling city, out of place.

　　I could only hide in dark corners, peering at their happiness.

　　They sat on the sofa, talking and comforting Wanda.

　　Mom said she would give Wanda some money after the exam to let her travel with her classmates.

　　What about me?

　　If they found me dead at home tomorrow, would they be a little sad?

　　Or would they curse me for ruining their luck at a crucial moment?

　　If it was the latter, then I could only apologize.

　　I didn't mean to do it.