Revenge in the Time of Terminal Illness

"Why are you going out today? Isn't today your day off?

"Can't you stay at home? Maia likes you the most. None of us can take care of her as well as you do."

They were about to stuff Maia into my arms.

"No. I won't do that anymore."

"You ungrateful girl!"

My mom was interrupted by me before she finished speaking.

"I have terminal cancer."

"What?"

They were so scared that they froze.

I took out the diagnosis report and put it on the table.

I thought they would be in pain, sad, and cry with me after knowing this.

But they were so calm and even silently took a step away from me.

"It's not contagious, right?

"See? Girls shouldn't hang out with punks. Now you're sick."

"I didn't do such things!"

I retorted loudly.

"It's because I'm overworked."

Their reaction was like a sharp blade, deeply hurting me.

Although I knew that I had always been the one in the family who wasn't favored and loved, I still felt a bit at a loss now.

I had two siblings, an older sister, Gale, and a younger brother, Jack.

Usually, the second child in the family was the most neglected but also the most sensible.

When we were young, there were many eggs at home. One was for Gale, and one was for Jack. But I didn't get one.

When we were out buying snacks, my parents always ignored me as if I didn't exist.

When I questioned them and said I wanted some, too, they'd brush me off.

They said Gale was the eldest who needed nourishment, whereas Jack was young and a boy and everything he needed was prioritized.

They said I was the second child, and naturally, I had to give in to Gale and Jack.

As a young child, I didn't understand. I just realized that after I was treated unfairly, Mom and Dad would smile at me.

It went on till we grew up.

Gale did well in the SAT and went to a good school. My parents were very happy and paid for her to travel abroad.

Jack didn't do well on the SAT, so they spent money to send him to an elite school to make up for it. They comforted him softly and said, "It's fine. Your grades can't represent who you are."

I worked hard and finally got into a top domestic university. When I happily sought their praise, they simply contacted someone coldly to give me a summer job.

"You got lucky. Gale is way smarter than you."

After I entered university, they claimed that they wanted me to develop myself, so they didn't give me any living expenses or tuition fees. I had to work part-time while studying, and I was tired every day and could fall asleep at any time.

Later, I graduated, and Gale got married.

She was deceived into marrying a fake rich man and gave birth to Maia.

After realizing that she was deceived, she quickly divorced the man and brought Maia back to our parents.

As the unfortunate one, I naturally took on the responsibility of taking care of Maia.

I believed I had done a good job in doing everything I could for my family and maintaining family ties over the years.

So I didn't understand, and I didn't know why they reacted like this when they found out that I didn't have much time left.

I wiped my nose, and my eyes turned red.

Forget it. It's fine.

After I take my money, I'll leave. I won't see them again.

I guess if I really undergo chemotherapy, they definitely won't come to see me.

"Mom, where did you put my money?

"I need the money for treatment."

I spread my hands and asked my mom.

"Money? What money? Since when do you let me keep your money?"

Her reaction left me stunned. I put all my money with her.

How could she not know?

"Ramona."

My dad said.

"To be honest, given your situation, don't spend any money. It won't be necessary."

"There is still hope!"

I shouted at them.

"I'm going to get treatment! Give me the money!"

I was so scared, trembling uncontrollably.

Had they already spent all my money?

Then I would die for sure.

"OK. OK!

"I'll withdraw the money. Don't worry."

I was too loud, and they were afraid of disturbing the neighbors, so they had to come and calm me down.

"But the money is deposited in the bank for a fixed term. It's too late today, so we'll have to wait until tomorrow. I'll withdraw the money tomorrow."

"Alright."

Although I had doubts, I still foolishly decided to believe them.