The Approval System

When she saw me, Mom clearly froze.

Noah spoke first, his voice sweet and innocent, "Bro? What are you doing here? Are you working a part-time job?"

Calvin looked me over, his gaze lingering on the volunteer T-shirt I was wearing. A trace of barely concealed disdain flashed through his eyes, but his tone remained mild. "Miles, it’s been a while. Why are you helping out here? Is your coursework not that intense?"

I ignored them and looked at Mom. "Did you need something?"

Her expression was complicated; it was a mix of surprise, irritation, and a trace of something else. Maybe guilt.

She stayed silent for a few seconds before speaking quietly, "Noah wants to apply to this university through the athletics track. We came to take a look."

She paused, then lifted her eyes to me. Her tone was conflicted. "So… you really were recommended for admission."

It did not sound like a question, more like a confirmation that came too late. Perhaps she had known all along. She just never truly took it to heart.

Calvin forced a smile. "Miles is impressive. If we had known it was true, we would have celebrated properly."

Mom seemed to remember something suddenly. Her expression darkened. "The math competition you mentioned before… If you had won, would it have helped with your recommendation?"

I did not answer.

Noah panicked and grabbed Mom’s arm. "Mom, let’s go talk to the admissions desk first. We’re running out of time…"

Calvin hurried to smooth things over. "Let’s not bring up the past. Miles is doing well now, isn’t he? Let’s focus on Noah’s application first."

However, Mom did not move. She looked straight into my eyes. Her voice was dry. "That competition… Was it because the registration fee wasn’t paid in time that you couldn’t participate?"

Noah rushed to speak, "Mom, that competition really wasn’t that useful. My classmates joined and didn’t win anything either…"

"Did I ask you?"

It was the first time she had ever spoken to him in such a harsh tone. Noah’s eyes immediately reddened.

Calvin pulled his son close. "Elaine, why are you yelling at Noah? He was just concerned about his brother!"

I watched the whole scene unfold and felt nothing but absurdity.

"Does it matter?" I asked Mom. "I’ve already been recommended anyway."

She opened her mouth, as if she wanted to say something. In the end, she only let out a sigh. "Miles… I didn’t know that competition was that important. Calvin probably didn’t understand either…"

"He didn’t understand?" I laughed softly. "When Noah was in tenth grade, he competed in the National Youth Track Championship. The registration and equipment fees totaled $5,000. You transferred the money the same day. Was that competition really more useful than a math competition?"

My mom froze.

Calvin’s face turned pale. "Miles, how can you compare things like that? Noah is an athlete. That competition was crucial for his future education…"

"And my competition wasn’t important to me?" I asked calmly. "Or is it that, in your eyes, only Noah’s future counts as a future, and mine can be delayed without consequence?"

People nearby began to look over.

Mom could no longer hold her composure. She lowered her voice. "If there’s something to talk about, we’ll talk about it at home. Don’t make a scene here."

"Home?" I shook my head. "That isn’t my home."

I turned to leave. Suddenly, Mom grabbed my arm.

"Miles, I will make it up to you. What do you want? To study abroad? I’ll pay for it."

"No need." I pulled my hand back. " I never wanted any of that."