The Illusion of Happiness

I was planning to visit my parents' grave before I left, and was returning with their favorite flowers the day after I booked my flight.

That was when I heard a child's laughter in my bedroom, and opened the door to see a sight that sent my breath rushing out of my lungs.

My parents' favorite fruit I prepared was knocked over, and Sean's son had nibbled on every single fruit.

Sally was laughing and clapping for the boy, and bringing him more fruits that he hadn't nibbled.

"Eat up, baby! It's free anyway!"

I saw red, and didn't hesitate to rush up, pushing her off. "Stop! I bought those for my late parents! You have no right touching my stuff!"

Hearing me yelling, Sean—who had been outside chatting with our neighbors, rushed inside and pushed me to the floor, snapping impatiently, "Stop being so stingy! It's just some fruits—forget starting a fight for money, you're now doing the same over a few fruits?"

Seeing that Sean was leaping to her defense, Sally didn't snap at me. She sobbed miserably. "I-I'm sorry, I really didn't know. Have I caused you trouble, Sean?"

Sean shook his head, gently wiping her tears as he assured her, "No—you can have anything you like in this house. Those fruits are the cheap stuff anyway. If you want the good stuff, I'd even take you abroad."

My belly was left aching, while my hands and posterior were bruised.

There were pieces of fruit caking my stark-white dress, but what hurt more was the sight of the broken watermelon strewn all over the floor.

I carried it all the way back from the north ten days ago—it was my parents' favorite, and unavailable in the market.

My parents had been so worried about me when I moved south for work, insisting on moving here with me even if they weren't used to this place.

They missed the watermelons back home, but I couldn't even afford to let them have a taste of home before their passing.

My hands shook in rage even as I watched Sally and Sean dote on each other, and as I wobbled out of the room, Sally leaned on Sean's chest and asked, "Don't you think Rachel will leave you because of me? I knew it—I should stay abroad with our son. I'd be an eyesore here."

"It's fine, don't worry," Sean promptly replied. "She got pregnant without being married at thirty—no man will want her if she leaves me."

After that, Sean and I both gave each other the silent treatment.

He even moved my blanket and pillow to the living room, telling me that Sally needed the room to take care of the child, and couldn't do that outside.

And with that, the room I had designed meticulously became Sally and his son's property.

-

Three days later and presuming that I had calmed down, he drove to the bridal shop we had chosen before.

He smiled as he showed me a yellowed photo album, asking, "Check out these dresses. See anything you like?"

I frowned as I saw that the designs were all ancient.

Before I could ask for newer designs, Sean's phone rang, cutting me short.

He answered it, asking loudly, "The investment's not enough? Well, I'll try to make up for it, but I don't have much money either."

I pursed my lips, picking the cheapest dress and giving him a look.

I expected that he would tell me to pick something better, only for him to nod without hesitation. "Sure, let's go with that—it suits you. Let's take the photo soon too, or it'd look bad if you have to wear it heavily pregnant."