When Love Has Been Forgotten

"Nicole, I checked the weather forecast, it's going to rain there today. Remember to take an umbrella and a coat when you go out. If you catch a cold, your aunt will be worried."

So it was Nicole, no wonder she was smiling so happily.

After the college entrance exam, my mom gave Nicole twenty thousand dollar to go out and relax for a few days.

Nicole saw me through the video and greeted me with a raised voice, "Cousin, the scenery here is great, there are durians everywhere, your favorite. Next time, our whole family should come and play together."

"I'm not your cousin, and I don't like durian."

My mom gave me a glare, turned her phone away. "Nicole, don't mind her. People like her don't deserve to be with you, don't let her infect you with her filth."

My mom chatted with Nicole for more than ten minutes, during which time, she was almost blind with laughter.

After it ended, she still seemed unsatisfied, her face full of pride.

"With someone as terrible as you at home, Nicole can still be so outstanding and sensible. It's really a case of comparing goods and dying when compared to people."

I turned to look at her and asked, "Do you really hope I die?"

My mom didn't look up, her hands busy scrolling through the photos Nicole had posted on her friend's circle, liking each one.

"Yes, I want you to die, will you?"

"But, if you continue to be so ill-mannered, you will be killed by people outside in society."

"Do you think people outside will be as patient as me in teaching you, who do you think you are?"

"Before you speak and act, weigh yourself first."

How ungrateful and hateful I must be.

So much so that she was looking forward to my death.

I laughed, looking at her and laughing for a long time.

"I will die."

Perhaps it was because my laughter was a bit eerie, or perhaps it was because what I said surprised her.

A trace of disbelief flashed across my mom's face, but it was gone in an instant.

The familiar look in her eyes.

Resentment, disgust...

Yes, this was her.

"What? You've grown old enough now, dare to threaten me with suicide?"

"I tell you, your life is given by me, whether to take it back or not is up to me."

'Mom, I wasn't threatening you, and what you said didn't count.'

'This life, I'll give back to you soon.'

The day Nicole came back, my parents went to the airport to pick her up early in the morning.

They were gone for three days.

Nicole's social media account was updated every day.

[Auntie is afraid I'll get too tired from playing, so she brought me to do a spa. Auntie, Nicole loves you.]

[Matching outfits with Auntie.] And @me [Cousin, let's do it together next time.]

[Uncle says girls can't peel shrimp themselves, now he's helping me peel, in the future it'll be someone else's turn.] @Catfish.

Below were a bunch of comments from high school classmates.

[This is not an aunt, this is a fairy mother.]

[What's going on? Nicole, are you with that guy?]

Nicole replied: [Secret, then paired with a naughty smiley face.]

Soon I saw my mom's comment: [Nicole, my little princess, Auntie will love you forever.]

I was so numb that I couldn't even laugh, my mouth stiffly opened.

The word 'forever' is so easy to say, and promises are so easy to pass on to others.

I really wish they would keep playing outside, preferably not coming back for three months.

The moment they open the door when they come back, I can attach my scent to them.

Bodily fluids flowing to their feet.

So I can watch them vomit uncontrollably.

The thought is somewhat stimulating.

What a pity.

I'd already seen their car drive into the community.

I pulled up Catfish's Line, and edited a message: [Six hours left.]

To cover up my pale face and heavy dark circles, I put on heavy makeup before going out.

I packed three times the usual dose of painkillers in my bag.

As I was changing my shoes, the door opened amidst a burst of laughter.

My mom was holding Nicole's hand, and my dad was following behind them, carrying their bags and fanning them.

"Nicole, come inside quickly, it's too hot outside."

Nicole was treated like a treasure by them.

Look, what a happy family of three they are.

When my mom saw me, the smile on her face disappeared instantly.

It's that familiar face again.

"You're wearing such heavy makeup, who are you trying to seduce now?"

"Can't you learn anything good? Do you have to make me lose face before you're satisfied?"