And my room was a hostel bunk I'd only "with great difficulty" managed to book recently.
I asked, "What are your plans for tomorrow?"
"We're going to the snow mountain!"
Freya's eyes lit up. "It's so beautiful in winter—like a fairy-tale world! Sis, you'll love it!"
Mom smiled and picked up the thread. "See how much Freya cares about you? These past few days she kept asking when her big sister was finally arriving. She's been dying to see the snow with you!"
She paused, her tone turning playful. "Isn't it almost New Year's? As the big sister, shouldn't you show your appreciation? Get your little sister a gift?"
Dad chimed in. "Weren't you going on about that designer bag a few days ago, Freya?"
"I looked it up. Pretty nice—perfect for a young girl. Your sister can give it to you as a New Year's gift."
His tone was so matter-of-fact. Like I was just a walking ATM.
Freya's eyes sparkled, but she put on a show of modesty, waving her hands. "Oh, that bag is way too expensive. I couldn't let Sis spend that kind of money."
Mom gave her a light smack and turned to me with a smile. "Spend what money! If your sister makes money and doesn't spend it on you, who would she spend it on? We're family—no need to talk like strangers. It's settled."
I stared at the steaming plate of braised chicken in front of me.
This was supposed to be a long-awaited reunion dinner.
Now I just felt sick.
That bag—I knew it. Freya had posted the link on her feed a couple days ago.
$18,000.
"Our company's year-end bonus fell through," I said suddenly.
The table went silent.
Mom's smile froze. "What? How could—"
"The industry's tanking. Company's losing money. Bonus got cut."
I kept my voice calm and even smiled at them. "So that bag? I can't swing it right now."
Freya's expression shifted instantly.
Dad rushed to smooth things over. "Oh… well, if that's the case, forget it. Next time—when you're in a better spot financially."
I gave a bitter smile.
So the family harmony I thought we had was built entirely on my sacrifice.
The atmosphere turned awkward, and dinner ended in a hurry.
Back in my hotel room, I opened that post again.
It had updated:
[Ugh, this annoying older cousin is SO hateful! Tomorrow our whole family's doing a premium group tour to the snow mountain, and she insists on tagging along!]
[And at dinner she put on this whole pitiful act—oh, my bonus is gone, I have no money! I'm dying laughing. If you're broke, why join a group tour? She's doing it on purpose!]
[But I kept a trick up my sleeve, hehe~ Tomorrow I'll make sure she goes and doesn't come back!]
The comments were even livelier:
[OP did great! People like that need to be taught a lesson!]
[Tell us the plan!!]
[Curious +1, stop keeping us in suspense!]
[Embarrass her tomorrow? Or…?]
The original poster replied: [You'll find out tomorrow. I guarantee it'll be something she'll never forget :)]
I stared at that smiley face.
A chill crawled up my spine.
Goes and doesn't come back?
What the hell was she planning?
Whatever it was, I couldn't just sit around and wait.
At exactly seven, I went down to the hotel entrance.
Freya was already there. When she spotted me, her eyes lit up. "Sis! You made it!"
Mom and Dad stood nearby.
The tour guide called everyone to board. It was a fifteen-seat minibus, already half full.
Freya was buzzing the whole way—snapping photos, posting to her feed.
Mom and Dad chatted here and there, but mostly watched the scenery roll by outside the window.
