My mom hurried over and grabbed his arm. “Honey, don’t hit him! Tristan is still young and doesn’t understand…”
“He’s over twenty and about to start working. Still a child, you say?” My dad cursed, but my mom stopped him, so the belt didn’t hit me.
That night, I went to my room and my phone kept buzzing. I checked it and saw the “Loving Family” WhatsApp group was full of messages.
Virginia was the first to comment: [Wow, the Gildon Family has a big shot now! He’s going to Akso City and becoming a big boss, amazing!]
Madison added: [We poor relatives won’t even try to associate with him now, or people might think we’re jealous.]
[He doesn’t respect us elders anymore! His words are getting harsher; how can we say anything now?]
[Yes, I’ll never attend family gatherings again, so I won’t get in his way.]
An uncle said: [Tristan used to be so honest. How did he become so sharp-tongued after going to university?]
Virginia replied: [He got a job, so he’s become arrogant. He doesn’t respect his parents, let alone us!]
Madison added: [My eldest brother and sister-in-law are the same. They don’t even correct their rude child. He’s going to be a real problem!]
I stared at the messages on the screen, my fingers turning cold. But the reply that hurt me most was my father’s.
[I’m sorry, everyone. The child is still young and doesn’t understand. I apologize for him! He had a few drinks and spoke without thinking. Please don’t take it to heart. I’ll bring him to apologize in person another day!]
The more humble he acted, the more arrogant my aunts and uncles became.
[No, we can’t accept such a generous gesture.]
[Exactly, what if he says something wrong and embarrasses us in public? How will we save face then?]
[By the way, brother, are the things your son said—the exam list and the used car record—true?]
I couldn’t take it anymore. I sent screenshots of the evidence I had ready to the group chat. Instantly, the chat went silent; all the relatives who had been talking just moments ago were quiet.
Virginia commented: [You… you must have faked this screenshot!]
Madison added: [Tristan, you’ve crossed the line!]
As I was about to type, a notification appeared: [You have been removed from the ‘Loving Family’ group chat by the owner!]
I stared at my phone in shock for a few seconds, then laughed bitterly and threw it onto the bed.
A while later, my mom opened the door, eyes still red. “Tristan, your dad was just angry and didn’t want you to say anything wrong, so he removed you from the group chat… Don’t blame him.”
“Mom, I don’t blame Dad,” I said, shaking my head. “But I don’t think I did anything wrong, either.”
She sighed and sat beside my bed. “Actually… I remember everything you said. I haven’t forgotten.”
I asked, “Then why did you keep tolerating it?”
“It’s just a habit,” she said softly. “We always think it’s wrong for relatives to fight. It’s bad for them and for us.” She paused, then gently patted my hand. “Go to bed early.”
After my mom left, I picked up my phone and looked at the family group chat I could never rejoin, but I didn’t feel sad about it.
Instead, I felt a strange relief. Maybe this was part of growing up, seeing some people clearly, leaving others behind and moving forward freely toward your own life.
