I clutched the late-stage stomach cancer diagnosis in my hands and sent a text to my mother: [Can I withdraw some of the salary I have with you?]
Her voice message came back, seething with anger: [Money, money, money-- it's always about money with you. After all these years, you still haven't paid off your brother's mortgage, and now you're asking for more? How dare you!]
Before I could even process her words, she retracted the message and sent a new one: [The money is saved for your wedding. You're young, and we're keeping it for you so you don't get fooled by smooth-talking men. The salary for this month hasn't even come through yet, don't forget. Mom loves you, dear.]
Really? Saving it for me?
If it hadn't been for that slip-up of a message, I might have actually believed her. But with my time running out, I didn't need her so-called maternal love. I was determined to come back and settle things with these people.
***
After three years of working, this was my first time taking a taxi outside of work hours. My mom always told me to save more money so I wouldn't be looked down upon by my future in-laws. So, every month, after setting aside $200 for living expenses, the rest of my salary was taken by her without question.
I have no idea how much my three years' salary has added up to, but Alexander and his wife Dora are living the high life. In the past two years, since I became a full-time employee, they've bought a house and a car, traveled, and spent money freely without a second thought.
Dora often hit the beauty salons and told me, "Sweetheart, you need to take care of yourself." I could only nod along, having never experienced such luxuries myself due to financial constraints.
My mom would then chime in: "She's not as lucky as you. You're married to our successful Alexander, so you can enjoy life. A fortune-teller said this girl is unlucky and can't have these things, or it will shorten her life."
I had never seen a fortune-teller myself, but according to my mom, she took me to one before I was old enough to remember. She said that's my fate, so to prolong my life, she never gave me any of the good things at home. I had to eat Alexander's leftovers, and my clothes and shoes were all hand-me-downs from him.
But Mom, even though I've never enjoyed any luxuries in over twenty years, I'm still facing a short life.
The doctor said that with treatment, I might have another year; without it, only a month. This month, I had to get my money back. Otherwise, I would be a restless spirit, unable to move on.
