"So many years have passed and you haven't changed your bad temper at all! I've already apologized to you, what more do you want? Why are you so stubborn?" A fierce argument erupted in the cramped little room.
This time, I didn't speak, silently pushing open the small door behind me. The ashes of burnt paper money drifted in the sunlight. All the questions instantly stopped. I lit a cigarette in my hand, using the flame of the incense.
Leaning against the corner of the table, I smiled and offered my belated blessing, "Happy wedding."
If it weren't for Rachel's arrival, I would have almost forgotten. Today marked her tenth year with Thomas Lincoln. It was also the tenth year since my family was destroyed.
Ten years ago, Rachel wanted a divorce because of Thomas, whom she had raised herself. She disregarded our three-month-old child. She disregarded our years of companionship. She ignored the advice and pleas of her family. She even disregarded her own reputation and honor.
She was determined to divorce me. She said she had met her true love, her soulmate. She was willing to give up everything to be with him. I couldn't accept Rachel's betrayal and infidelity. Even more unacceptable was that the person she cheated with was Thomas— the child we had raised.
Years ago, an old friend entrusted his son to us on his deathbed. He left his only son with us to care for. The responsibility of raising a life was too heavy for Rachel and she hesitated.
But Thomas took my hand and timidly said, "Uncle, I'll be good."
In an instant, my heart softened. Rachel and I had been trying to have a baby for years without success. We thought that having a child around might bring some luck. Perhaps he had a knack for children and could bring siblings to our side. So I did everything I could to give him the best.
Rachel and Thomas were fifteen years apart. In Rachel's and my eyes, he was both a child and a younger brother. Thomas was also very well-behaved, taking on most of the housework and keeping both our elders happy.
Back then, Rachel always said... "You were born with the temperament of a young master."
"I don't expect you to be like Thomas, I just hope our child will be as well-behaved and sensible as him." Rachel's words proved prophetic.
In the fifth year after Thomas came to our home. After countless hardships, we finally had our first child. The child was born weak and sickly due to congenital developmental deficiencies. But I still cherished him dearly, seeking medical help everywhere.
One day, I finally connected him to the best cardiac surgeon. I was about to tell Rachel this news.
I opened the door and saw her and Thomas embracing. On the large bed in the master bedroom, the two were making love, oblivious to everything else. The necklace around Thomas's neck were the ones I had gotten for him when he was eighteen.
I was stunned speechless for a long time. I slapped Rachel across the face, asking her why she did this, why she had hurt me for Thomas.
"He's just a child! He's the child we raised! Rachel, you beast! You inhuman beast!"
At that time, I thought Rachel had seduced Thomas. I even considered calling the police to seek justice for him.
But then Thomas grabbed my hand, grinning and said to me, "Don't be angry, Uncle, you're getting wrinkles around your eyes. Rachel and I are in love, please don't break us up."
