The year Lily went abroad was the same year I failed my graduate entrance exam. I had begged my parents for just $1,500—a prep course so I could retake it.
They refused. Claimed they were broke. Couldn't squeeze out a penny.
Turns out they weren't broke. They'd funneled every last cent to my sister.
I couldn't breathe. Without a word, I walked out of the banquet hall.
I'd barely stepped inside my rental when my phone buzzed. My mother's voice came through, shrill and accusing.
"Why did you leave without saying goodbye? You're a grown woman with absolutely no manners! Both of you are my daughters—so why is one a phoenix soaring through the sky while the other is just dirt?"
I gripped the phone. My voice came out deadly calm.
"Since that's how you feel, you can pretend you only have one daughter from now on."
——
The receiver exploded.
"Are you crazy? I criticize you once and you want to disown us?" Her words came rapid-fire. "You think because you have a job now, your wings are strong enough? You think you don't have to listen to me anymore?"
In the background, relatives murmured, trying to smooth things over.