She glared at me, eyes full of disappointment.
Before, that look would’ve made me give in.
But this time, I just shook my head.
“Then let Emily get a part-time job. Work two months, play for one—it’s still enough.”
But Emily refused instantly.
“I won’t! Who wants to be a laborer?”
Seeing me unmoved, Mom hurled her keychain at me.
“Are you trying to destroy this family?”
“I raised you, fed you, paid for your schooling, and now you can’t help pay for your sister’s? How selfish can you be?”
“All you care about is money now!”
The keys hit me hard, but instead of pain, I felt relief—
Like a dam finally breaking inside me.
I looked at her, eyes red but smiling.
“Mom, do you remember when my teacher told you I had real talent for painting?”
“That was years ago. Why bring it up now?”
Her eyes darted away, her voice weak.
But I couldn’t help remembering.
When I was little, my art teacher saw my potential and suggested I study it seriously.
For the first time, someone recognized me. I blushed and told Mom, expecting encouragement.
But she only scowled.
“Sophia, you haven’t even mastered schoolwork, and now you want to draw? Don’t you feel guilty after everything I’ve done for you?”