"Mom, I think preparing the gifts is your and Dad's responsibility. I haven't been married, so I wouldn't know what to buy. Besides, I have a business trip in a few days."
My mother must have turned on the speakerphone, because my father, who had been listening on the side, spoke up.
"Cassie, what are you talking about? Preparing gifts is a family affair. Aren't you part of this family?"
My mother immediately added, "Exactly. As the older sister, shouldn't you be more considerate of your younger sister?
"She is pregnant now, and your dad and I have to take care of her. All I'm asking is for you to buy some gifts. Is that really so difficult?
"And about your business trip, you should cancel it right away. We're counting on you to do what's needed when we arrive."
With that, she hung up the phone abruptly. So I was their servant for this trip.
I suppressed my anger and thought, Fine, if you all want to go and die there, go ahead. This time, I won't go with you.
On the day of departure, I packed two large suitcases and headed to the airport.