"Carol. I notice that you ate half a fish today. If you like fish, mom will learn how to cook it and make it for you every day."
"No, mom. Didn't you see that my dad spent the whole night picking fish bones and cracking crabs for me? He didn't even have time to eat. I don't want my dad to miss out on what he wants to eat because of me. His health matters more."
My dad stood between my mother and Carol. He was obviously happy.
"That's okay. You're the most important person here. As long as you like fish, dad is willing to pick fish bones for you for the rest of my life."
They must have had a great New Year’s Eve dinner without me.
I didn't know that my parents’ love could last so long.
They were back.
I wanted to escape, refusing to spy on their happiness.
But I still couldn't leave the house.
I could only watch them sitting on the sofa together, watching TV, staying up together, and laughing.
My mother said that she would give Carol a gift that was better than ever tomorrow to celebrate her having a boyfriend.
"What about me?
If they found out I was dead at home tomorrow, would they be a little sad?
Or would they scold me for bringing bad luck to them during the holiday?