"Alex, send Mom your ID number. I'll get you a ticket."
I lowered my eyes.
"I sent it. The day I gave birth and was hospitalized."
Mom gave an awkward laugh.
"Oh right, I forgot. I'm getting old—brain's not what it used to be. Don't hold it against me."
After that, Dad went back upstairs for the luggage, and Mom started buying tickets on her phone.
Vivian walked toward me, baby in her arms.
"Alex, you really came."
I didn't respond. I just watched Mom's guilty profile.
On the payment screen, she backed out three times in a row. Still couldn't complete the purchase.
Mom let out a dry laugh.
"Alex, transfer Mom a little more for expenses. There's not enough for the tickets."
"Enough for the three of you, but when it comes to me, suddenly not enough?"
Mom's face turned cold.
"What kind of way is that to talk? Originally it was three of us, and the budget was set. Wasn't it you who insisted on coming?"
"Besides, I'm your mother. If I go traveling, isn't it only right you pay?"
I took a deep breath. My heart went completely cold.