- 7.
Г
I gave them until the following evening to
pack and leave.
Lily, normally a master of procrastination
when it came to chores, packed with an
unfamiliar zeal.
I watched from the doorway as she sorted her
belongings.
Boxes overflowed with novels, but not a
single sheet of music or music theory book.
She was truly giving up on the piano.
A wave of melancholy washed over me.
Different paths, I suppose.
Г
As a child, I’d loved music. Teachers had
recognized my talent. I’d dreamt of having my
own piano.
But my family was poor, and my parents
favored my brother. Lessons were an
extravagance, a piano an impossibility.
I’d played my cheap plastic recorder, over
and over, pouring my heart into each note.
Now, finally able to provide, and with Lily
inheriting my musical inclination, I’d spared
no expense to give her what I’d never had,
despite family disapproval.
Watching her play had been like watching a
younger version of myself.
<
Years ago, shielding Lily from a falling metal
cabinet, my fingers were crushed. They’d
healed, but the dexterity was gone. I could
never play an instrument again.
I’d thought Lily could fulfill my dream for me.
But she’d discarded her childhood passion,
leaving me clinging to it, a source of
resentment.
So be it. As long as she didn’t come to regret
this choice.
The front door opened. My mother–in–law
returned from line dancing. Taking in the
packed boxes, she demanded an explanation.
“Mom! Dad’s divorcing that old witch! We’re
finally going to be a happy family!” Lily
く
My mother–in–law’s face lit up. “Divorced?
Wonderful! It’s about time!”
Then, her smile faltered. “Divorce is one
thing, but why are you packing?”
“Because she gets the house and everything in it. We’re moving out to start our new life!”
Lily replied.
My mother–in–law’s face transformed, her
voice rising shrilly. “John, are you out of your mind!? Why are you giving her everything!?”
John hurried out. Before he could speak, Lily
jumped in. “That manipulative witch
threatened to take me away if Dad didn’t give
her all the money and the house!”
<
“Of course, Daddy loves me too much to let
that happen. He chose me over money!”
Lily’s twisted narrative suited me perfectly.
My mother–in–law nearly had a heart attack.
“Crazy! This is insane! Why wouldn’t you
fight for the assets? What good is she? That
useless girl is nothing but a financial drain!
Those piano lessons cost a fortune!”
“I’m not taking piano lessons anymore!” Lily
retorted, her voice sullen.
“That little money pit! I never complained
when that woman was paying for everything!
Now that she’s gone, how are we supposed
to afford her?”
Lily’s eyes widened in disbelief. “I’m old
enough to take care of myself! What are you
saying, Grandma? You don’t want me?!”
“Of-”
“Mom! Just drop it, it’s over.” John
interrupted.
“Pack your things. We’re leaving tomorrow.
Muttering about me “getting a free ride” and
refusing to spend a penny on “that
freeloader,” my mother–in–law began to
pack.
Lily, though shaken, still tried to maintain a
brave front. “Grandma doesn’t mean it. She
loves me deep down! Not like you, you
heartless witch!”
<
I smiled silently.
You’ll learn what your grandma is really like
soon enough.
