I didn’t ask to be born.
“No conscience. So what?”
My mom started cursing, ranting about my
ancestors for generations back.
I didn’t even blink. “You’re pretty good at
this. Especially that ‘I hope your whole family
dies‘ line. If you could keep that up for three
days straight, I’d give you the ‘Best Drama
Queen‘ award.”
Drama
<
She was breathing heavily, practically gasping
for air.
I continued, “You seem to care so much,
you’re so kind. Why don’t you devote yourself
to taking care of Sarah? Mark’s family is so wonderful, I’m sure they’ll be grateful.”
My mom took a deep breath, forcing a saccharine–sweet tone. “Emily, honey, I can’t. I’m clumsy, I can’t even cook properly.”
“You’ve taken care of your sister for so long.
She only likes you.”
Did I need her to like me?
L
Her “liking” me meant endless exploitation.
“You’ll learn. Nobody’s born knowing how to
do everything.”
“And maybe you should reflect on why you
can’t even cook a decent meal.”
She had the audacity to say that, a mother
with a disabled daughter who couldn’t even
cook.
After a long pause, Sarah’s voice came on the
line, slow and deliberate. “Emily, please come
back. I’m begging you.”
“I won’t have the baby. just come home.”
<
Her “liking” me meant endless exploitation.
“You’ll learn. Nobody’s born knowing how to
do everything.”
“And maybe you should reflect on why you
can’t even cook a decent meal.”
She had the audacity to say that, a mother with a disabled daughter who couldn’t even
cook.
After a long pause, Sarah’s voice came on the line, slow and deliberate. “Emily, please come back. I’m begging you.”
L
“I won’t have the baby, just come home.”
No, please don’t.
She had to have this baby.
And then blame it all on me again.
I quickly glanced at the security feed. Mark’s eyes were bloodshot, his hands trembling.
If Sarah said one more thing about not having
the baby, I thought he might snap.
I looked down at the Mastiff growling softly at
my feet and the 28 geese pecking at corn
く
my feet and the 28 geese pecking at corn
nearby.
As long as I stayed here, surrounded by them,
I’d be safe.
The Mastiff wasn’t enough, so I’d bought 30 geese. Two became dinner; 28 remained.
I couldn’t sleep without their presence.
I let my anger loose. “Do you even care about Mark? He’s an only child! Why won’t you give
him a son?”
“Sarah, can you stop being so selfish?”
く
Sarah rolled her eyes.
“I’ll have the baby, but you have to come back
and take care of me.”
“Otherwise, I’ll get an abortion. It’ll be your
fault.”
As soon as she finished speaking, Mark
slapped her twice.
Sarah was stunned.
She covered the phone, whispering, “Honey,
I’m just trying to trick her into coming back.
I’ll give you a healthy son, even if it kills me.”
r
Mark grunted, giving her a warning look.
Sarah trembled slightly, then puffed out her
stomach.
