All I could do was breathe.
I never complained to them about work, never
once said that I was tired.
After a moment, their voices returned.
“It’s my fault, son. I’m sorry. It’s too cold to be
out delivering pizzas. We don’t want you to get
hurt.”
Mom cut in.
“Yeah, it’s New Year’s Day. We should all be
together. You always wanted McDonald’s, right?
A friend gave me some coupons. Let’s go and
celebrate your birthday!”
“I’ll bring a nako too!!
く
“We’ll bring a cake, too.”
Their cheerful tone didn’t reach me.
I still said, “Okay.”
I wanted to see how long they could keep up
the charade.
I put on the nicest clothes I owned and went to
the mall.
I’d never been anywhere this fancy before.
As I was about to cross the street, a sports car.
pulled up in front of me.
I saw who was driving.
Brian lowered his sunglasses and gave me a
smug grin.
“Well well well if it isn’t the dog from
<
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t the dog from
yesterday.”
He patted the hood of the car.
“My mom gave me this as a gift, what about
that. Not bad, huh?”
He waved his hand, flashing a diamond watch in
the sun.
“Oh, how come your mom didn’t get you a
watch? Oh, that’s right, your parents don’t love
you. This thing cost seven figures. You won’t be
able to afford it in your life.”
“Oh, and my parents made a special dinner for
- me. What did your parents do for you?”
He sped off, kicking up dust that covered me.
He was so arrogant.
<
3:23
My heart sank.
862
When I turned eighteen, my parents handed me
a pizza delivery bag.
“You’re a grown–up now, son. You can start earning money.”
At McDonald’s, my parents looked at me with
tears in their eyes.
They wanted to see me happy.
It was the first time I’d ever had McDonald’s.
“Happy birthday, son. Make a wish.”
There was the cake Brian had left over the day
before.
My mom followed my gaze and looked
awkward.
<
3:23
864
“Your dad is still sick, but we wanted you to
have something. It’s a simple cake, but it means
a lot.”
I raised an eyebrow.
“Really?”
My parents nodded.
“Of course! You’re our only child. Who else
would we be good to?”
They were probably feeling guilty about the
house and watch they had given Brian.
“I’d like a home cooked meal.”
My mom was taken aback.
I didn’t know that she could cook.
I had always done it since I was seven years
864
<
3:23
Her face changed.
“I can’t make you a meal because you have to
get back to work. You have to change your gift, I’m terrible at cooking.”
“Can I get a watch?”
I pointed to the watch being worn by the lady
sat next to us.
My parents instantly fell silent.
They gave each other a look.
Dad coughed.
“Son, we need to get you a watch? You should
be working.”
Mom helped.
“Mikey it’s not all about money
<
“Mikey, it’s not all about money.”
She wiped away a tear.
My mom gave me a meal.
“Son, eat. You need to gain weight.”
Why would they trick me?
Why wouldn’t they let me read?
“I want to read at university.”
They looked at each other.
“Mikey, it’s not about books.”
“What scores did you get in your tests?”
I was silent.
