“Your mom's annoyed?” I repeated his words, my anger’s blazing overhead. "Liam Clark, that's my mom! Your mother-in-law! Just because you rushed to see the fireworks, you left an elderly woman alone at a highway rest stop where she’s unfamiliar with the place? Do you still have the heart?"
“Alright, alright, what’s the big deal? She’s not lost. You’re on your way to pick her up anyway, right?”
His tone was unsympathetic, “Hurry up and bring her over. I sent you the hotel address. Don't keep the whole family waiting for just two of you!”
“Family? Who says we're family?” I trembled with rage. “Liam, I’m warning you. If anything happens to my mom, I’ll never forgive you!!”
“Anne, are you out of control? You’re being ridiculous! This is unreasonable!” His voice grew impatient and sharp. “Come if you want, you’re ruining the mood!”
Then he hung up right away. Listening to the busy tone, I slammed my hands hard on the steering wheel.
An hour and a half later, I finally reached the service area. From a distance, I saw my mother sitting alone on a bench in the rest area and a staff member in uniform was standing beside her.
I rushed out before the car even stopped.
“Mom!”
“Anne!”
Seeing me, my mother immediately stood up, her eyes red. I hugged her tightly, feeling her body tremble slightly and my heart twisted with pain and sorrow.
I thanked the staff repeatedly and then helped my mom into the car. After fastening her seatbelt, I looked at her drained and frightened face. All my anger melted into heartache and guilt.
My voice trembled a little. “Mom, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have let him bring you along…”
“It’s not your fault, honey.”
Mom quickly waved her hand, comforting me instead. “It's me. I'm getting old and slow on my feet. I made them miss the fireworks show…”
“Don't fight with Liam because of me, okay? Just bear with it and it’ll pass. Life must go on..."
Looking at how my mom still cared for me despite such deep hurt, my anger roared again.
Just bear with it and it would pass? This matter would never just pass. They must pay for what they did today.
By the time we reached the hotel parking lot near the scenic area, the sky was already dark.
My mom didn't speak much throughout the journey and now she was even more awkwardly tidying up her clothes.
“Anne, later... please, don't argue with Liam. Just talk calmly, okay?”