"Your sister truly spoiled you rotten. When she was little, she gave you everything good. But you're like a debt-collecting ghost, always wanting everything."
The harsh words pierced my heart like poisoned arrows, making me barely able to breathe.
"Don’t you know the reason why she gave them to me, mom?"
"When we bought five pounds of apples, you gave me just one and gave the rest to Melody. In the end, she only gave me one because there were too many left."
"Mom, when we were little, Melody gave me a dress she didn't like. I wore it to show you, but you beat me without a word, saying I stole my sister's dress."
"You're right. I'm petty. I want everything, yet I'm never as good as her."
"Mom, just go live with my sister. I really can't stand eating leftovers anymore!"
My mother froze. She hadn't expected me to ask her to leave.
As a result, an expression of deep embarrassment spread across her face.
But her words truly hurt me. Seeing her felt like a sharp pain in my chest. So, I packed her suitcase, but for every item I put in, she took one out.
Her eyes were red and swollen, but she said nothing. She just stared at me, waiting for me to give in.
This time, I refused to endure it.
After all, she was my own mother. If she wouldn't leave, I couldn't drag her along. So I decided to take a two-week business trip to the neighboring city.
During my trip, my sister called several times. "Silvya, it's just croissants! Come back and apologize to mom. You can ask her to make as many croissants as you want."
"But remember this! She's getting old—she shouldn't have to put up with this."
I didn't say anything and just hung up.
Seeing I wasn't answering, my sister started bombarding me with messages.
Every single one of them was urging me to apologize. I couldn't even be bothered to open them.
When I returned home after my business trip, I discovered a trap waiting for me.
My father, who couldn't stand city life, had come up from the countryside especially and my aunt was there too.
My aunt was softly soothing my mother, while Melody kept giving me meaningful glances, urging me to soften my stance.
I watched everything unfold before me with a blank expression.
My aunt looked at me with disapproval as she asked, "Sylvia, no offense, but why are you counting your croissants? Your mother hasn't slept well for days because of you."