I did not answer my sister-in-law, but just looked at the old man who was getting ready to get in the car to go to the cemetery.
“Grandpa, the children will not be buried in the Howell Family tomb. I want to change the surnames of the two children. They are not the children of the Howell Family, but my children, Diana Jospeh.”
The old man looked at me deeply, then spoke angrily, “Where is that rebellious son? Where on a day like today could he be?”
My sister-in-law shrank back, looked at me and spoke in a low voice, “His phone is turned off and I can’t get in touch with him.”
The old man closed his eyes tightly and when he opened them and looked at me again, his eyes had become clear.
“They are the ones you gave birth to after risking your life, so just do as you say.”
I knelt before the old man, bowing three times in solemn respect.
The weight of a parent's grace was immeasurable, but it was not a burden my children should bear. I would not let them endure any grievances, even in death.
After grandpa left in the car, my sister-in-law gently helped me up from the ground.
“Diana, I’m sorry."
I looked at her with a smile, then took the two urns and went straight home in a taxi.
I want to take the children's things with me. That house was not a home and I did not want them to stay in that cold house.
But as soon as I opened the door, the obscene sounds of lovemaking came into my ears.
“Oh, I'm newly pregnant and the doctor said I can’t do this.”
The man's voice was hoarse with lust as he spoke, “Sweetheart, I'll be gentle, don’t worry. After all, how could I hurt our baby?”
After a while, the sounds of the man and woman making love filled the whole house.
They were making love in the bedroom and I could not go in to pack my things. I could only stand at the door in a daze, listening to those unbearable sounds in self-torture.
I did not know how long it took, but the two finally walked out of the bedroom.
The moment Annette saw me, her eyes gleamed with pride as she said, “Oh, Diana, you’re back? Why didn’t you say anything? We had no idea!
“It’s all Jordon’s fault. I told him I didn’t want to come, but he insisted. What could I do?”
Jordon stood beside Annette and grabbed Annette's waist as he sneered, “Why bother explaining to her? Who the hell is she?
“Let's go, sweetheart. We have an appointment with the doctor for a prenatal checkup today. Our baby must be healthy and safe.”