And while they were out making memories, I worked tirelessly to get into the School of Economics, pushing myself to excel, thinking I was helping my sister relieve her burdens.
Only for her to effortlessly hand my hard-earned postgraduate admission quota to someone else.
This realization struck like a bolt of lightning—shattering me completely.
I lay motionless in bed for a long time before finally reaching for my phone and dialing my mentor’s number.
“Professor, you mentioned before that you were organizing research projects abroad. I’ve made my decision—I want to join.”
His response was immediate.
“Good! I always told you that you should explore the world instead of being tied down.”
Yes…
For years, I had rejected countless offers from top universities abroad.
I couldn’t bear to leave my sister and younger sister behind.
But now, they have made the choice for me.
“Professor, I’ve truly made up my mind this time. But I have one request—I want my identity permanently erased.”
A brief pause. Then, his voice came back, steady and resolute.
“Understood. When do you want to leave?”
I didn’t hesitate.
“The day after tomorrow.”
“Who’s leaving?”
Before I could end the call, my sister pushed the door open.
Her eyes flashed with unease.
I quickly locked my phone screen and answered calmly.
“Nothing. Just wondering how long it’ll take before I can be discharged.”
Hearing my answer, my sister visibly relaxed.
“Bert, the doctor said you need to stay in the hospital for a few more days for observation. There’s no rush to be discharged.”
Yet, for some reason, a flicker of unease flashed through her eyes as she spoke.
The next morning, I woke up to find that both my sister and younger sister—who had stayed by my side the night before—were gone.
Left with no choice, I climbed into my wheelchair and decided to go home to grab a few things.
But the moment I opened the door, I was met with a sight that sent a chill down my spine.
The maple trees in the garden—the ones I had painstakingly cared for over the years—had been completely uprooted.
In their place stood large, jarring patches of cacti.
Beyond them, the house’s massive French windows revealed a gathering of people I knew all too well.
My elder sister was pushing a ten-layer cake.
My younger sister held a diamond-studded crown.
Among the guests were classmates, teachers, and even employees from the company.
Everyone was there…
Except for me.