"Eileen Green, how dare you come back? All these things should be mine. How can you take them?"
Her resentful voice came from behind me.
My hands paused as I packed my things.
"Then leave it all to you."
I continued to pack my things with my eyes downcast, taking fewer things with me.
I left behind all the jewelry and valuables, taking only some clothes and personal items.
When I went to get the cat carrier to take Lucky, Eden grabbed me.
Her eyes were full of provocation. "You need to leave this behind."
I frowned, tightening my grip.
"You have the money to buy as many cats as you want. Do you even need to take mine?"
But she pulled harder, causing me to stumble.
"This cat was a gift from Jone to you, but I gave it to him. It was mine, to begin with. How can you take it?"
Mentioning Jone made my heart ache.
When Jone brought that skinny little cat to me, I couldn't help but soften.
"Eileen, you know we can't keep pets at home. Look at how pitiful it is. Can you take it in?"
But he knew I was allergic to cat hair.
"Eileen, let Eden have it."
I turned to see my mother had entered my room.
"This is my cat." I stubbornly refused to back down.
It has nothing to do with Jone. I've raised this cat for two years.
I could leave everything else behind, but asking me to give up Lucky was impossible.
"Eden just got home and doesn't understand much. She just likes the cat. Why can't you give it to her?"
"Our family has treated you well. Besides, all of these things should rightfully belong to Eden."
My mother frowned at me, her face full of disappointment.
I let out a bitter laugh. Indeed, there isn't a single thing in this house that belongs to me.
Even the kitten I raised is not mine.
And neither am I.
Eden impatiently reached out to grab Lucky, lifting the cat by its tail.
"Stop it!" I hurried forward, trying to take Lucky back.
A cat's tail has cartilage. Lifting it this way could cause a fracture!
Lucky cried out in pain, leaving a scratch on Eden's arm before she angrily threw it against the wall.
I stood frozen, watching as the small, soft body slid down to the corner, blood spilling from its tiny mouth.
I dropped my luggage, carefully cradling it in my hands.
The kitten's wet eyes gazed at me, it whimpered twice before breathing its last.
Tears that I had held back for so long finally poured out.
Ignoring the blood on my hands, I grabbed whatever was within reach and hurled it at Eden.