I hurriedly said in a helpless tone, "Sorry, Mom, but I was unexpectedly assigned a business trip this morning. I've already sent the bag to Julia. Please make sure to pick it up. Besides, my future brother-in-law's family is not that materialistic. They won't look down on those gifts."
...
My mother, clearly not caring about her surroundings, snapped, "So you're not coming? What about us and your sister? This place is run-down and shabby. Are we supposed to clean it up ourselves?"
...
Her remarks made my future brother-in-law's family more upset, but she didn't realize at all what was wrong with her words.
She continued, more agitated than ever, "Didn't I tell you to cancel your business trip? Hurry up and come here. Otherwise, we won't even have a place to sleep tonight!"
Without waiting for my response, she hung up the phone again.
I muted my phone, and comfortably settled into a lounge chair on the balcony, enjoying the pleasant warmth.
I gradually dozed off, and when I woke up, it was almost evening.
The terrifying cold front had arrived, making the warmth of my home feel even more comforting.
Just then, my mother called again.
