Every time it was the same emotional blackmail. Every time, I had to sacrifice for Felix's happiness. I never wanted to step into Felix's hospital room again. Watching Luna gently tell stories to Felix or feed him made the doctors, nurses, and other patients assume they were married. I stood there, the perpetual outsider. Felix never thanked me, and Luna, always ordering me around, was no different. If I didn't comply, Luna would get upset, making me feel like I was just their hired help. Did I owe them something? Ridiculous!
“For five years, have you ever had a shred of love for me? Am I nothing more than a workhorse to you, just here to be used??” I burst out. “Is Felix my close friend? My father? Why should I take care of him? I'm living worse than a dog!”
Even though I've been reborn, the anger still burns when I talk about this. Luna fell silent. I continued, "I'm letting go, giving you freedom and giving myself freedom. Stop torturing me. Come back when you have time, and we'll sign the divorce papers and finalize everything."
With that, I hung up, not wanting to waste more words on Luna, and drove to my parents' house. In my past lifes, I lost too much revolving around Luna, even my life. This time, I want to make it up to my family and myself. My parents were delighted to see me.
"Oh, Evan, aren't you busy with work? How come you have time to visit us today?"
"I'll make some dishes," my mom said.
Hearing that, my nose stung, and seeing their table with only pickles and steamed buns brought me to tears.
"What's wrong?" Mom asked, her voice filled with panic. She hugged me tightly, just like she did when I was a child, gently patting my back. Dad, seeing my distress, turned and went into the bedroom. He returned with a bank card in hand. "The PIN is your birthday. Use it to cover any expenses. If it's not enough, I'll find a way to get more."
“Mom and Dad, I’m fine. I just haven’t seen you in a long time.” I quickly shook my head, sensing their worry.
After everything I’d been through, I suddenly realized that the only ones who had truly taken care of me since childhood were my parents. They cared for me the most and were the least willing to burden me. They would rather eat pickles, endure the pain of illness, and save every penny just to leave me some emergency money. They never asked for anything in return. I owed them so much.