Chapter 3

In kindergarten, a boy pulled my pigtails. I cried loudly, inconsolable.

Research shows children feel secure hearing their mother's voice.

The teacher called mom. I put my ear close to the receiver.

"Crying over such a small pain, useless."

After that, no matter how much it hurt, I held back my tears.

I was always well-behaved.

Never crying or making a fuss, the most obedient child in class.

Best at games, top of the class in studies.

The teacher said she'd praise me at the parent-teacher meeting.

She called mom: "Mrs. Evans, next Monday is the parent-teacher meeting. Please come."

I was secretly delighted.

If mom came, she'd know how great I was.

She'd pat my head and even brush my hair.

That day at lunch, I hid away a reward candy.

This candy was so popular, everyone would eat it right away when given one.

The sweet taste would linger in your mouth all day.

I wanted to share it with mom.

I stared at the shiny wrapper, resisting the urge to unwrap and eat it.

I waited through class after class, the candy almost melting in my palm.

I had to open my hand, praying mom would come soon.

Other kids' parents all arrived. My seat remained empty.

As the meeting was ending, mom walked into the classroom.

I stretched out my left hand holding the candy, walking towards mom.

"Teacher, this child is sensitive and stubborn. Sorry for the trouble."

I stopped in my tracks, lowering my hand.

"Teacher, Lily stole something."

Someone spoke up, pointing at me: "She stole the candy handed out at lunch."

Emily grabbed my left hand, forcing it open.

One finger, two fingers, revealing a candy with colorful wrapping.

She slapped me: "How did I teach you? Daring to steal."

I wanted to explain that I had saved this candy.

Mom's words made me shut up: "You disappoint me so much."

"Speechless now? No wonder you're his child, only knowing how to steal and grab."

The teacher tried to explain, saying it's normal for kids to like sweets.

But it was no use.

In mom's heart, I was a child who liked to steal.