Chapter 4

In the pouring rain, I was beaten and cursed as I was driven out of the house.

My head spun with fury; I don’t even remember how I got downstairs.

Just as I sat in the car, trying to compose myself, a SnapChat message from Mom came through.

“Lily, don’t argue with your dad. He had a bit to drink today for his birthday, his mind isn’t clear. He didn’t mean to hit you. Don’t worry, Mom has already scolded him, so don’t hold a grudge.”

“Be careful on your way home. Mom cured your favorite salted fish for you. Remember to come back and get it in a few days.”

“Only you get some. Your dad and brother? We won’t give them any.”

In the past, hearing Mom say something like that would have made at least half my anger disappear.

Dad always favored Kevin, and while Mom didn't have much say in the family, she usually sided with me a little more.

Like the salted fish – only I loved it in our house.

Dad had told her many times not to make it; it was time-consuming and messy, filling the house with a smell.

I’d also tried to persuade her, telling her her back wasn't good, and curing fish took half a day sitting down. Plus, it was cheap and delicious to buy outside now.

Mom wouldn't listen. “If my daughter likes it, Mom will make it. What they sell outside has additives; Mom’s is all-natural, good for your health. You work so hard, with Mom’s salted fish, you can eat two more bowls of rice.”

She’d rub her back, carefully packing the salted fish into my bag as if it were treasure.

Every time I saw her like that, I’d instinctively soften.

But now, that property deed kept flashing before my eyes.

Did Mom really think that property deed was fake?

I didn’t reply. Just as I was about to drive away, an algorithm pushed a post onto my feed.