Chapter 2

【2024.3.12—I'll come back as a puppy to see you】

"Having my last meal with Mom."

I held the camera, whispering as I waved to it.

In the old house behind me, Mom was adding dumplings to a pot of boiling water:

"Why isn't Liam with you? Didn't you two always come home together?"

I choked up.

I smiled at the camera: "He... he's a little busy."

"Oh, you scared me, honey! I thought you two had a fight."

I quietly ate the celery and pork dumplings Mom made, giving her a thumbs-up. When she went back to the kitchen, I spat a mouthful of blood, mixed with the dumpling filling, into the trash.

Then, I quickly threw in some paper towels to cover the evidence.

I wiped my mouth, giving the camera an apologetic smile: "Stomach cancer… it's really brutal. Sorry about that."

"Honey, your hair…"

Mom came out and showed interest in my wig. I quickly pressed it down:

"Mom, I landed a role as a cancer patient, and I'm method acting, you know, immersing myself in the experience. See, I even shaved my head for it."

Mom laughed, shaking her head.

I immediately raised the camera to us both:

"Quick! Let's capture a moment with your wig-wearing daughter! Once this role is over, you won't see it again!"

The camera captured Mom's and my smiling faces.

I kept the camera raised for a long time.

Mom nudged me: "What are you spacing out for? Doesn't holding that thing up make your arm tired?"

I slowly lowered my arm, staring at Mom's smiling face in the lens:

"Mom, what would you do if I... wasn't here anymore?"

Mom froze.

I hugged her arm and leaned on her shoulder:

"Hey, Mom, I'm wondering, if I suddenly turned into a cockroach one day, would you recognize me?"

Mom stifled a laugh: "What on earth goes on in that head of yours?"

I mused:

"Right, a cockroach is still too gross. How about a puppy instead! A golden retriever puppy! Smart, and you could cuddle me for warmth in winter.

"I promise I wouldn't have any accidents on the bed! You wouldn't have to worry about a thing!"

Mom patted my hand:

"Even if you turned into a cockroach, I'd recognize you.

"I'd buy you big treats, big cakes, you could eat all you wanted, whenever you wanted."

I laughed, a loud, empty sound.

Until tears streamed down my face.

When Mom took the dishes to the kitchen, I went into her bedroom.

The money I'd earned from all my bit-part acting roles over the years was in a bank card, with the password written on it, tucked into the corner of *Heart: A Schoolboy's Journal* (The Education of Love).

After a moment, I added a note:

【Mom, I'll come back as a puppy to see you】

Tears splattered on the floor as I murmured:

"I really wish I could just... turn into a golden retriever puppy."