Chapter 2

2

The relatives around us began throwing insults at my family.

My parents did work in a factory once, but that was five years ago.

I've been quite successful recently. My parents look like healthy, wealthy retirees now. Are these people blind? Where did they see poverty?

"Mom, I brought a gift for you."

My dad stepped forward, holding out a high-end gift bag to Grandma.

No matter what, she was his mother. Even after all the anger, he had found a way to let it go over the years.

"What kind of trash is this?"

Grandma didn't even look at it. She slapped the bag right out of his hand.

"I wouldn't dare take anything from a disgraceful son like you. I might lose years off my life just touching it!"

I saw the light fade from my father's eyes, and I couldn't stay quiet anymore.

"Don't want our stuff? Then why don't you return the money from the house you sold behind our backs? Otherwise, your precious life might really be at risk from the bad karma!"

"You! How dare you speak to me like that? I'm your grandmother! Besides, who stole your house?"

Grandma's face darkened, and she glared at me with pure venom.

"Is your memory failing you, Grandma? Let me refresh it."

I ignored my father's hand tugging at my sleeve and spoke calmly.

"Years ago, Frank wanted to go abroad but didn't have the cash. You stole our deed, sold the house, and gave every penny to him. We were kicked out on the street with nowhere to go!"

Thinking about it still makes my blood boil.

If Frank was her beloved child, was my father just a stray she picked up?

"That house sold for six hundred and seventy thousand dollars back then. I won't even ask for interest. Just give us six hundred thousand. The rest can be your tip for being such a great grandma. If you can't pay, maybe Frank can? He's so successful now, surely six hundred thousand is pocket change for him?"

We didn't need the money, but I couldn't stomach the injustice.

Today, they were going to pay back every cent they owed my father.