Chapter 2

Uncle Coleman saw that I'd come back alone again. His expression wasn't good.

That evening, Aunt May tentatively asked:

"Did you and Jacob have a fight?

"Actually, when your mom was in the hospital, she noticed something too, but didn't bring it up because she was afraid you'd be hurt.

"You should rein in your temper. With both parents gone, you only have your husband to rely on.

"Having a child as soon as possible is what's most important right now."

I listened quietly and told her Jacob would come tomorrow.

I explained:

"His company hasn't been doing well these past few years. He always has work obligations.

"When my mom was in the hospital, he wanted to come too. Don't worry, we're fine."

I didn't want the family to know I was planning to divorce.

I was too lazy to deal with their attempts at reconciliation.

But I didn't expect Jacob to break his promise again.

In the morning, he told me he was on his way to the airport.

May had prepared abundant ingredients early in the morning.

"It's good he's coming. He didn't even show up at your mom's funeral. The whole village thought you'd been abandoned.

"Now he can shut them up.

"You should come back more often too. Come sit with us at home."

May bustled about in the kitchen, chattering as she worked.

But after making a whole table full of dishes, Jacob didn't answer any of my calls.

"Let's eat first."

I forced down my emotions and spoke, looking at them apologetically.

May and Coleman exchanged glances and both nodded.

"Okay, okay, let's eat first then."

"I'll have your cousins come over too. We can't finish all this food ourselves anyway."

"They can go up the mountain with you afterward."

May spoke while busily preparing the tableware.

Food left on the table for half an hour in winter had long since lost its warmth.

I forced back my tears, smiling with difficulty.

Coleman suddenly sat down next to me and ruffled my hair.

"You've always had your own mind since you were little. Do whatever you want to do.

"If your dad were here, he wouldn't bear to see you suffer like this.

"This is always your home. You still have family here. Don't listen to May. People need to live freely."

I smiled at Coleman and got up to go to the bathroom. I only came out after crying.

Coleman and May were in the kitchen reheating the food when my phone rang.

It was Jacob calling.

"Leah's in the hospital, in surgery.

"It's a matter of life and death. I can't just ignore her.

"Iman, tomorrow. I'll come get you tomorrow.

"And I'll bring Mom back to stay for a few days too."

I numbly listened to his words, emotions churning in my chest.

I didn't want to get angry. My mom always said:

"Iman, don't always lose your temper. It's not worth it.

"Let's just live our lives peacefully.

"Turn a blind eye, and decades will pass.

"Look at me—I had so many complaints about your dad before, but after he died, I only remember the good things."

But Jacob was really bullying me too much!

"You don't need to come anymore. When I get back, I need to talk to you about something."

I said coldly and hung up.

When Jacob called again, I declined it. His messages came through to my phone instead.

[Don't be unreasonable. Just wait for me.]

[If there was anyone else who could help, she wouldn't have called me.]

[About last time, she wanted to apologize to you, but I didn't let her.]

[Iman, you know your own temper. I was afraid you'd hit her again.]

[Can't we just live our own lives well? Why throw a tantrum over small things?]

[...]

He sent many messages. I skimmed through a few.

By then my cousins had returned. I turned off my phone and ignored Jacob. The meal was eaten with everyone lost in their own thoughts.

When we went to my mom's grave, my cousins waited for me at a distance.

I sat on the ground, looking at the person in the photo. Tears fell as I looked.

I had so much to say, but couldn't speak.

Only when leaving did I tell her:

"I'm sorry. I lost the son-in-law you liked so much. You won't blame me, will you?"

Just then the wind rose, as if fingers gently brushing across my face.

I held back my tears and left down the mountain without looking back.