Chapter 5

I ate my instant noodles completely, not even leaving a drop of broth.

After eating, I found a motel, checked into a room, and took a hot shower.

Before getting into bed, I turned off all the alarms on my phone.

6:30 AM: Prep breakfast for Mom;

7:00 AM: Give Mom her medicine;

8:00 AM: Take Mom to physical therapy;

10:00 AM: Cook lunch;

...

8:00 PM: Massage Mom;

10:00 PM: Help Mom with her nighttime routine...

For seven years, my life was filled with alarm bells.

Now, I could finally get some proper sleep.

After doing all this, I turned off my phone, snuggled under the covers, and comfortably drifted off to sleep.

I woke up a full day and night later.

I packed my luggage and headed to the airport.

While waiting for my flight at the airport, I idly scrolled through my SnapChat feed.

I happened to see Sarah's latest post.

"Today, I personally cooked all of Mom's favorite dishes."

The dining table was incredibly lavish: pot roast, creamy mashed potatoes, fried chicken, bacon, a rich lasagna...

Mom's bowl was piled high with rich, high-fat, high-sodium foods.

My brow furrowed.

After Mom's stroke, the doctor specifically warned her to eat less high-fat, high-sodium foods to prevent another stroke.

I instinctively left a comment, "Seniors should eat lighter."

Three seconds later, Sarah replied with a crying emoji.

Immediately after, Mom's voice message came through.

I tapped it open, and a harsh, shrill voice filled my ears.

"Chloe, who told you to criticize your sister?! Are you jealous of me living well, is that it?!"

"When I was with you, I ate bland food every day. Sarah came back and felt sorry for me, giving me good nutrition. What's wrong with that?"

"You're such a killjoy! Besides, we've cut ties, why are you still bothering with me?!"

I took a deep breath, about to type an explanation.

But the next second, a red exclamation mark appeared after my message.

It was glaring.

Mom had blocked me.

I scoffed at my own foolishness.

Just then, the boarding announcement sounded.

I grabbed my bag, passed through security, and from that moment on, I had no connection to that city anymore.

A few hours later, I arrived in New York.

Lily came to pick me up and took me straight to the company.

After the interview, I signed the contract on the spot.

I immediately breathed a sigh of relief.

"Chloe, you can stay at my place first. Once your probation period is over, you can move out."

After leaving the company, Lily spoke directly.

I was about to politely decline, but she pulled me into her car.

"It's fine, Chloe. I also started out struggling in the big city."

With that one sentence, I knew she understood my predicament.

I no longer hesitated, but that day, I sent her a $1,500 e-red envelope via PayPal.

After that, I completely said goodbye to my past, throwing myself into work, even applying for overtime during the holidays.

Soon, the holiday break began, and I was the only one left in the office.

My SnapChat feed was filled with photos of family reunions.

Only I went to and from work, and ate, alone every day.

Though it was a bit lonely, my heart was incredibly peaceful.

Eight days later, the company reopened.

Lily often took me out to dinner with her friends, and my life gradually became more lively.

Just as I thought my life would continue this way, the day after Valentine's Day, I received a call from Sarah.

Her voice on the other end was frantic.

"Chloe, it's terrible! Mom had another stroke and is in critical condition, hurry back!"