Chapter 4
760words
Lydia could not bear it any longer. She repeatedly texted and mentioned me in the family group chat.
[Mom, you’re over 60 years old. Why are you throwing a tantrum like a teenager? Aren’t you embarrassed?
[I only went back to celebrate the New Year’s with my in-laws because Charlie missed his grandparents. Why are you being so calculative?
[After all, I’m married! I have my own family to take care of! How can I stay stuck to you like it was in the past?]
After her waves of accusations, our relatives started jumping up with their opinions.
[Why is your mother acting like this? She’s ruining your peace after something so minor.]
[I bet she has too much free time on her hands, that’s why she’s creating drama. She should just do some community work instead and stop torturing her kid.]
I did not bother explaining myself. Instead, I just left the group chat.
I thought that would be the end of it.
Two days later, before the group tour started, the tour guide, Taylor Lee, texted in the group chat.
[Hello everyone! We’re about to start our journey. Remember to pack your belongings!]
I looked at my worn clothes, and I went out to the mall.
All these years, I had been frugal and channeled my retirement fund to my daughter.
It was about time that I bought myself some new clothes to welcome my new life.
I did not expect to see Audrey when I went into the shop.
She was wearing beautiful fur, and I looked bad in comparison.
I wanted to go to another shop, but Audrey stopped me.
“Don’t go, Lydia’s here too.”
She raised her voice, as if she wanted everyone to hear her.
“I heard that you’ve been ignoring Lydia’s calls over that small incident during the New Year’s?
“It’s not my place to say this, but you shouldn’t be so stingy as a mother. Others would laugh at you.”
Lydia heard us and came over. She looked disgusted when she saw me.
“Mom, you went missing for so many days and suddenly showed up when I’m buying clothes for my mother-in-law.
“Whatever, I’m a fair person. You can choose some clothes for yourself. Don’t embarrass me here.
“But after I buy you new clothes, you should drop that topic.”
I stared at her and spoke clearly.
“If you really know what’s fair, you wouldn’t fake the lots that you were drawing!”
Lydia was embarrassed. She raised her voice.
“Do you really have to harp over that small matter? My in-laws are also by themselves. So what if I spent the New Year’s with them?
“Don’t think just because you spend some money on us, we have to orbit around you!”
She sounded more agitated as she spoke. She pointed her finger at my face.
“If you still insist on being this unreasonable, don’t expect me to take care of you when you get old or sick!”
I looked at her quietly.
“Your husband should be the one taking care of your in-laws. What about you? Did they raise you?”
Lydia still wanted to talk back, but Audrey stopped her. She looked at me.
“Enough. You’ve ruined our mood!
“If you don’t want new clothes, go away. My daughter-in-law is going to buy me some!”
After she said that, she continued to pick out her clothes.
Upon seeing that, Lydia immediately followed her. She glared at me before she left.
“Fine, let’s see how long you can last. Don’t beg me to go to the countryside to pick you up!”
The shopkeeper looked at me sympathetically.
“Are you alright?”
I shook my head and smiled. I simply pointed at some clothes.
“Please help me get this.”
I tried on a few clothes and felt they fit me well. Then, I bought them.
Before I left, I glanced at Lydia. She was trailing behind Audrey.
“Audrey, you’re a natural model! You look great in anything!”
She was holding a stack of clothes in her arms.
They were happily laughing.
They probably did not know that Lydia’s supplementary card had already been canceled by me.
I walked out of the mall and grabbed my suitcase before joining the tour. I had just got onto the bus when my phone rang.
I answered the phone calmly.
Lydia sounded really frustrated.
“Why can’t I use the card you gave me? I haven’t paid for Audrey’s clothes! Do you know how embarrassed I am at the mall?”
