Chapter 1

On my mother's birthday, I was bustling around the house, doing everything I could.

Then I overheard her complaining to relatives, "You know, Cherish really isn't as thoughtful as Braelynn. She's always calculating, knows how to act in front of a crowd. Unlike her sister, who has no guile, Braelynn only cares for me in private."

The relatives glanced awkwardly at me, standing just behind them.

Mom snapped back to reality, pouting, "Why the face? Did I say something wrong? Braelynn even called me first thing this morning."

So apparently, all it took to show I cared was one phone call.

I shrugged off my apron, opened the fridge, took out the gifts I had bought, and walked away, leaving the crowd utterly shocked.

*****

My mom hadn't expected me to suddenly come out of the kitchen, and for a second, she looked guilty.

Then she lifted her chin defiantly and pursed her lips.

She said, "What's with that look? Am I wrong? Your sister called me bright and early today."

The relatives quickly tried to smooth things over.

One of them said, "Your mom's just blunt. She doesn't mean anything by it."

My mom's voice suddenly got louder.

She said, "Don't bother explaining for me. I didn't say anything wrong. I have no idea what you're always running around for. You can't even pick up the phone to call me.

"Now that everyone's here, you want to put on a show? And where are you when no one's watching?"

I gripped the kitchen doorframe, trying to hold back tears, looking everywhere but at them.

My eyes caught the floor-standing air conditioner in the living room. I'd had it installed just a month ago, all because Mom once said it was too hot in here.

She'd complained, "The air conditioner at home keeps making noise but never cools the place down. I end up sweating through my clothes several times a day."

So that night, I ordered a new one, and it showed up the very next day.

The cherries on the coffee table were the ones I picked up three days ago.

I'd tried some really delicious ones and wanted them to have a taste too, so I sent some over.

The clothes hanging out on the balcony all looked familiar. Most of them were things I'd bought myself.

But in her eyes, all it takes to show you care is just a couple of phone calls.

Before I knew it, I'd already taken off my apron.

Mom's face was full of disbelief, like she couldn't process what just happened.

Mom said, "What are you doing? I'm your mom. Am I not allowed to say anything to you?"

I smiled faintly and, without saying a word, went to the sink to wash my hands.

As I glanced around the kitchen, my eyes landed on the home-made broth simmering on the stove, the roast meat cooking, and the crabs steaming away in the pot.

When Braelynn called Mom this morning, I was already at home.

I'd come over early, running around and doing everything I could, hoping Mom would have a great birthday.

When Braelynn found out I was already here, she quickly chimed in, sounding a bit disappointed.

She said, "Cherish, you got here so early. Mom, let me rush over and help out too."

Mom quickly replied, "No need to rush. Just take it easy. You just started working, must be tired. Just come over for lunch and dig in."

After saying that, she saw me standing there, her smile disappeared, and she hesitated before speaking.

She said, "Braelynn just started her job, and her boss gave her a hard time the other day, so she's been in a bad mood. Try to be more understanding toward her. Maybe next year she can come over early and help out."

I remembered she said the same thing last year.

Back then, it was all about how Braelynn was swamped with graduation stress, staying up late to finish her thesis, so she needed to rest.

But I'd just had a minor surgery myself, and Mom had already texted me a list of dishes she wanted a few days ago.

She said, "All your aunts are coming over for my birthday this year, so make sure to buy some good food. Just make a dozen dishes or so. Start prepping early.

"Since you're on break anyway, you shouldn't be too busy."

I'd just gotten back from a check-up at the hospital, and the doctor told me to rest up.

But after all these years, I just couldn't bring myself to say no to her.

"Cherish! I'm talking to you. Are you even listening?" Mom's sharp voice snapped me out of my thoughts.

I looked over, dazed, and saw Mom already on her feet.

She was wearing that expensive dress she'd had custom-made at a shop.

She said, "I've already picked out my birthday present this year. You're always busy, so I didn't want to bother you with all that online shopping."

Of course, I agreed. After all, it was always a struggle to find a gift that would actually make her happy.

But later, I found out that the 3,000 dollars was for two dresses, one for her and one for Braelynn.

After they got the dresses, they went and had a fancy photoshoot together.

Those photos were still front and center in the living room, like this house only had one daughter, Braelynn.

My aunt, Allie Donaldson, hurried to smooth things over, saying, "Alright, alright, it's your mom's birthday today. Don't make her upset."

Allie jumped in, trying to keep the peace.

I dried my hands and opened the fridge.