Chapter 1

My parents raised me to be filial.

After my mother was paralyzed in a car accident, I dropped out of school to work and pay for her treatment.

But the money I earned was never enough.

So, I decided to take a risk. I volunteered for a drug trial to raise the funds for her surgery.

As the anesthesia entered my veins, my consciousness grew hazy.

In a daze, I felt my soul lift from my body.

And there I saw my parents, sipping coffee in an upscale restaurant.

My mom said, "We were right. Our daughter is truly filial."

My dad agreed, "We can end this test now. Tomorrow, we'll tell her the truth.

"After this, we can leave her the family fortune."

I froze. So, this was all a test of loyalty. But the me lying on that trial table was already dying.

*****

I dragged my exhausted body back home.

It was payday, and my dad was already waiting for me in the living room.

Before I could take a sip of water, he grabbed my phone.

His brows were furrowed, and his tone was harsh. "Why is there 33 bucks missing? Did you use it without telling us?

"Your mom and I can't afford meat, and you still dare to blow money?"

I was already used to my dad's accusations.

I quietly showed the medicine bottle in my hand. "Does Mom always say her pain keeps her up at night, right?

"My friend said this medicine is really good for pain relief. I didn't want Mom to suffer."

My dad hesitated, not saying a word.

I glanced up and met his eyes.

His expression was so complex that I couldn't make sense of it. But a moment later, his face hardened again, and his tone turned strict.

He sounded really pissed off. "You've been working for two years now, and you're still earning peanuts? You know how tough things are for us.

"You should be hustling harder, making more cash, and taking some of the load off us.

"Instead of slacking off like you are now, not able to cover your mom's meds.

"We raised you, so you should take care of us and help your parents out."

Ever since my mom's accident, my dad had been worried sick.

The whole family's burden was weighing on him alone. He was no longer the successful Mr. Hayes he used to be.

My heart ached for his graying hair and the way his back was starting to hunch. I always wanted to help out more.

"I'm so useless," I muttered. "When I get some spare time, I'll start delivering food and try to save up more money for Mom's surgery."

My dad suddenly raised his voice, his tone sharp and cutting. "How much can you really make delivering food? Relying on that, when will your mom ever get better?

"The doctor said if we don't get her into surgery soon, your mom will be paralyzed for life."

My dad was so pissed, he slammed his hand on the table. "I've already scheduled the surgery for two weeks from now.

"Sharon, I don't care how you do it, but you have to come up with the full amount for the surgery in two weeks.

"If you can't, then you're no daughter of mine. You're an unfilial child."

Two weeks? I wanted to beg my dad for a little more time. But seeing his tired, aging face, I couldn't do it.

"Alright," I whispered. I gave in quietly.

The weight of it all was suffocating me.

When I reached my mom's door, I took a deep breath and tried to pull myself together.

She was already suffering enough. I didn't want her to worry about me, either.

My mom asked, "Why are you standing there? Do you think I smell bad?

"I raised you, changing your diapers and cleaning up your messes, and now you're looking down on me?"

My mom could only move her upper body. She needed help with everything, the most basic things like eating or using the bathroom.

For someone who always cared about appearances, this was a crushing blow.

"I don't mind, Mom." I wiped her clean, then carefully lifted her onto the chair, my arms aching from the effort.

I started making the bed. I kept cleaning until there wasn't a trace of smell left in the room.

"Get me some water," my mom snapped.

I checked the water with the back of my hand, then carried in a cup of water.

I helped her take a sip. But she spat it out and shoved the cup away, sending water everywhere. Shards of glass scattered, slicing the back of my hand.

"Are you trying to scald me? Of course. I knew it. You've always seen me as dead weight, waiting for me to die!" she yelled.

I didn't say a word, kept bringing her fresh water until my mom was satisfied.