3
I waited for a long time on the Day of Mom’s Memorial.
Dad sent someone to deliver offerings.
But Vivian never showed up.
I called her, but no one answered the first three times.
The fourth call was picked up.
It was Clint’s mom who spoke: “Oh, Arland, do you need Vivian for something?”
“Today is my mom’s memorial.”
“Oh dear, is it sister’s memorial today? We’re so thoughtless.”
“My little dog just gave birth to puppies, and Vivian and Clint are so obsessed with them that they forgot about it…”
“It’s probably too late to come now. What should we do?”
“Auntie, whose call is that?”
“It’s Arland. He seems upset. What should we do, Vivian?”
“Hello, Arland?” Vivian’s voice came through.
I hung up immediately.
On the gravestone, Mom’s black–and–white photo looked back at me, smiling.
Her smile was so kind, so gentle.
It was a bright April day, yet kneeling there, I felt like I had fallen into a freezing abyss.
I hugged Mom’s gravestone, pressing my lips to it.
“It’s okay, Mom. At least I will never forget you.
On the way back from the lawyer’s office, I returned to that small house and unexpectedly saw Rachel and the others.
Clint stood between Rachel and Vivian, holding huge bouquet of flowers, beaming with joy.
Vivian spoke first when she saw me.
“Arland, look at Clint! His design won an international award.”
“I’m just trying to follow in my brother’s footsteps,” Clint said modestly.
Rachel snorted as she held the design draft. “Follow him? Please.”
“He studied under famous teachers but never won a single award.‘
bout
“These things are about talent, Clint. Don’t underestimate yourself.”
My eyes were suddenly drawn to the lines on the design.
I stepped forward instinctively and snatched the draft from Rachel’s hands.
Page after page–it was nearly identical to my original drafts.
Clint had stolen my work to win the award!
“You stole my designs! Clint, how can you be so shameless?”
I was trembling with rage and raised my hand to hit him.
But before I could, Rachel grabbed my wrist.
Then, with a strong push, I stumbled backward and fell to the ground, utterly humiliated.
“Arland, you’ve always been so arrogant. I’ve had enough of you.”
“Clint won the award through his talent. If you say he stole your work, prove it. Without proof, you’re just slandering him.”
“Brother, I didn’t steal your designs.”
“You’ve always hated me. How could I ever get close to your computer?”
Clint looked aggrieved, playing the victim perfectly.
I turned sharply toward Vivian.
My computer was always in the study.
The only person who frequently went there was her.
Vivian avoided my gaze, her guilt written all over her face.
What more was there to understand?
“Arland, look at yourself,” Rachel said, walking over in her high heels. She looked down at me coldly and tossed a string of fiery red bracelets onto the floor beside me.
“I don’t know why I ever liked you.”
I glared back with sarcasm, about to retort, when noticed Clint’s wristwatch.
When I got a closer look, my entire body shook with anger.
It was a custom–made diamond watch–Mom’s watch, which she left to me.
I cherished it so much that I rarely
wore it.
But now, the watch I treasured was on Clint’s wrist.
“Vivian, how dare you give Mom’s watch to him!”
1 pointed at Clint, my eyes burning with fury.
Vivian’s lips trembled as if uneasy. “Arland…”
Clint lowered his head and started unbuckling the watch.
“I’m sorry,
brother. I didn’t know this was Auntie’s keepsake. I’ll return it to you right now.”
Tears fell down his face as he spoke, looking like a pitiful victim.
Vivian immediately softened. “Clint, don’t take it off. I gave it to you.”
Then she turned to me. “It’s just a watch, Arland. If Clint likes it, he can have it.”
“I’ll buy you a better one.
13
Pain tore through me like a thousand cuts. My voice trembled. “This is Mom’s watch, Vivian. You have no right to give it away
“And even if I smashed it or threw it out, I’d never let the illegitimate son take it!”
Vivian’s face flushed with embarrassment and anger. “Arland! Stop being so cruel to Clint.”
