“Mom, why are you being so stubborn? Is it worth making a fuss over something this small? Henry is still sleeping inside. Can’t you just cut me some slack?”
Her words shattered the last bit of hope I had in her.
I stayed silent, unwilling to argue anymore. I gathered my things, turned around, and walked toward the door.
When I reached the bottom of the building, I took out my phone. My fingers were numb from the cold, and it took several tries to dial Michael’s number.
I barely managed to say “Hello” before my throat tightened, making me unable to continue.
Michael immediately sounded alarmed. “Mom, are they treating you badly? Don’t move. Emily and I are coming to get you now.” After hanging up, I sat on the stone bench near the entrance of the residential area, holding my bamboo basket. The cold wind lashed at me, making me shiver nonstop.
I thought I would have to wait two long hours for Michael in the freezing wind, but unexpectedly, only fifty minutes later, I saw his car rushing toward me.
Before it even fully stopped, Emily jumped out and hurried to my side, pushing a thermos into my hands.