Her eyes were red and swollen, but she said nothing. She just stared at me, waiting for me to give in.
This time, I refused to endure it.
After all, she was my own mother. If she wouldn't leave, I couldn't drag her along. So I decided to take a two-week business trip to the neighboring city.
During my trip, my sister called several times. "Silvya, it's just croissants! Come back and apologize to mom. You can ask her to make as many croissants as you want."
"But remember this! She's getting old—she shouldn't have to put up with this."
I didn't say anything and just hung up.
Seeing I wasn't answering, my sister started bombarding me with messages.
Every single one of them was urging me to apologize. I couldn't even be bothered to open them.
When I returned home after my business trip, I discovered a trap waiting for me.
My father, who couldn't stand city life, had come up from the countryside especially and my aunt was there too.
My aunt was softly soothing my mother, while Melody kept giving me meaningful glances, urging me to soften my stance.
I watched everything unfold before me with a blank expression.