“Dad, don’t worry. I did as you asked—to be patient and care for my sister.”
“Now, her daughter Julia Long has returned from studying abroad. She has a good job and married well. She’ll have a lifetime of happiness.”
My father, busy preparing offerings, bowed to my grandfather’s tombstone.
“Dad, please watch over us and bless Nadia Nolan from heaven.”
My mother scoffed. “Enough. Don’t mention that unlucky girl. Just look at Julia and then at her—what an embarrassment. She failed the civil service exam, failed the postgraduate exam. At least Julia had the drive to stay abroad and bring back a rich husband. If we let her come, she’ll just bring bad luck.”
My father chuckled, trying to calm her down.
“Yes, yes. Don’t be angry. Dad is still watching.”
But my mother was indifferent. “If I hadn’t paid for Julia’s education, would she be this successful now? Julia was destined for wealth. It proves my decision was right.”
“You can’t blame the child,” my father sighed. “It was Nadia’s money you used for Julia’s studies. Of course, she’d feel resentful.”
“But I couldn’t let Julia suffer. My sister is my only sibling!”