I wanted to fall into my mom’s arms and act like Erica, the way she would cling to her. Maybe Mom would pinch my cheeks and tell me how pretty and adorable I was, just like she did for Erica.
“It’s okay, Mom. I don't---”
I couldn't stop myself from reaching out, one step at a time, towards her. But before I could hug her, a slap landed on my cheek.
I stopped in my tracks. My ears rang. My head was spinning. The world seemed to move away in slow motion.
“Where did you get this fake medical report? Who was the doctor who gave this out, don't you know that this is against the law? I can't believe you are so cunning!”
Mom's muffled voice slowly reached my ears. She seemed to be speaking from far away even though I was less than a foot away from her. Coupled with the agonizing ringing, I could barely catch a single word she said.
“What? I can't hear you, Mom. Can you come closer?”
“I raised Erica with my own sweat and blood. Don’t you think I know what kind of person she is? A girl who cries if she accidentally steps on an ant is supposed to have schemed to hide your cancer? Is that what you expect me to believe?”