In my past life, I was deceived by this facade, shouldering the medical costs alone, letting him live carefree.
I looked at him, "Sure, but let's keep clear accounts even among siblings. Make a note of the details, and you'll sign an IOU for me! After all, I can't deprive you of the right to support our mom."
He seemed a little surprised by my response, after all, I used to be blindly generous.
Just then, the neighboring aunt stepped out, having just hailed him a filial son, leaving him unable to say much, he hastily agreed and left.
Back in the room, my mother also probed.
"Gloria, how much will the surgery cost? Can you afford it? If not, mom won't treat it!"
Hearing this again, my heart felt nothing. Her favoritism was bone-deep.
All the signs were there before, but in my previous life, blinded by habit, I never realized.
"Mom, don't worry! The investment you had me manage just matured, the principal and interest total about two hundred thousand, enough for the initial treatment costs!"
My mom immediately sat upright, grabbing my arm with a slight force. "No, that's my coffin fund, how can we use it now? This is money saved for Ste... for you and your brother!"