"Your girlfriend went too far.
"Your father has been waiting his whole life to see you get married and start a family.
"And what did she do? She disappeared on the wedding day, and it made your father so angry that he coughed up blood…"
My mother held my hand as she spoke.
"Listen to me, son, break up with her!"
I was silent for a long time before finally saying, "Okay."
For five years, I had been bending over backward to keep our relationship steady.
But I was exhausted.
So, I chose to let go.
I took care of my father in the hospital for three days.
It wasn't until three days later, when the doctor said his condition was stable, that I found time to go home.
As soon as I walked in, my girlfriend stormed up to me and slapped me hard across the face.
"Harvey Keller, was that really necessary? All I did was go on a trip, and you responded with this silent treatment!
"If you don't want to be with me anymore, then let's break up!"
This wasn't the first time she had threatened me with a breakup.
In the past, whenever she said it, I would always back down, doing everything I could to win her back.
But now, I didn't see the point.
I agreed without hesitation. "Let's break up then."