"We searched so hard to find you. If we had to be separated again, I... I don't know how I'd go on living."
Mom held me tight, tears streaming down her face as she pleaded.
"This is all my fault!"
Dad raised his hand and slapped himself across the face. "I was such a fool back then!"
"Cecilia, just give us a little more time. Let us prove our love for you, okay?"
The red marks from his fingers stood out clearly on his cheek.
That guilt didn't look fake.
I bit my lip. My heart softened. Maybe they really did have their reasons?
"Mom. Dad."
"Family shouldn't keep secrets from each other. So I don't want you hiding anything from me."
Ignoring their startled expressions, I walked into the apartment.
Tomorrow was New Year's Eve.
It was also the last chance I would give them.
I wanted to know everything.
The next morning.
I woke to find my parents bustling around the kitchen, making dumplings—chive and egg filling, my childhood favorite.
"Cecilia."
Mom took my hand. "You were right last night. Family shouldn't keep secrets. We shouldn't have hidden this from you."
"We promised to spend the New Year with you, but we can't keep that promise."