I couldn't help but wonder, "In this life without my intervention, will Lizzy be content?"
Amanda merely cast a fleeting glance her way, dismissively remarking, "Just leave it there."
Her gaze dripped with disdain.
"It was just cooking oatmeal. What took you so long? Useless!
"And now you've made it all mushy, how am I supposed to eat this?"
She grumbled incessantly, never once considering preserving a shred of dignity for her own daughter in front of so many others.
Lizzy stood by, head bowed, seemingly oblivious, as if she had long grown accustomed to it all.
Suddenly, Lizzy lifted her head, locking eyes with me directly.
"Auntie, long time no see."
When I left, Lizzy was already seven years old and adept at recognizing people.
As I stopped feeling sorry for her, this statement struck me as somewhat eerie.
I was suddenly reminded of my mother's snide words from the past.
"You seem quite concerned about that little girl.
"You fool! She sells you out, and you will still be worried about her!"
Back then, I brushed it off, thinking my mother was just venting as usual.