Chapter 2
My bedroom door was the cheapest wood in the house–thin panel, flimsy lock. After my frenzied assault, it finally gave way.[]
Immediately, my mother, Darlene, rushed from the kitchen wielding a butcher knife, her face instantly contorting with rage when she saw me. She swung her arm back and slapped me across the face with brutal force.]]
Breaking down the door had already drained most of my energy, and I was no match for her blow, causing me to collapse to the floor, dizzy and disoriented, my vision darkening as she delivered slap after slap, leaving me defenseless.]
In my dazed state, I felt my hand being pinned down hard as my mother snarled through clenched teeth.[]
“You worthless piece of shit! You actually had the nerve to break my doo
I’ll show you what breaking things gets you!“]]
Stinging pain radiated from my cheeks as I struggled to open my eyes. When I did, I saw her holding the butcher knife high above me, her face twisted with fury, all pretense of motherly love completely gone.[]
My heart stalled for an instant before pounding wildly. I struggled to pull my pinned hand free, but her years of working as a housekeeper had endowed her with remarkable strength. My right hand, trapped beneath hers, ached and numbed, yet I couldn’t wrench it loose no matter how I tried.[]
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As I watched the knife begin its downward arc, a cold realization washed over me, leaving room for only one thought–if she’s going to destroy my life again, then we’ll both go down together!]
“Enough!“]]
My father’s irritated voice suddenly stopped my mother in her tracks. “Can you use your brain for once? If you mess up her hands, who’s going to support her?“]
Hearing this, Darlene, who seconds ago had looked ready to murder me, instantly transformed into a meek kitten. She dropped the knife and stammered an explanation.[]
“I was just trying to teach her a lesson. Look how out of control she is! Today she’s breaking down doors, who knows what she’ll do tomorrow!“]
Following her gaze, I also looked at my father, who had already picked up his phone again, clearly wanting nothing to do with this situation. Without hesitation, I crawled over and knelt in front of him.[]
“Dad, please let me go to college! My teacher said my scores are good enough for a top university. After I graduate, I’ll take the teacher certification exam and become a teacher. It’s a respectable job, and when my brother gets married and has kids, I can help look after my little nephew and tutor him too. It’s perfect!“[]
I didn’t dare pause for breath, desperate to convince them.]
“Dad, I need a good college to find a decent job. Then while I’m still young, I can find a wealthy boyfriend and get married early. I could use his money to support both you and Caleb, even buy you a new house! You wouldn’t have to do anything–just sit back and enjoy life!“]]
My fervent promises made my father sink into contemplation.[]
Meanwhile, my brother Caleb, who had been playing video games on the couch, couldn’t contain himself and eagerly jumped
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“Can you buy me a car too?“]
I hesitated briefly before readily agreeing.]
“Absolutely! After I’ve been working for two or three years and saved enough, I’ll buy you a nice car!“]
Caleb was instantly hooked and began pressuring our silent parents.[]
“Dad! Mom! Just let Tiffany go to college! By the time I finish college, I’ll have both a house and a car–my classmates will be dying of jealousy!“]]
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