Chapter 12 — Don't Use The Two Words 'Filial Obedience' To Tie Me Down

The kitchen had been cleaned up, there were a few grapes on the table, Chu Ngon probably washed them for her child before going to the hospital. He didn't wait for me to return, he went directly to the hospital to stay overnight. We formed a strange kind of "shifting". He was on duty during the day, I took the evening shift. It's like two colleagues dividing their schedules. It's just... the "husband and wife" part in the middle has been eroded to the point of being almost empty. I took a sip of warm water, my throat felt a little less dry. Then step out onto the balcony and crack the window. Outside, the night is deep, but the city is still lit. I pulled out my phone, hesitated for a few seconds, then sent a voice message to my best friend.

“Khuong Dung, are you sleeping yet?”

The other party answered immediately: "No, just finished the lesson. Why is your voice so hoarse?" Khuong Dung is my college roommate, currently working as an editor, used to staying up late.

“Being in the hospital for a few days, I'm a bit tired.” I leaned on the railing and told a brief story about today.

The other end of the line was silent for a moment.

“Is your mother-in-law really sick this time?”

"Yes, it's true, hemiplegia will probably require long-term care in the future."

“Listening to the way your husband and your brother-in-law talk makes me angry.” Khuong Dung spoke frankly.

"The type of family that calculates, says 'together', but puts everything on you, luckily you don't give in."

“I also know I can't give in.” I smiled faintly.

“But having said that… I still feel uncomfortable, after all, it's his mother.”

“It's his mother, not your mother.” Khuong Dung said it very clearly.

“You've done enough already.”

"I'm not doing it for her, but because I won't regret it in the future."

"I don't want to wake up one day, already fifty years old, and look back and realize I've spent my whole life only taking care of others."

“So what are you going to do next?”

Khuong Dung asked.

“Do exactly as I say.” I looked out the window.

"We must clearly determine the money and salary, how much the three families pay each month, and then divide the care schedule by week or month."

“The money for hiring people is also divided equally.”

I said very calmly.

“Do you think they will agree?” Khuong Dung smiled coldly.

"Looking at the way your brother-in-law looks like, you can avoid it."

“So I have to make it clear on the table.”

“So they can't play dumb.”

“If they don't agree, so much the better.”

“At least I know what they're planning.”

The other side was silent for a moment then said:

"If you are thinking about divorce, tell me, I know a lawyer who is very good at handling property division and child custody cases."

I paused and smiled slightly:

“I haven't gotten to that step yet.”

“It's not you, it's your husband who is pushing you to that step.” Khuong Dung spoke frankly.

“His mother doesn't consider you family, and he's never really been on your side.”

“Did he hear everything you said today?”

“I heard.” I remember Chu Ngon's pale face.

“He was very shocked.”

“What a shock.” Khuong Dung smirked.

"He's used to you always giving in, always understanding, but now you're not like that anymore... that's why he's scared."

“You absolutely must not be soft-hearted.” Khuong Dung further advised, her voice serious.

"This is the time when you can't back down. Just take one step back and everything behind will collapse."

“I know.” I replied softly.

The voice was very light, but the heart was clearer than ever.

“There is one more thing you must remember.” Khuong Dung stopped for a moment.

“What you are doing, not only for yourself, but also for Niem Niem, she will look at it and grow up.”

I choked. Eyes unconsciously looked towards child's room door.

"I don't want him to grow up and only have the fear of marriage and family."

“I have to stand up for myself first, so that she knows that women should not be tied down in any relationship.”

The other side laughed softly:

“That's right, you think it's okay, I have your back behind you.”

Hanging up, I still stood on the balcony for a while. The night wind blew in a bit cold, but my mind became even more alert. I went back into my room and got my notebook and pen. Sit down at the table, turn the blank page, and start writing. On the first page, I wrote a headline:

“Plan for the care and support of Luong To Phan.”

Below that, I write down each item clearly.

“One, financial allocation.”

"Treatment costs: three families share proportionally, temporarily based on income, Chu Ngon's family pays five parts, Chu Manh's family pays three parts, the rest comes from pensions and insurance."

“Cost of hiring a caregiver: if rented, the three houses are divided at a fixed rate each month, transfer money on time, avoid arguments.”

“Two, care plans.”

"Do not take them to any home for a long time. Priority is given to a rehabilitation facility or professional care. If taking care of them at home, take the caregiver as the main caregiver, with relatives taking turns providing support."

"Caring schedule: divided by week or day, specific time frame, day care by caregiver, evenings and weekends alternate homes."

“Three, principles.”

“Whoever makes additional requests will bear the costs incurred.”

"The daughter-in-law has no obligation to provide independent care. The main care is for the biological child, and the daughter-in-law provides support."

“All agreements must be clearly stated in writing to avoid future disputes.”

I write each line with steady strokes.