Chapter 19 — Don't Use The Two Words 'Filial Obedience' To Tie Me Down

Sometimes it's evenings after work, sometimes it's weekend afternoons. Every time I come in, I check the bed sheets for wrinkles, adjust the pillows to make them soft, then go to the nurse's counter to ask about the recovery status. Gradually, the nurses all knew me.

“She is a quiet daughter-in-law, but works very neatly.”

One time a nurse said to me in a low voice:

"Recently, she's improved a lot. She still says you're not good, but every time she sees you come... she's very happy."

“Then don't say it.”

“If you really complimented me, I probably wouldn't be used to it.”

That day, when I left, I walked through the garden. Old people sit on sun loungers, next to them are their children or caregivers. The wind was light and the sunlight covered each face. I suddenly understood... What this generation holds about "old age" is not money, nor is it a house. It's the fear... of being left behind. They just don't know how to say it. So I used the clumsiest, most painful way... Turn that fear into demand and control. Thinking about that, I sighed softly. I still can't completely forgive her for the years she used to make things difficult and calculate. But at least… I don't see all of that as my fault anymore. I have a choice. Between “filial piety” and “self-protection”… I can find a balance. Not perfect. But enough for me to stand. On New Year's Eve, the rehabilitation center allows family members to welcome patients home for Tet. Chu Ngon went early to pick up his mother. I'm at home preparing the New Year's Eve dinner. Niem Niem stood next to the couplet, carefully pasting the words on both sides of the door:

“Harmony breeds happiness, the family is peaceful.”

“Mom, what is ‘peace creates happiness’?” The girl raised her head and asked.

“It means people argue less and talk more clearly.” I replied while cooking and laughing.

“So did grandma come and argue?” Niem Niem continued to ask.

“The other day she said my mother was cruel.”

“If she argues, I'll pretend I didn't hear it.” I said.

“You just need to remember that I'm your grandmother, so pour me a glass of water.”

“What about mom?” The child tilted her head.

“Did mom pour you some water?”

“Depends on the situation.” I teased.

“If you don't scold me, I'll pour it.”

Niem Niem burst out giggling, pasting the couplet even more enthusiastically. In the evening, the doorbell rang. Niem Niem ran out first to open it.

"Paternal grandmother!" she called sweetly.

She sat in a wheelchair, wearing a thick cotton shirt and a new scarf, a gift given to her by a volunteer at the center. Seeing Niem Niem, her face immediately relaxed:

“Nem Niem has gotten higher.”

“Grandma is feeling better too.” she said seriously.

“How many steps have you taken?”

“Now you can go to the bathroom.” she was a little proud.

“Next year, maybe I'll even come pick my kids up after school.”

“Then you have to listen to the rehabilitation doctor.” Niem Niem spoke very properly.

“If you keep lying down, your legs will get bigger.”

“This little mouth…” she laughed.

The atmosphere immediately calmed down. Chu Ngon pushed the cart into the house and helped her take off her coat. I came out of the kitchen, wiping my hands:

“Already here.”

"YES." She looked at me and stopped for a few seconds.

Finally, she said softly:

“Happy New Year.”

I paused a bit. Unexpectedly... I could hear this sentence from her mouth.

“Happy New Year.” I nodded.

“Eat first, let's watch the show later.”

The dining table is not too sumptuous, but there are dishes that everyone likes. Steamed fish, braised meat, onion chicken, and a full plate of banh goo. She couldn't eat hard foods, so I gave her a few pieces of soft meat, then added a bowl of soup.

“Aren't you afraid I'll choke?” grandma Still not forgetting the sarcasm.

“So I ground it up.” I'm calm.

“If you think it's not delicious, I won't take it anymore.”

“Who says it's not delicious?” she muttered.

But he still chewed slowly, his eyes a little embarrassed. Niem Niem sat next to him and observed, then recorded in his diary:

“Today she did not scold mother, nor did mother give her a cold face.

They're like two neighbors who aren't very close yet, but they seem... a little better than before.” That night, fireworks bloomed outside the window. On TV, the MC's voice is boisterous but distant. The light in the room was warm and golden, covering each face. The four of us sat around the table, wrapping banh coc together. Niem Niem wrapped the food as distorted as a fatty fish, Chu Ngon wrapped it neatly, I did it the fastest, and she... could only use her left hand to straighten the edges, watching everyone busy.

“When I was young, I packed a large pot by myself.” she still did not give up.

“At that time your father…”

Having said that, she suddenly stopped. She remembered her long-lost husband. Remembering the years of supporting my family alone. The frustrations, hardships, pride... and distorted control. Everything seemed to rise, then calm down again.

"Stop." she waved her hand.

“No more talking.”