Chapter 22 — Don't Use The Two Words 'Filial Obedience' To Tie Me Down

Luong To Phan will still be talkative, stubborn, and controlling at times. The sister-in-law will still have her own calculations, sometimes comparing for benefits. Chu Ngon cannot become the perfect husband overnight. As for me, there will be times when I'm frustrated, tired, and even want to give it all up. But it is in that imperfect reality that we have learned to draw boundaries. Learn how to give without sacrificing yourself. Learn how to replace the sentences “you must”, “you should” with three much lighter words—“I want”.

"Mom." Niem Niem suddenly turned around and called me, "Mom, come here."

“What are you doing standing there?”

“I'll stand here and see clearly.” I smiled, stepped closer, "Look at the two ancestors, one big and one small, of our family."

“Who is the ancestor?” Niem Niem was not convinced.

“My grandmother.” I replied, “I still have to wait a few more years.”

Luong To Phan glanced at me: "The mouth is only good at talking."

“I learned from you.” I replied.

A nurse passing by saw this scene and couldn't help but exclaim: "Your family looks so happy." When Luong To Phan heard that, a trace of pride flashed across his face. She straightened her back slightly, as if the previous troubles and calculations no longer had anything to do with her. It's getting dark. The street lights outside the window lit up one after another. In the central hallway, the sounds of wheelchairs, footsteps, and the soft laughter of the elderly mixed together. I pushed Luong To Phan's wheelchair and slowly walked around. Niem Niem danced forward, occasionally turning around and reminding: "Be careful on the steps." Chu Ngon carried a trash bag and quietly walked behind. At that moment, I suddenly understood— The so-called “old age” does not necessarily mean earth-shattering sacrifices. There is also no need for a house to be worth as much as an exchange condition. Maybe just, within my ability, do what I can. When you exceed the limit, dare to say "no". Then carry the hurts and misunderstandings you once had, try to live the rest of your life... a little more gently. On the way home, city lights flashed through the car window. Niem Niem in the back seat was sleepy, her head nodding, and finally she fell asleep on my lap. Chu Ngon drove and softly called out: "Know Nghien."

“Thank you… for not leaving me.”

Chu Ngon looked straight at the road ahead, his voice very soft.

“Those days, I knew you could actually go.”

“I've thought about that.” I don't deny it.

“After that, I didn't go… because of Niem Niem.”

“Also for you.”

I looked at the light outside the window and said calmly:

“You finally took a step forward, I didn't want to turn around and leave at that moment.”

"Besides, I can't bear to give up the house that I've worked so hard to build for so many years."

Chu Ngon's eye sockets turned slightly red.

"In the future, let me take care of your mother's matters." he said.

“I can help you, but there's no need to continue standing in front of me.”

“You said this twice already.” I laughed.

“I hope you won't forget in the future.”

“If you forget, I will take you to the rehabilitation center and have you stand and punished.”

“Then you will pretend to be paralyzed.” Chu Ngon was half joking and half serious.

“Let's see if you have the heart to send me to the rehabilitation center too.”

“Don't you dare.” I gently pinched him.

“I will clean out your slush fund first.”

“Then I think I should still be healthy.” Chu Ngon burst into laughter language.

The car turned a corner, ahead was a straight overpass. The night wind blew through the glass window a bit, bringing with it a slight cold, but it was no longer bitter. I lowered my head to look at my daughter sleeping soundly in my arms. Then he tilted his head and looked at the man who had finally learned to stand straight and face his mother. Suddenly I realized... I also seemed to have learned something very important. From now on, if anyone asks me:

"Who will take care of you when you get old?"

I will no longer have that sentence stab me cold in my heart. I can calmly answer:

“First, I will take care of myself well.”

“Then, to the best of my ability, I will love those I want to love.”

“Who will take care of me in the future, that's a matter of the future.”

“I won't use that statement to tie anyone down.”

“I won't let anyone use that sentence to tie me down.”

The car's lights tore through the darkness, continuing to drive forward. The city stretches out below, like a map unfolding. In later life there will still be new troubles, new quarrels, and then new reconciliations. But at this moment, my heart felt strangely peaceful. Because I finally understand— The so-called true aging is never about placing all hope on the shoulders of others. But with someone willing to walk beside you, slowly walk the rest of the way. No rush. Don't bow your head. No complaints either. Just step by step... keep going.