Chapter 10 — I Don't Wait For Them Anymore

I didn't consider it before, because my eldest brother's company needed me. What about now? I put my phone in my pocket. The scenery outside the window changed from hills to plains. The color of the sky gradually turns from clear blue to dark. It was very quiet on the train. I closed my eyes, Phuong Hoanh Vien's words echoed in my head.

“With your ability, there is no need to always be a stepping stone for others.”

The past twenty-eight years. I have sacrificed silently for this house for twenty-eight years. Checking vehicles, carrying luggage, refueling, buying medicine, running to customers, pulling orders. I do all the hard and dirty work, all the glory and warmth go to my eldest brother and Tran Dao. They are used to it. So familiar that I forgot I'm also human. So familiar that throwing me back at the rest stop didn't feel like a big deal. But starting today… I don't do it anymore. The train's loudspeaker signals its approach to the station.

“Dear guests, the train is about to enter Shanghai Hongqiao Station.”

I opened my eyes, stood up, and carried my backpack. The moment I stepped out of the carriage, the Shanghai night wind rushed into my face. Bringing with it the breath of the city, the hustle and bustle, the smell of dust, and the roar of the subway. I took a deep breath. This is my city. It's the life I make myself. Don't need anyone's grace, don't need anyone's remembrance. The phone rang again. Is a new number. Screen displays: Invitation to interview Commercial Director from Phuong Hoanh Vien – schedule confirmation message sent by his secretary. Next Wednesday, 2 p.m. I saved this message. Then open Wechat. The latest message in the family group is from my dad, sent forty minutes ago.

“Second guy, are you home yet?”

Dot. Not a question mark. He even regretted not wanting to type a question mark. I looked at the screen for three seconds. Retype one word:

“Okay.”

Then I clicked leave the family group. Step out of Hongqiao station. Traffic is busy. The city lights shine brightly. I stood in front of the station door. Catch the wind. Alone. But I have never felt so relieved and assured. RUN OUT OF