Chapter 18 — I Have Conceded Enough

Some people, because they wanted the frame to look better, even broke a few crystals scattered next to the tool. I stepped forward. The photographer was stunned.

“Thank you, miss?”

“These things are not allowed to be touched.”

I gathered every item that was thrown around and put it in the plastic bin I brought with me. A photography assistant quickly intervened.

“Miss Hua said you can use it.”

“She said it doesn't count.”

I put the magnifying glass in the box. When I picked up the old carving knife, my hand stopped. The tip of the knife is broken. Only half left. I tightened my grip on the carving knife, without saying a word. The first time my grandmother taught me to repair jewelry, she used this same knife. I was twelve years old then. I was recently welcomed into the Ta family's house. Mom was busy following Hua Tinh Mien to participate in the piano competition. Father and eldest brother are both not at home. I hid alone in my grandmother's room, took off the pearl hairpin my mother gave me and cut it into eight pieces. Grandma didn't scold me. She held my hand and taught me how to smooth the metal edge. She said:

“Tri Vi, don't be impatient when things are broken.”

“Let's see if there's anything we can keep.”

Later, my grandmother passed away. This carving knife became the only tool she left me. Now it's broken. The assistant photographer quietly explained:

“When I was setting up the scene, I was not careful and dropped it to the ground.”

“Sorry.”

“Excuse me?”

I raised my head. The assistant's face turned pale. Hua Tinh Mien ran over, saw the broken carving knife, and was stunned.

“Sister.”

“I didn't know it broke so easily.”

“Who gave you permission to touch it?”

My voice is not loud. It reflexively retreated behind its mother.

“I just wanted to take pictures.”

“These tools are left there without any use.”

“Besides, the staff didn't do it on purpose.”

I looked at it.

“Sorry.”

Hua Tinh Mien's eyes immediately turned red.

“Sister, I'm sorry.”

It speaks very fast. Tears also fell very quickly.

“I really didn't know it was that important to you.”

“If I knew, I definitely wouldn't touch it.”

"I'll give you a new set."

The eldest brother came from behind.

“Tinh Mien apologized.”

“Don't make a big deal out of it.”

I clutched the broken carving knife. The hilt of the knife rubbed against my palm until it turned red.

“She knew clearly that this was her grandmother's thing.”

“It just knows it's a tool.”

“I didn't expect it to be that old.”

The eldest brother frowned.

“Tomorrow is the wedding.”

“Do you have to be angry about a knife at this time?”

A knife. I looked over at my mother. She avoided my eyes. Dad also came from the living room. After hearing the story, he spoke in a low voice:

“Tell someone to order a new set.”

“Buy the best quality.”

“Dad.”

“What?”

“Did you know your grandmother used it?”

Dad stopped. You probably don't know. It's also possible that he has forgotten. Mom finally spoke up:

“Tri Vi, I know you're sad.”

“But Tinh Mien didn't mean it.”

“He's getting married tomorrow, don't let him get married with a sad, crying face.”

That's it again. Hua Tinh Mien's sadness needs everyone to gather to protect her. My sadness can be solved by buying a new set. I bowed my head and put the broken knife in the inventory.

“Okay.”

Mom clearly breathed a sigh of relief. The eldest brother stared at me again.

“What are you going to do again?”

“Take my things Go."

“I still have to take pictures tomorrow.”

“Can't use it anymore.”

“Change into new clothes.”

Hua Tinh Mien cried and shook her head.

“I don't need new clothes.”

"If you're not happy, I won't take any more pictures."

He walked in front of me and grabbed the handle of the suitcase.

“Sister, don't go.”

“Stay home tonight, sister.”

“Let's leave tomorrow.”

I looked at it.

“Let go.”

“I just want to be with you.”

“I promised to be your bridesmaid.”

“It will be on time.”

“But I won't stay here.”