Chapter 10 — Mother-in-law stayed for three years, biological mother for half a month

What she needs is time. It's distance. Is to see my real change. Not some light promises. I exited the calling interface. Take a photo. It was a bright and clean living room after an afternoon of cleaning. The last sunlight of the day still lingers on the floor. Everything is so quiet that it makes people want to breathe easier. I looked at the photo for a long time. Then quietly sent it to Tu Tinh. The photo has been sent. I don't write any more words. She will understand. After finishing everything. My stomach suddenly growled loudly. Only then did I realize. I haven't eaten anything all day. I opened the refrigerator. Inside is empty. There was nothing left except a few bottles of water. I laughed bitterly. Then take your wallet and car keys and go out. I don't go to restaurants. But drive to the supermarket. Push the shopping cart between rows of shelves filled with food. Surrounded by each couple. Or small families of three. They were choosing food and discussing what to eat tonight. Those simple conversations were filled with the breath of life. I feel extremely lonely. I went to the fresh food section. I remember Tu Tinh's favorite dish is chicken wings with cola sauce. Likes to drink rib stew soup with corn. Rely on memories. I choose chicken wings. Buy sweet corn. Then take some green vegetables. A new bag of rice. At checkout. The cashier looked at my full cart.

“You bought this much food, is there a lot of people at home?”

I also laughed.

“I cook for my wife.”

Even now. She hasn't returned yet. But in my heart I have a strong belief. That day is not far away. I brought big bags and small bags home. Fill up the empty refrigerator. That feeling of satisfaction dispels a lot of fatigue. I tie my apron. This apron was bought for me by Tu Tinh a long time ago. It has a cute cartoon bear printed on it. I looked at it. The corners of the lips suddenly curled up. Then open the phone. Just looked at the recipe. Clumsily started preparing the ingredients. Blanch in boiling water. I made a mess of the whole kitchen. But I feel very happy. This is the first time I've actually gone into the kitchen for this family. Not because of coping. Not because of reluctance. But it comes from the bottom of my heart. Want to do something for your home. Two hours later. Three dishes and one soup are presented on the table. Chicken wings with cola sauce are slightly burnt on the edges. The color is not very nice. Stir-fried eggs with tomatoes seem a bit salty. Stir-fried broccoli with garlic is acceptable. Particularly the pot of rib soup stewed with corn. The scent is sweet. I scooped myself a bowl of rice. Sitting alone in front of an empty dining table. Eat foods that are not delicious. It was the most delicious meal I've ever eaten. I wash all the dishes and chopsticks. Store neatly in the closet. Right at that moment. The phone rang with a text message. My heart immediately pounded. I almost rushed to pick up the phone. Sender: Tu Tinh. She did not answer in words. Which sent me back a photo. In the photo is herself. Probably standing on the balcony. Behind are the bright lights of the city at night. She wore a white nightgown. No makeup. Natural loose hair. But in my eyes. That's the most beautiful figure I've ever seen. Below the photo. It's a short line of text.

"I want to drink soup tomorrow."

09. Redemption I stared at that line.

"I want to drink soup tomorrow."

My eyes immediately stinging. She said tomorrow. Not next week. Not next month. Which is tomorrow. She said she wanted to drink soup. Didn't say he would return. But that statement. Again, it touched me more than any words. Because it means. She was willing to give me one more chance. A chance to start over again. I hold the phone. My hands shook so much I almost dropped them. Keep opening that photo over and over again. Read that line over and over again. Either way, it's not enough. I look like an idiot. Walking back and forth in the living room. So happy that I don't know what to do. I really want to drive to see you immediately. Welcome her home. But in the end, I still tried to hold back. Can't be hasty. Repairing a relationship is like building a house. The house's foundation was destroyed by my own hands. I had to rebuild it brick by brick. Need patience. Need to be sincere. And more action is needed. I took a deep breath. Try to calm your emotions. Then answer her. Just one word. But in that word. Is all my promise. That night. I slept very well. It was the most peaceful sleep in the past half month. In the dream. No more arguing. No more blaming. Only Tu Tinh's smile. And the aroma of family meals. The next morning. I got up very early. Check the entire house again. Meticulous to every little corner. Make sure everything is clean and tidy. I stopped by the flower shop. Buy a large bouquet of champagne roses. Tu Tinh's favorite flower. Then back to the market. Choose the freshest ribs. The sweetest corn.