Chapter 12 — Mother-in-law stayed for three years, biological mother for half a month

She said softly.

“I'm here.”

I took a deep breath. Then press the doorbell. The person who opened the door was his father-in-law. When he saw us, he stopped. Especially when you see me. His eyes were a bit complicated. But he said nothing. Just quietly step aside. Signaled us to enter the house. Mother-in-law is busy cooking in the kitchen. Heard noise. She turned her head to look out. When you see me. The expression on her face also stiffened. The shovel in his hand suddenly stopped in mid-air. The atmosphere in the living room was a bit awkward. I put the things on the tea table. Then go straight to the kitchen door. Looking at the woman, she has more wrinkles but is still as gentle as ever. The emotions in my heart completely collapsed. I bowed deeply. A ninety degree angle.

“I'm sorry.”

My voice trembled.

“It's a bad child.”

“It's me who's so bad.”

“I failed to protect my mother.”

"Let mom have to bear the pain."

“I don't dare hope for your mother's forgiveness.”

“I just want you to know…”

“I'm really sorry.”

Speaking of this. I can't continue talking anymore. Tears fell again. The kitchen was silent. Only the gentle sound of the hood echoed. Mother-in-law said nothing. She just looked at me. It was so long that I thought she wouldn't want to pay attention to me anymore. She sighed softly. Take off your apron. Then slowly step forward. A calloused but extremely warm hand gently placed it on my shoulder.

“This stupid kid.”

She said softly.

“Get up.”

"If you're a family member, there's nothing to say about apologizing."

“I think if it's clear, Mom can rest assured.”

“Life belongs to the two of you.”

“As long as you two live well.”

“Then all the pain I endured was worth it.”

Listen to those words. I couldn't hold back any longer. Squat down to the floor. Sob. Like a child who has lost his way for a long time. Finally found a place to return to. From this moment. My family has truly returned. That day's meal. Bring the taste of reconciliation. There are no reproaches. There are no painful memories. There was only the sound of bowls and chopsticks gently touching each other. And the small stories are told with caution. Father-in-law rarely speaks. But he kept bringing me food. That quiet man used his own way to say that. He accepted me again. Mother-in-law kept giving food to Tu Tinh. She said sadly.

“You definitely don't eat well outside.”

Tu Tinh just smiled. Say nothing. But the rim of the eye was a bit red. I do the dishes. His father-in-law immediately stopped him.

"Alright."

“Go sit outside with Tu Tinh.”

“I don't need you here.”

He pushed me out of the kitchen. Tu Tinh is sitting on the sofa. Talk softly to your mother. Afternoon sunlight passes through the window. Fall on them. That scene was strangely warm. But it also made my heart ache. Because it reminds me. Have I ever broken something? Just missing a little more. I have lost everything. We stayed until afternoon before leaving. While sending us downstairs. My mother-in-law held my hand.

“Tieu Nghi.”

“In the future, live well.”

“Tu Tinh is a good girl.”

“Don't let her suffer anymore pain.”

I nodded vigorously.

“Mom, don't worry.”

“I understand.”

Return to the car. Tu Tinh remained silent. She looked out the window. The buildings and people gradually receded back. I reached over. Gently hold her hand. That hand was very warm. Tu Tinh turned to look at me. She squeezed my hand back. We said nothing. But they both understand. There are things. Returning little by little. It's trust. It's peace. It's the feeling of being called two words... Returning home. The door just opened. Welcoming us is the gentle scent of champagne roses. The same smell of sunshine lingers in the air. This house. Finally the warmth returned. Tu Tinh walked into the bedroom. Start arranging some of the clothes you just brought home. I stood outside looking at her back. Suddenly I felt peace like never before. Right at that moment. My phone rings. It's a strange number. I hesitated a bit then picked up the phone. On the other end of the line, a familiar voice rang out. He changed his phone number.

“Hello, son.”

His voice sounded very tired.

“Your mother... is home.”

My heart suddenly tightened.

“Mom... are you okay, dad?”

The other end of the line was silent for a few seconds. Then there was a heavy sigh.

“Not good.”

“She locked herself in her room.”

“Refuses to go out.”

“Don't eat rice.”

“Don't talk either.”

“Dad called and she used something to knock on the door.”

I can almost imagine that scene. My heart suddenly ached.

“So what about dad?”

I asked softly.

“Dad, it's okay.”

“Dad can still take care of himself.”

“On the contrary, it is me.”

“How is it with you?”

“Tu Tinh...are you home yet?”

I turned my head to look towards the bedroom. Tu Tinh was walking out holding a stack of clothes. She looked at me. Smiling very lightly. I also laughed.