Chapter 5 — No Longer Waiting For Someone To Remember Me

"When you two used two sets of bowls and chopsticks to block me outside, this family was already divided." That night no one said another word. The next morning, I woke up earlier than usual. The kitchen door was slightly open. Luu Que Phan stood in front of the stove, cooking porridge in the pot. On the dining table there are two bowls. Still only two. I took a look then turned around and went into the bathroom to wash my face. When he walked out, Tran Hao was sitting at the table, his expression a bit unnatural. Luu Que Phan brought out a plate of fried eggs. There are only two results. Seeing me holding the bag, her lips moved. In the end, he still didn't open his mouth. I changed my shoes, opened the door and left. Behind him came Tran Hao's very quiet voice: "Are you really just going to leave?" I don't turn around. The lights in the hallway turned on one after another. The phone in my pocket vibrates. This is a notice to automatically deduct money from the joint account. Immediately after that a message appeared. Tran Hao sent: "Come home to eat tonight, mom will cook your portion." I stood in the elevator, looking at that text. As the elevator door slowly closed, I answered with one word: "See." 07 After answering that word, I put the phone in my pocket. Elevator to first floor. As soon as the door opened, rush hour people poured in. Some people carry soy milk, some people carry vegetables, some people walk while urging their children to hurry. Everyone seems to know where they need to go. I was the only one standing in front of the building, suddenly feeling that the door of this house was too easy to get in and out of, but getting a position inside was too difficult. Arriving at the company, I went straight to the cafeteria. A cup of hot soy milk was placed in my hand, the egg was peeled, pieces of shell fell onto the tray. Tieu Duong sat down carrying the porridge. Seeing the breakfast in front of me, she raised her eyebrows. “Still not allowed to eat today?” I broke the egg in half. “On the table there are two bowls and two fried eggs.” She sighed. “Didn't your husband say last night that he would cook your portion today?” I said, “He said tonight.” Tieu Duong's chopsticks stopped. “So breakfast doesn't count for you?” I laugh. “Maybe the savings only take effect in the morning.” She looked at me, a little angry in her eyes. “Don't always use jokes to suppress your emotions.” I bowed my head and took a sip of soy milk. So hot that the tip of the tongue goes numb. At this point I realized that some things are not painless. It's just that when the pain lasts too long, people will learn to keep a calm face first. At noon, Tran Hao sent a text message again. “Return early at night.” I don't answer. Ten minutes later, he sent again: "Mom bought food." I still didn't answer. It was almost time to get off work when a third text message arrived: “Don't keep making things awkward for everyone.” I looked at that text for a moment before answering: “Who is ‘everyone’?” The other side was silent for a long time. At half past six, I turned off the computer on time. Tieu Duong asked: "What are the arrangements today?" I said: “Go to the bank first.” She was stunned. "Doing what?" “Open a new tab.” She immediately understood and lowered her voice: "Do you really want to separate?" I put the computer in my bag. “Not separating, but putting your money back in your pocket.” The bank is right below the company building. The air conditioner in the lobby is very cold, the glass door divides the heat outside into two parts. I took the number, sat down, and heard the number ringing over and over again. The card making staff asked me if I needed to link the automatic money transfer service. T
oh no need. She asked again if we needed to open a service to automatically deduct family expenses. I said no need. After saying the words "no need", my heart suddenly felt a little more relieved. When I walked out of the bank, it was not yet dark. I bought a bottle of water at the convenience store next door, conveniently opened a joint account, and completely canceled next month's automatic transfer order. The screen displays a confirmation message. When I pressed down, my fingers didn't shake at all. At 7:40 p.m., I didn't go to the restaurant. I go to the supermarket. I bought a small bag of rice, a box of eggs, two pieces of chicken breast, a bag of green vegetables and a small pot. The cashier scanned each item and asked: “Do you have a bag?” I said: “Yes.” The small pot is very light in the hand, but it is like carrying a person's life. When I got home, the living room light was still on. The kitchen smells of grease. On the dining table are three sets of bowls and chopsticks. Liu Que Phan sat at the table, his body tense. Tran Hao stood by the window smoking tobacco. In the ashtray there were two pieces of tobacco. Seeing me walk in, he put out his cigarette. “Are you back?” I change shoes. "YES." Liu Guifeng forced a smile. “The rice has just been reheated, sit down and eat.” On the table there is a plate of potato stew, a plate of stir-fried vegetables and a bowl of soup. Three sets of bowls and chopsticks are placed neatly. If it were a few days ago, I probably would have assumed that this was a step for both sides to get into the water. But right now, I only see the empty bowl at the corner of the table. Emptiness is like a compensation that comes too late. Tran Hao walked over and softened his voice: "Mom specially cooked extra today. Don't continue to be angry." I put the supermarket bag on the cabinet by the door. Luu Que Phan's eyes immediately fell on the small pot inside. “Why did you buy these things?” I said: