Chapter 14 — Private House in a Joint Family

I smiled and hugged her, filled with gratitude. That's right — this is what a house should look like. Warm, peaceful, full of love and respect. That year's Tet, I didn't go to my parents' house. I took my girlfriend back to her hometown. Her parents were very hospitable and very pleased with me. We wrapped cakes together, lit firecrackers, and watched the Spring Celebration Gala. I felt a kind of family warmth that I had never felt before. On the third day of Tet, I received a call from my father. He said:
"Are you free? Let's meet outside for a bit."
I hesitated a bit, then still agreed. We met at a tea shop. He looked a lot older than last year, his hair was mostly gray, and his back was hunched. We ordered tea, sat opposite, silent. In the end, it was still he who spoke first.
"My brother, after being discharged from the hospital, he cut off contact with his parents."
"YES."
"A few days ago, it suddenly returned. It looked thinner, darker, but in much better spirits."
I was a bit surprised.
"He said, last year he worked as a worker at the construction site, endured many hardships, and thought through many things."
"He said, you're right. Before he was too chaotic, now he doesn't want anyone to worry anymore, he wants to rely on himself to live."
Dad said this, his eyes were red.
"He also said... he wanted his father to tell him: sorry."
Dad looked at me, his eyes full of torment and regret.
"Ly Vu, it's my parents' fault, before... I was really confused."
I put down the tea cup and looked out the window. Outside, the streets are bustling with people and cars, and the Tet atmosphere pervades everywhere. I know - this late apology cannot make up for my twenty years of resentment. But at least, it proves that my steadfastness is correct.
“It's over.” I spoke softly.
I'm not saying forgive, nor am I saying not to forgive. Because there are injuries that, once caused, cannot be erased. But I also don't want to continue tormenting myself because of the past. Everyone should look forward.
“I… am getting married.” I told him.
He was stunned, then immediately smiled brightly.
“Good, that's good... it's fun.”
He pulled out an old envelope of lucky money from his pocket. Looking at it, he knew it had been prepared a long time ago.
“This is a little bit of my father's heart, don't take it lightly.”
I don't accept.
“Dad, I don't need it.”
“Take it, you must take it.” He tried to squeeze it into my hand, "Consider it... as compensation from our parents to you."
I looked at the lucky money bag in my hand, my heart was filled with hundreds of things. We talked for a long time, talking about work, my girlfriend, my future. He did not mention Ly Loi anymore, nor did he mention my mother. We were like two friends meeting after a long time, calmly reminiscing about old times. When we said goodbye, he stood at the door of the tea shop, waving at me.
“Live well.”
I nodded slightly, turned around and left.
13
The days passed quietly, my life was as peaceful as a deep lake without any ripples. After being promoted, work became even busier, but I enjoyed it very much. Every day handling all kinds of problems, leading the team to overcome each difficulty, this feeling of accomplishment is something I have never experienced before. The relationship between me and my girlfriend is also growing closer. Her name is Vuong Tinh, she is an elementary school teacher, has a gentle personality, and knows how to listen. She never asked me about troubles in the family, she just silently stayed by my side whenever I was in a bad mood, gently hugging me. Family she is very warm. Her parents are both retired workers, gentle and simple. The first time I came to her house for dinner, her father dragged me to play chess, her mother was busy in the kitchen all afternoon, cooking a table full of delicious dishes. At the dining table, they continuously served me food, asking if I was tired or if life was difficult. That sincere concern almost made me cry. After eating, her mother pulled Vuong Tinh to wash the dishes, and her father called me to the balcony. He gave me a cigarette and lit one himself.
"Tieu Vu, Vuong Tinh told me, you are a good child, just a little miserable."
I didn't expect Vuong Tinh to tell my story to her parents.
“I… uncle, I…”
He waved his hand, interrupting me.
"Don't be nervous, we don't have any other intentions. We just feel that you are a very difficult child. From now on, we will be your family."
My eyes immediately became wet. At this age, except in books, I have never heard such warm words.
“Uncle, thank you.”
“Why thank you, we will be family from now on.”
He patted my shoulder. "I've already discussed it with my mother. We should consider getting married between the two of you." I was stunned. Vuong Tinh and I have only known each other for more than half a year. Although our relationship is very good, I don't dare to think about marriage yet. I'm afraid my family will become a burden to her.
“Uncle… I…”
“I know what you're worried about.” He seemed to see through my thoughts.
"It's your family's fault, it has nothing to do with you. If your family marries their daughter, they marry you, not your family."
"Bride price, house, car, my family doesn't need anything. You kids are just starting out, it's not easy, as long as you two live together well, that's more than anything."
My hand holding the cigarette trembled slightly. I didn't know what to say, I could only nod vigorously. That night, I returned to my house, sat on the sofa, thinking for a long time. I took out my phone and looked up my dad's number. Hesitating for a long time, I still pressed call.
"Hello."
“Dad, it's me.”
“Yeah, what's going on?” His voice was still as tired as ever.
“I… am getting married.”
The other end of the line was silent. I clearly heard his rapid breathing. A long time later, he spoke up:
“That… that's a good thing, when is it?”
“Not yet, still preparing.”
"Where is the girl? What's her personality?"
“Local people, teachers, very nice.”
“Good, very good.” He said "good" twice in a row, his voice choked.
I was silent again. I don't know if I should invite them to the wedding. Logically, it shouldn't. They have hurt me like that, I have no obligation to let them share my happiness. But anyway, they are still my parents. If they don't come, will I always keep a thorn in my heart? What will Vuong Tinh's parents think?
“Dad…” I had difficulty speaking. “The wedding… do you two want to come?”
Another long silence. It was so long that I thought he hung up.
“Can we…can we go?”
His voice was reserved and hesitant. At that moment, my heart felt like someone had stabbed me hard. The person who used to be noble and noble, using filial piety and love to bind me - now uses that almost humble voice to ask me: can you come to your son's wedding?
"Maybe." I replied. “But, I have conditions.”
“You say it, you say it Go."
"First, mother must not cause trouble during the wedding ceremony, must not say anything that will make me and Vuong Tinh unhappy."
"Okay."
"Second, I'll take care of the wedding expenses myself. There's no need for you two to worry, and don't interfere in anything."
"Okay."
“Third, Ly Loi cannot come.”
On the other end of the line, he sighed.
“It… it won't come anywhere, it's still outside, there's no way to go home.”
“That's good.”