Chapter 5 — The Invisible Girl

The body has just recovered and becomes tired again. My voice was very light, but still transmitted clearly to the other end.
“Mom, did you ever take care of me?”
"What?"
She was stunned for three seconds, then asked again in disbelief.
"I said, what did you ever take care of me?"
“I…”
Without waiting for her to answer, I directly interrupted.
“Have you ever celebrated my birthday?”
“Do you know what I majored in college?”
"During four years, during winter and summer vacation, have you ever had a day off? Tuition is paid by yourself. During four years, how much living expenses did mom give you? Is it one-fifth of what your sister gives you?"
“Who does all the housework in the house?”
“Do mom and dad have the right to say that they once took care of you?”
There was no sound on the other end of the phone. Even their breathing was almost inaudible. They looked at each other, because these questions they could not answer. In the end, dad was still the one who spoke.
"I'm the older sister, why are you still comparing yourself with your younger sister?"
I suddenly burst out laughing, because they have used this saying countless times. Every time there is no more reason, they use their sister's identity as a shield. It was like a huge mountain pressed down on me.
“Just because you're one year older than her, do you have to live like an invisible person?”
"Child, you think too much. When will your family consider you invisible?"
“About buying a house, all four of us know.”
Dad paused for a moment.
“Dad already told me, I didn't have time to tell you.”
“Dad, half a year, one hundred and eighty days, don't you have time to tell me every day?”
He was completely speechless. Mom was a little embarrassed, so angry that she grabbed the phone.
"Why are you bringing up these old stories? Do you have to make us angry to be happy?"
The younger sister's voice carried the sound of crying.
"Sister, it's all my fault. Stop talking."
I felt helpless, but more than anything, liberated. I finally said these words. Sleepiness came again. Without warning, I directly hung up the phone. I closed my eyes to rest for half an hour, then Chu Tinh Le returned. His expression was calm, in his hand was a packed lunch box.
“Eat some.”
I looked at him for a moment, then suddenly said:
"I recognize you. You're an engineer from the company next door."
He laughed.
"You finally realized. We've met no less than five times, Miss Truong Tinh Chan."
My face turned slightly red and I lowered my head to look at the food tray. He bought Chinese food, the taste is frugal, very suitable for sick people. After that day, we gradually became close. Chu Tinh Le has been to Mexico for three years, and he knows a lot more about things than I do. In his free time, he often comes to teach me Spanish. Sometimes we even go to the movies and play tennis. The sunshine in Mexico is very bright, there are many cafes and museums. Compared to my previous busy but boring life, I am now like a hamster released into a fully equipped play area. Little by little discover the joy of life. Chu Tinh Le always holds the camera behind me, helping me record every moment. In just two short months, I had more photos than I had in the previous twenty-four years. He played with the camera, carefully examining each photo. After hearing what I said, he looked over somewhat suspiciously.
"In What's up?"
My eyes left the photo and turned to his face. After pausing for two seconds, I honestly said:
“Because they don't like me very much.”
In Chu Tinh Le's eyes, something seemed to vibrate slightly. Before, I was afraid of seeing that in other people's eyes. But now, I can calmly accept that feeling called heartbreak. He hugged me, purely like he was comforting a child.
“I like you.”
I smiled, wrapping my arms around his waist. My brother called again. For two months, they still thought I would bow my head and apologize like before. But they still can't wait.
“During this time, mom cried several times, and dad didn't talk much. Are you really not heartbroken at all?”
My brother's first sentence was still blaming me. I sighed.
“What do you want me to say?”
His brother's voice was a bit hesitant, there was an anxiety inside that had never appeared before.
“Tieu Tinh, do you hate us?”
“I don't regret it.”
“So why do you have to leave us like that?”
“Because I resent everyone.”
The brother was silent.
"Brother, why am I also your sister, but the way you and Giai Giai treat me is so different?"
“Sometimes, I even think about why my mother gave birth to me.”
I laughed.
“But that day I found out, it turns out I almost killed her. No wonder she hates me so much, so there's a reason for everything."
My voice was very calm, so calm that I coldly accused myself. But his brother sadly denied it.
“Tieu Tinh, don't think like that. I'm family, no one hates me."
He was silent for a few seconds. When he opened his mouth again, his voice was difficult, as if his tongue had been cut by a knife.
“Actually, I have you in my heart. When I was little, you used to hug me, give me milk, and used my pocket money to buy toys for me.”