Chapter 5 — The Last Stop of Marriage

After I sent that photo... Downstairs suddenly became quiet. I saw Tran Huy give the phone to Tran Quoc Dong. At first he seemed disdainful. Immediately after that, he grabbed the phone again. Just looking at the screen... His whole body began to tremble. Not out of fear. It's an unbelievable anger. He threw the phone hard and returned it to Tran Huy. Then he pointed his finger at my window and continuously yelled and scolded me. Even though you can't hear clearly... But looking at your mouth is enough to know. Going around and around, it's still just a few sentences like:

"Unfilial!"

"Ice bowl of porridge food!"

"Do you want to rebel?"

Tran Huy bowed his head and picked up the phone. From beginning to end... Don't dare say a word. I pulled back the curtains. Don't look at them anymore. Eyes cannot see. Your heart will be less troubled. I made myself a cup of tea. Sit down on the sofa. On the screen was showing a very upbeat comedy movie. I couldn't hear a single sentence. The phone vibrates. It's Tran Lac's WeChat message. A recording. I click open. At the end of the line, there was only the muffled cry of the child.

"Grandpa and dad are arguing downstairs..."

"Grandpa is very angry..."

"I'm afraid..."

My heart felt like someone was squeezing it. The person I don't want to hurt the most... is Tran Lac. But this war... The boy was inherently unavoidable. I took a deep breath. Then text back.

"Don't be afraid Lac Lac. Mom is still here."

"Just stay in the car, don't get out."

"Put on your headphones and listen to the story for a while."

A few seconds later. I sent another message.

"Mom, don't you need me anymore?"

Always more sensitive than adults think. I pursed my lips. Then answer.

"How can you not need me?"

"I'm just..."

"Teach your father how to be a true man."

I put down the phone. The last bit of hesitation in my heart... Completely disappeared. Because of Tran Lac. I can't even step back. I don't want my son to grow up... In a family where the mother has no dignity. As for the father... He doesn't have the slightest responsibility. Time passes minute by minute. It's almost nine o'clock. The Education Department's working time is about to end. The argument downstairs... Gradually came to an end. I saw Tran Huy half pulling and half pushing Tran Quoc Dong into the car. The black Passat finally started. Slowly leave the apartment complex. But I didn't feel any relief. It was just a temporary retreat. The phone rings again. Still Tran Huy. His voice was tired and exhausted. As if all my strength had just been drained.

"...He's gone."

"I see."

"Nhan Nhien..."

"What did you send?"

"Are you really planning to rebel?"

"That's not treason."

"That's my condition."

I calmly replied.

"You also have the right not to accept."

"Not accepted?"

"What should Lac Lac do if he doesn't accept it?"

"If he doesn't get admission, are you responsible?"

"I agree."

"Worst..."

"I transferred my child's school to this side."

"My dad will take care of it."

I blocked all his retreats. There was only the sound of heavy breathing on the end of the line. A long time later. He just spoke.

"...My dad said."

"Even if I die..."

"He won't agree either."

"I didn't ask him what he meant."

"Tran Huy."

"This agreement..."

"It's between you and me."

"It has nothing to do with him."

"Why is it unrelated?"

"First thing in there!"

"I asked you to give me your salary card me."

"So what about your parents' monthly living expenses?"

"That's your job."

"You can take your pocket money and give it to me."

"Or tell your dad to use his pension."

"Anyway..."

"Starting next month."

"Your entire salary..."

"It will be managed by me."

"And the red book too!"

"Why did you include your parents' names?"

"Don't I have the right to decide my house?"

"That is common property after marriage!"

"Just because it's common property..."

"So you and your family have the right to throw me away like trash?"

My voice suddenly rose. Tran Huy was silent again. I looked straight into space. Say each word clearly.

"Tran Huy."

"I don't negotiate with you."

"I'm just..."

"Notice."

"Sign the agreement."

"Then take a copy of the household registration book to complete the school admission procedures for your child."

"We'll meet in court."

Like the last straw. Crush all his stubbornness.

"Don't go to court..."

Tran Huy's voice trembled.

"I... I have something to say slowly..."

"I'm very calm."

"I'm still talking to you properly."

"Give me some time..."

"I need to think."

I looked at the clock.

"The Education Department will close at half past eleven."

"I still..."

"Two and a half hours."

I hung up. Place the Family Responsibility Agreement on the tea table. Next to it is a pen. Then text your mom.

"Mom, if Tran Huy comes up later, just let him come in by himself."

"Parents don't need to pay attention."

Done it all. I'm just waiting. Wait for his final choice. I know... He will definitely come. Because of my son. Because of the little dignity left.