lyn'

a storm of memories as I drove through the familiar streets. The houses looke

daughters and a brother. But the roles had never been equal. My mother had always b

ever held accountable. I remembered one time when he had beaten me badly. I ran to my mo

y things worked

estigious school, but she didn't have a full scholarship. It

had worked hard for it, but when the time

to go to a vocational college instead. A free program, they said, practical,

r felt so

lling a house for, and one who was

t good enough. And she had slapped me across the face. A firm, resounding slap that told me eve

t, her

rom my thoughts as I step

in," he said, standing near

landing on my father. He was lying in

xplained. "We took him to the

The moment he saw me, his expres

ed flatly, keeping my v

istance for so long that I thought... well, perhaps you didn't care to c

on't say it like that, Dad. I just didn't come

't easy between us. Your mother... she was a complicated woman. Too strong-w

d, waiting for

protect you from many things." His voice faltered slightly. "It's just that your m

I had locked away-the times when my mother's anger burned hot and I turned to

st," I said, my voice barely

sed to stay burie

ell you. Your mother left a will..." His eyes dropped briefly.

w could I be after years of being overlooked? But deep down, the ache ti

, forcing a smile. "She was

has many places where he needs money. He's not like you, who married such a wealthy husba

iar lump in my throat. "No nee

called her myself. She doesn't know about your mother ye

tened. Scarle

uld have been. If I stayed a second lo