“It’s hard for me to wrap my head around this, but are you all really planning on coming to this event? I’m honestly surprised you’re even considering it.”
“Nancy, why would you say something like that?”
“This ceremony is supposed to be dignified, and having a family like yours here, which isn’t exactly wealthy, kind of takes away from that sophistication. So could you kindly leave as soon as you can?”
On the day of my brother’s wedding, our family’s happiness started to fade when my brother’s bride-to-be, dressed in her flawless white gown, spoke words that felt cold and heavy, overshadowing her beautiful appearance and casting a shadow over our spirit.
She looked down on our family, aware of the others watching, leaving us completely taken aback.
It seemed she believed our simple presence lowered the prestige of her world. Her baseless insults were directed only at us, showing a clear disdain for our family.
Yet, in response to this unjust treatment, only our dad burst into laughter, as if to lighten the mood.
“Hey, what an interesting situation,” Dad said, his laughter surprising everyone around and bringing a moment of silence to the crowd.
I’m Karen, 22 years old, living a pretty normal life. I graduated from an average university and now work as an admin at a reputable company. Ordinary is probably the best word to describe my journey so far.
My dad, on the other hand, is a renowned figure in neurology. After years at a university hospital, he started his own clinic. Now semi-retired, he focuses fully on brain research. The clinic is currently managed by a protégé of his.
My parents and friends often ask why I didn’t follow in the medical footsteps. They expect a lot from me, but I always say the same thing: the responsibility of dealing with life and death is too much for me.
I want to make a difference and help people, but that doesn’t mean I’m ready to take on the noble role of a doctor.
My brother James, however, chose differently. Three years my senior, he’s always been academically brilliant and got into a prestigious medical school directly.
He’s also quite handsome, which makes him popular, but his academic and social success seems to have changed him, especially after a certain point.
Back when I was in high school, my brother’s social life took off after he got into medical school. His dates became the talk of the town, and his trips home grew few and far between.
Though he was supposedly immersed in university life, his social media painted a different picture, one where he was often seen enjoying the company of various women.
This pattern didn’t escape our father’s notice, and it sparked a family argument when my brother dropped by home after weeks away.
During this rare visit, my dad confronted him, visibly upset.
“James, can you explain what exactly you’re doing with your time at university?”
James, ever the casual one, shrugged it off.
“What’s the big deal, Dad? I’m passing my classes and doing fine with my grades.”
But Dad wasn’t having any of it.
“It’s not just about grades,” he said sternly. “Being a doctor is more than that. You need to be able to understand and share the feelings of your patients.”
James impatiently replied, “Ah, that’s such a hassle. Nowadays, if you’re skilled, you can be anything. Can we not stick to these old-fashioned ideas?”
Dad was taken aback and deeply upset by his response.
James grew more defiant.
“I can’t stand this oppressive vibe. Please just stop interfering in my life, Dad.”
During these exchanges, my brother boldly stated his views, not sparing me either.
He made it clear he thought little of me, saying things like, “You’re nowhere near my level. Clumsy as you are, you’re lucky to have a brother like me.”
Every time he visited, he’d throw insults my way. Growing up, I’d always measured myself against him, which left me unable to stand up for myself.