I’m Laura, and I’m 31 years old. I used to live with my parents and my older sister, Mary, but she moved out three years ago after she got married.
I work from home, running an online business. I first got interested in making apps when I was in middle school, after my grandfather gave me a computer for my birthday. It turned out to be a big success for me, but sadly, my grandfather passed away four years ago.
He lived with us, and he was the only person I felt truly close to. After he died, I became more withdrawn. My parents work during the day, and I spend most of my time alone, quietly working. They don’t really understand what I do. They just think I’m playing games all day.
My sister Mary also looks down on me. Growing up, my parents always favored her, and I was often ignored. My interest in computers grew because I felt left out by my family. My grandparents were the only ones who truly cared for me and spent time with me.
When I turned 15, they gave me a computer, which led to my current career. My parents have never given me a birthday gift, so this meant a lot to me. Now that both of my grandparents are gone, my room feels like the only place I belong in this house.
Even though my parents have their flaws, I don’t hate them. They raised me, so I try to help around the house as much as I can.
One Thursday morning, my mom suddenly opened my door and asked, “Laura, is breakfast ready?”
It was past 8 a.m.
“Yes, it’s on the table,” I replied.
Since my grandfather passed away, I’ve been doing most of the chores around the house. My parents just assume it’s natural for me to take care of everything, since they think I’m always playing games. I prepare all the meals, clean, do the laundry, and handle the shopping.
“Oh, did you see your dad? He had breakfast early and left,” Mom added.
“Dad’s gone out again, huh?” I replied.
Lately, Dad has been leaving early on weekends. My parents don’t really fight, but Dad usually can’t say no to Mom, so he probably leaves early to escape the busy schedule she plans for him. We haven’t really talked since I was in middle school, so this is just what I think.
“Mary and her family will visit around noon today,” Mom mentioned.
“Mary’s coming?” I asked, a bit surprised.
“Don’t be so shocked. She’s your sister, after all. It’s been a while since you’ve seen each other, hasn’t it?”
“Yeah, it’s definitely been a while. I think this is the first time she’s been home since she got married,” I said.
Even though Mary got married three years ago, and she’s gone out to eat with Mom and Dad, she hasn’t visited our house until now. When Mary was pregnant, she didn’t come home. Our parents went to visit her instead.
I figured something important must be going on for her to come now. She wouldn’t come without a reason, right? I thought to myself.
“Yeah, she mentioned she has something to talk about. Since she’s coming after so long, make sure to prepare a nice lunch,” my mom said.
“Got it,” I replied.
Even though I felt a bit uneasy, I was excited to meet my nephew. But Mary had always been cold toward me in the past.
I realized I hadn’t gotten this month’s grocery money yet, so I asked Mom, “Can I get this month’s food money? I’m about to go shopping.”
“Didn’t you get it from your father?” she replied.
“He told me to ask you,” I said.
She frowned. “I don’t have much on me. Last month, I only gave you $100. Here’s $50.”
She slapped the money on the table.
“But I need the full amount this month,” I said.
“If you worked properly, you wouldn’t have these issues. How long are you going to keep wasting time?” she snapped.
“I told you, I am working,” I tried to explain.
“I don’t want to hear excuses. You’re just playing games for pocket money. Don’t talk about working when you can’t even live on your own,” she said harshly.
“That’s not true,” I insisted.
“Enough. I’ve given you some money. Get the rest from your father,” she said, storming out and slamming the door behind her.
After a deep sigh, I went back to my work. Once I found a good stopping point, I went out to do the shopping. I felt uneasy the whole time, so I rushed to finish by early afternoon, since Mary was supposed to arrive around then.
When I got back home, I started cooking right away while my mom relaxed watching TV. My dad returned just before noon, and soon after, the doorbell rang.
“Glad you could come, Mary. Come on in.”