Chapter 3
As Dad and Joshua were speaking, Ethan arrived.
He was wearing a dashing tux and had styled his hair, looking even more handsome than usual. After greeting the two in front of the door, he knocked and got in.
He kissed Vivian on the cheek and asked softly, “Willow still isn’t here?”
Vivian nodded with tears in her eyes.
“Forget about her,” Ethan’s face darkened. “If she came, she would only ruin our wedding. Vinny, today is our big day. Don’t you shed tears for someone who isn’t worth it.”
Vivian threw her arms around his neck and looked up at him with carefully calculated puppy eyes, “Be that as it may, Willow is still my sister.”
She looked genuine and sincere when she said those words. I would have believed that she really cared about me if I didn’t know better.
But I did.
Three years ago, I was selected as the school’s outstanding graduate and was to give a speech at the graduation ceremony as a representative. The school suggested that my parents attend
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the graduation ceremony to say a few words on stage in the hope of promoting the school’s profile.
I carefully chose my words and called home, repeatedly organizing my thoughts as I made the request to my mother.
She agreed. The moment I heard the emotionless “Okay“, I got so happy that I hopped in joy while covering my mouth, fearful that I would let out a cheerful scream.
However, on the morning of the ceremony, she called me again to say that she and my father couldn’t make it.
“Vinny is sick. We don’t feel comfortable leaving her at home alone.”
As if to prove something, she Skyped me and showed me how ill Vivian was. The camera shifted to Vivian, who wore a mask. that covered most parts of her face. She seemed to be quite apologetic as she spoke:
“I’m sorry, Willow. I’m feeling not that well… You’ve always been an independent kid. I’m sure you can handle it brilliantly even if Dad and Mom aren’t there.”
“Willow, congratulations on your graduation. Have fun!”
Have fun.
How could I have any
fun?
On the day of my graduation, I did nothing but apologize. I
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apologized to the principal who prepared a speech specially for this occasion. I apologized to my dean who was to meet with them after the event. I apologized to the staff from the activity center who was responsible for the whole procedure of the ceremony.
As I passed by the cameras placed in front of the stage, I overheard those staff complaining:
“We had already rehearsed so many times, and now we have to do it all over again. What a mess. And she is supposed to be an excellent graduate.”
At the end of the ceremony, I took out my phone and happened to see Vivian’s latest Instagram post.
“It’s just a cold, but Dad and Mom were so worried!! Serendipity in life~ You guys are the best!! Love ya!!”
The post included a family photo of the three of them.
It was taken in Vivian’s bedroom.
They didn’t even go to the hospital.
Wow. She must be really sick.
