Chapter 6
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Episode Three (Part Two)}
Why Do Loved Ones Leave? Because I Want to Prepare Our Home in the Next Life]}
was amazed by Mom’s intuition. No matter how long I’ve been avoiding it, the time has come.”
gathered my courage and finally said, “It’s for a role. The character I play is poor and always bullied. There’s this girl in the village who’s ealous of her looks, so she cuts off half of her hair while she’s asleep.“}
was nervous, not sure if Mom would buy such a clumsy excuse.}
Thankfully, she believed it easily, “Can’t you wear one of those wigs? Like the ones they use for historical dramas?“}
My hair’s too thick; it looks fake with a wig. Besides, it’ll grow back. I’m too committed to my role to cheat the audience like that.” I eased her, “Mom, how did you figure it out? I was planning to surprise you by taking it off suddenly.“}
‘Let me see this wig of yours,” Mom huffed, “You’re a part of me. How could I not recognize you? I even know your hair strands.“}
I gave her a thumbs–up. “Still, dear Sienna, you catch everything. Nothing escapes your eyes.“}
When I took off the wig, I saw the concern in Mom’s eyes.}
Dear Sienna, please don’t look at me like that. I’m afraid I might break.
After I managed to reassure my parents, I waited in my room for Doris.
Her lens caught me crying. I tried to stay silent.
She rushed over, “Elowen, please don’t cry.”}
I couldn’t help it and hugged her tightly, “Do you know what it’s like to send off your own child? I’m scared they won’t handle it.“}
I cried for a bit, then remembered I had things to do.
“I asked you here to record a few things,” I said, pulling out several bank cards from my bag.”
“Let’s treat it like a little game. The money I’ve earned over the years is on these cards, and I’ll hide them around the house. Tell my parents that if they’re feeling sad, they can play this treasure hunt with me.”
We lay on the bed together, talking about many things, some trivial. I’m not sure if I covered everything or if I missed anything.
“I’ll have friends continue to sponsor the students I support.”
“i started a Hope Academy, but it’s just getting the bricks laid. I promised the principal I’d be there for the ribbon–cutting, but now I can only say sorry.“”
“In my last show, people mocked me for gaining weight. Actually, it was from the illness swelling me up. I’m sorry.“}
“When I was a kid, Dad taught me to ride a bike. I barely pedaled two steps before he let go, and I crashed into a bush, losing a tooth. Mom yelled from the window. That’s why I have a fake tooth.“}
“At the start of my career, I was terrible at acting and got scolded by directors. I cried all the time.“}
“I always said I liked blue, but my favorite color is pink. I was afraid people would think it’s tacky, so I lied since I was young. I said it so much that I started believing it myself.”
*I’ve got a photo ready for myself, not in black and white, and I’m smiling in it. I’ll send it to you; use it for my memorial picture.“}] “It’s quite ungrateful, but the only thing I can leave them is these bank cards.”
The video of this segment was shaky.≫
The next day, Doris and I both had puffy eyes.
“We really can’t binge–watch shows anymore. Look at us. I tried to act casual as we spent the day eating like crazy with Doris.
As dinner time approached, I said it was time for me to go.”
Mom handed me some hot sauce, “The catering on set isn’t great. Isn’t this your favorite thing I make? Take it with you.“)
I stood aside and told Doris, “You know, this really is my mom’s recipe. It’s delicious. Mom, give Doris a couple of jars too.”
Doris waved her hands, trying to decline.
I took it for her, “Come on, I have an early flight to the set tomorrow. Can’t waste time.“%
I drove for about half an hour to a secluded spot. I hurriedly opened the car door and threw up.
I couldn’t eat so much anymore; it was all forced down. My stomach hurt terribly, churning non–stop.
10:00
Chapter 6
Finally, when I calmed down, tears streamed down my face, “Doris, I can’t eat Mom’s hot sauce anymore. I’m still alive, but my stomach I can’t handle it.”
This time, Doris started crying loudly.
I rarely heard a girl cry like that–so raw and broken.
“Stop crying, you’re making me not want to cry anymore.“>
She tossed her phone aside; the lens pointed at the car ceiling.
No faces visible, just her wailing.
“How can I not be upset? I’m helping you with your last wishes. It hurts so much I could die. Why can’t I cry? I just want to cry!“}
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