There was sympathy, helplessness, and a lot of pity.
My mom was furious and asked the head of the education bureau, “They must be lying, right? If both were Harvard grad students, wouldn’t you know?”
The bureau head replied, “They’re telling the truth. We just had a gathering yesterday.”
My mom’s face darkened.
She quickly left with the packed leftovers.
12
That night, my nom went to visit relatives.
Meanwhile, I went to my dad’s place.
My half–sister from his second marriage was already ten years old.
<
3:43
The little girl was a smart cookie and always
looked up to me as her idol.
83)
That night, my dad and I had a long talk.
I told him, “Don’t push my sister as hard as
mom pushed me. There are things in life more
important than grades.”
My dad cried.
“Mary, you’ve suffered so much. Your mom
doesn’t really want you to be successful; she
just wants to use your success to prove her
own worth.”
He was right.
She was using my life to compensate for the
regrets in hers.
She forgot that the moment my umbilical cord
>
3:43
1833
Parasites are called parasites for a reason.
Because it’s not normal.
83)
The next morning, my dad and stepmom gave
me 5,000 dollars.
They had saved it up over the years just for me.
I didn’t take it.
“Dad, I’m used to hardship.”
Yes, I was used to hardship.
And I was used to being tormented by us.
I didn’t want to take the money.
I was afraid if I took it, lived a better life, I
3:43
7444
831
On the day grad school started, my mom and I arrived at Yale with our bedding.
Our small town had even sent two journalists to
follow and document the journey.
The dormitory conditions were excellent, with
just two people to a room.
When I arrived, my roommate hadn’t come yet.
My mom directly laid her bedding on my
roommate’s bed.
The journalists asked her, “Did you coordinate
with Yale about accompanying your daughter?”
My mom confidently replied, “No need to
coordinate. I’ll just tell them later. If NYU
allowed it, how could Yale refuse? Besides, with
our poor family conditions, the school should be
accommodating.”
Just then, my roommate arrived.
Seeing her bed occupied, she went to find the
dorm supervisor,
The supervisor came in and asked my mom to
leave.
My mom refused, “Do you know who I am? I’m
Mary’s mom. What’s wrong with me being
here? At worst, I’ll pay for accommodation.”
The local education bureau had promised a
monthly allowance of 500 dollars during my
graduate studies.
This money gave my mom the confidence to
say such bold words.
But the dorm supervisor didn’t care.
<
3:43
83
“There are no such precedents or policies here.
It’s inconvenient for the school to manage with
parents around. Please leave.”
My mom started to make a scene, “What kind
of attitude is this? Go get your principal! I’ve
worked hard to raise my child and send her to
Yale, and this is how you repay me?”
The dorm supervisor and my roommate
exchanged glances.
I could tell they both thought my mom was out
of her mind.
The dorm supervisor turned and left.
My mom continued chatting with the journalists.
Half an hour later.
The dorm supervisor returned with the
principal’s decision.
8143
“We can’t set this precedent. Please remove
your personal belongings immediately and don’t
affect other students moving in.”
My mom was incredulous.
“Oh my God, is this what Yale leaders said?
You people are so heartless. How can a school
like this be fit to teach and educate?”
The dorm supervisor sneered, “Because we
teach and educate, we make such decisions. A
school that doesn’t dare to confront societal
Issues doesn’t deserve to educate,”
My mom went berserk, “Who are you talking to?
Do you know my daughter is a local news
figure? An average kid who got into NYU and
Yale because of my slaps! She can’t study
without me! If I’m not here, she won’t succeed!
Do you know our country will lose such talent?”
<
3:43
The dorm supervisor frowned, “If you don’t
leave, we’ll call the police.”
83)
The journalists suggested giving us some time.
The dorm supervisor took my roommate outside
to wait.
The journalists asked my mom what she
planned to do.
My mom said she wouldn’t move out.
“New Haven is also my dream. I want to stay
with Mary, feel the academic atmosphere of
Yale with her. When she studies, I study too. My
mission is crucial. When Mary has kids, I’ll need
to help raise them! I have to make sure my
grandchildren are even more excellent than
Mary!”
I didn’t hear what she said next.
3:43
There hung towels for both me and my mom.
I picked them up and tied two tight knots.
Looped them around the faucet.
All these years, I’d been telling myself to
endure, just a little longer.
She would leave me.
I would have my own space.
But today, I realized.
She never intended to let me go.
She wanted to parasitize me forever.
Not just me, but my future children too.
I was so tired.
83)
