My parents had always told me that the less I spoke, the fewer mistakes I would make, so I became a girl of few words.
At the same time, they adored my older cousin’s bright, gracious manner and told me to imitate her in everything.
They loved her so much that when she refused to marry her impoverished fiancé, they did not hesitate to offer me in her place.
Smiling obsequiously at my uncle, my parents assured him, “Han’er is willing to help her sister out of this difficulty.”
My uncle stared at me in surprise and asked, “Han’er, are you truly willing?”
My parents frantically signaled for me to answer.
I nodded and gave them what they wanted.
“I am.”
Relief washed over their faces.
With no expectations of them left to lose, I finally spoke from the heart.
“Anywhere would be better than staying with a pair of fawning, spineless, shamelessly biased parents.”
