Prologue : Helplessness

"What..?" I couldn't believe my ears. The professor regarded me with pity.

"Yes, while you were on a retreat, I just got word that your father suffered a heart attack and was sent to the hospital. Now he's..." He just shook his head. My mind went blank.

"Today, I will grant you a leave and you can go home. Again, my condolences for your loss." I snapped out of my reverie and nodded to respond to him. After leaving the faculty, I quickly left the school. Making my way through the streets of our town, I arrived in front of our house.

I opened the door, "Mom!" I entered the living room. Her head popped out of the kitchen, "A'Lian, come, I heard from you professor that you were coming home today so I made your favorite!" She got out of the kitchen wearing an apron. My mouth slowly opened as I flinched.

"...I heard about Dad," She was about to hug me but stopped. Her smile turned into a cold expression. We both stayed quiet.

"*sigh* ...The funeral's tomorrow." She just turned away from me and returned to the kitchen. I furrowed my brows and followed her there.

"That's it..?" I muttered under my breath but I knew she heard it. I shook my head as I changed the subject, "What are you cooking?"

"Szechuan Beef, of course!"

***

After dealing with 7 days of the funeral, I massaged the bridge of my brows. I especially had trouble dealing with relatives from my father's side because of the case with my mother. They were complaining on how it seemed like my mother didn't care for the funeral at all. I couldn't help thinking, 'It's surprising she even bothered holding one at all.' with a hint of ridicule. Of course, I wouldn't dare voice it out as they're quite troublesome.

"A'Lian." I heard my mom call me from the living room as I said goodbye to one of the people who came to offer their condolences.

"Are you finished?" She asked me. After nodding, she dragged me to the bedroom.

"Tomorrow, I'm going to have a guest. Make sure to wake up early." I furrowed my brows and frowned. This is suspicious.

"Who is it, mom?" She just shook her head and smiled at me.

"It's a secret!"

I somehow have a bad feeling about this.