Sentiment

After she made her comment, I was at a loss for words for a considerable amount of time. I had no idea that Nikita had such a positive and enthusiastic outlook on life. I was completely unprepared for it. Despite how furious I am with my mother, I could feel Nikita's compassion for me, and I believe the only reason she didn't give up hope that things would get better between my mom and me is because we are still blood relatives. And the only thing that can tell us when it will happen is the passage of time. Despite this, I never got rid of the strange feeling. In all honesty, I just don't get it. And we're going to put up with that guy in our home? Where is my right to have privacy as her child in that place? Gone! It appears as though she has abandoned me as well.

"As a result of her decision, I feel as though I have lost both of them. Like you, I no longer have parents, Nikita."

She hugged me even tighter, as if she wanted to share the pain and problems I was going through. As I began to feel sorry for myself, I closed my eyes. If I didn't have Nikita by my side right now, I'm not sure who I'd lean on. She helps me a lot in these situations.

"To tell you the truth, I don't want to study anymore. I've reached a point in my life where I just want to leave this island and go to a distant city. I'll want to work there and find the fortune I have."

She loosened her hug from me, so I had no choice but to readjust my seating position.

"Don't act like that, Amelia. You want to rebel? It's not a good idea. You cannot simply pack up and leave. If you don't finish your education, you're the one who will get into trouble and have to deal with the consequences in the future. Do you understand? It's not your mom, but it was you, Amelia." She responded to me while staring hard into my eyes, as if she were attempting to persuade me to agree with her.

I did not reply. It's not that I can't say anything to her, but I just don't want to argue.

"It is not the answer to your problem. You can't do that, Amelia, because the rule that is now in place at each company is that in order to be considered for the position that they are offering, you are required to have at least finished your education or have a degree for a better position." She further explained that, as if she were well aware of the company's trend and requirements: "How can you work if you don't graduate? How might you go about making money? Isn't it useless?"

I smiled and shook my head. I do not believe her. If I want, I can do it. And then I wouldn't tell my mother that so she could taste the bitterness and pain of how she made me feel by marrying someone else without first asking for my consent. Let's see how she will feel when I leave without saying goodbye to her too! I'm sure she won't look for me either because she's already happy with her new husband.

"Nikita, it's impossible. Even if I didn't finish my education, I might still be able to find work, especially because the city is huge and there are many enterprises."

"You need to think about this carefully, Amelia, because your future depends on it. Don't be hasty in your decisions and do it just because you're upset with your mother. Remember that if you do not study now, you will not make her life difficult because you will be the one who suffers. Regret is always present at the end."

I held my tongue the entire time. I am still not persuaded by what she is telling me. I am still determined to follow through with my plan.

"Aunt Amia's situation is different from yours. Whereas you are just starting out in life, she is currently in the middle of hers. Don't act in such a manner. Continue your studies, let's acquire this degree, and I guarantee Amelia that we'll get off this island and move to the big city together."

The things that she uttered left me speechless for a few minutes.

Is she trying to work out a deal with me right now?

But I don't see why she would do it for me.

Why is she leaving the island?

I thought she wanted to grow old in this place.

"Really? If I go to the city, will you come with me?" I turned to gaze at her with my eyes that were still wet from crying.

She gave me a genuine smile and nod.

"If you promise that we will both complete our educations in this place, then I will say yes to your offer. What do you think? Can you promise it to me, Amelia?"

Once more, I did not speak. Does this imply that I will be forced to put up with living under the same roof as my mother and that strange man? Can I bear it? There are still a few years left for me to complete my degree.

"When you finally get used to the fact that your mother has affections for another man, everything will become much simpler. Yes, you will be upset, and it will be challenging to adjust. And it's fine to feel that right now and to make it clear that you disapprove of the way they are seeing each other, but ask yourself this: Will you be happy when your mother is happy? It sounds like she's going through a rough time, and she did not show it to you, Amelia."

"I'm sad too—"

"Amelia, I've told you that you are in a different situation with her. Take a look at the way that she always leaves. It's possible that she's worried that if she stays at your house, her mental health won't be able to manage the stress of the situation. She just got sympathy from another human being. Just accept that now, Amelia, and you are all good."

"I'm here. She does not require the comfort of anyone else to make her feel better. Mom only needs to convey that to me."