Chapter 3

Hearing the commotion, my sister-in-law came over:

"Oh, I thought it was some stray dog barking outside, annoying me. Turns out it’s my sister-in-law.

"The real owner of the house is back with her kid, making a fuss for a room. Looks like she's bent on kicking me out!"

I let it go, considering her mood after the miscarriage.

Just then, my brother came home, paused when he saw me with the child:

"Emily, why did you come back suddenly? Why didn’t you tell me so I could pick you up?"

I asked him, "While I was away, my room was rented to strangers. Where will the child and I stay now?"

Without hesitation, my brother said, "You're my sister. Now that you're back, even if I have to pay a penalty to the tenant, I’ll make room for you.

"If he refuses, my wife and I can stay with friends for a few days. This is your home; you won't be without a place to stay."

His words warmed my heart, reminding me that my brother was still as good to me as five years ago.

I nodded and said, "Alright, let's do that."

My brother, surprised by my quick response, stood there unsure of what to do.

My sister-in-law couldn't hold back and shouted:

"Emily, are you really that clueless? Can't you see no one wants you here? Do I have to spell it out for you?

"I just had a miscarriage, and you bring your kid home. What’s the deal? Mocking me for not being able to have kids, showing off, and taking over my nest?"

I bit my lip and trembled as I replied:

"Sister-in-law, my family is here. Why can't I stay at home?"

She looked at me with disdain, as if looking at garbage:

"The problem is you don't even see you have a problem. You claim to be a non-marital advocate, yet you had a child out of wedlock.

"And now you have the nerve to bring him home and live under the same roof as your married brother. Aren't you afraid of ruining our family's reputation?"

I looked at my brother; his eyes darted everywhere, avoiding mine.

I looked at my mom; she scratched her head and picked her nails, not standing up for me at all.

My dad turned up the TV volume, acting completely detached.

My sister-in-law's outburst made me realize something.

Did my parents and brother not tell my sister-in-law that James is my brother's child with his ex-girlfriend? Are they teaming up to kick me out?

My heart felt like it was being torn apart, bleeding slowly.

Painful, itchy, and numb.

I looked at them in disbelief: "Why are you treating me like this? Aren't we family? Aren't we blood-related?"

Tears choked my voice, but they remained unmoved.

My sister-in-law quickly responded: "You’re raising a child and just quit your job. Have you thought about whether any company will hire you again?

"You can't earn a penny, yet you come home to fight your brother for a house. At least the tenant pays rent—can you?

"Have you thought about how you and the child living here will only become a burden to us?"