"I'm home."
Lily announced our arrival with her usual volume, her voice echoing through the hallway. I, of course, remained silent—just like I always did.
Mom emerged from the kitchen, her smile as soft and angelic as ever. It was the kind of look designed to almost pull you into a trance from the mere sight of it.
"Welcome home, you two–"
Her words cut off as her gaze shifted onto the third figure at the doorway. The smile didn't break; it simply shifted in a way that was impossible for anyone else to notice, transitioning into something kinder and more welcoming.
"Ah! I didn't know you were coming here today, Yuka."
Yuka broke into an excited grin. "Hello Auntie! It feels like it's been a while since I was last here."
Mom giggled—a light, melodic sound. "Don't be silly, it's only been about two weeks, I'm pretty sure."
She was right. It had been exactly two weeks since Yuka visited—right on the dot.
Yuka kicked off her shoes, then lunged at Mom for a hug. Mom let out a seemingly surprised breath as she patted Yuka's head.
"Those two weeks felt like a long time for me!" Yuka exclaimed as she buried herself in Mom's warmth. "I missed you!"
"Fufu. Well, you are welcome anytime."
I felt a cold shiver trace my spine as I watched the whole thing. Lily and I have brought friends over countless times, but no matter how many times we do, I will never get used to this feeling—get used to seeing Mom like this.
I glanced over at Lily. While her face may have seemed like she didn't care, I knew she felt the same way I did.
Still, I wasn't going to let that prevent me from stepping into my own home.
I walked past them into the living room and grabbed a cup of water like it was the most natural thing in the world. Mom spared me a single glance before turning back to her guest.
"Sorry, dear," Mom apologized, disappointed in herself. "But I haven't prepared anything. I would have if I knew you were coming beforehand."
"It's okay!" Yuka chirped. "I'm here to study anyway. If you made food, I think I'd end up eating and falling asleep instead."
"Study?" Mom turned to Lily, who was currently rummaging through the fridge as she stood next to me.
As if feeling Mom's gaze, she replied without looking up, "Yeah, I have a math test next week, so Yuka and I are having a study date."
A bright, proud smile flashed on Mom's face. "Is that so?" she said, clasping her hands together. "Then you don't need to worry about food. I'll make you a quick snack to eat. Just go to your room, and I'll bring it up for you soon, okay?"
Lily froze. Then she slowly turned toward Mom. I did too—though I kept my gaze fixed at the cup of water in my hands while keeping Mom in the corner of my eye.
Mom never let us eat upstairs. Out of all the rules she had, that was one of the ones neither Lily nor I had broken. It's not like we've ever been punished for eating upstairs as children. It was just one of those things we followed blindly until even now.
Lily pinched herself on the thumb with her nail. The moment she did, a thankful smile appeared on her face. "Really?! Thanks, Mom!"
Lily ran up to Yuka and grabbed her hand. "Well, you heard the boss. Let's go before she changes her mind!"
Without waiting for Yuka's reply, she dragged her up the stairs and into her room. Lily slammed the door shut—loudly enough for us to hear from downstairs.
Now, it was just Mom and me. The atmosphere in the living room shifted instantly, the earlier warmth she had shared with Yuka evaporating to reveal the cold, sterile reality beneath.
With a quiet, tired sigh, Mom returned to the stove. She set up the pots and pans with practiced, silent efficiency. Each one of her movements carried the same grace they always did—so much so that it almost lulled my mind.
"So, the sports festival is coming up soon?" she asked, her tone soft. To me, however, it felt like a sharp knife pricking at my arms.
"Yeah," I replied, my voice returning to its detached demeanour. I set the water glass down on the counter, the *clack* of the glass sounding loudly in the silence.
Mom began prepping the meat and vegetables. "Why are you at home then? I understand that Lily has to study for a math test, but what are you doing here instead of practicing?"
Despite her assault, I didn't budge. "The events I'm participating in aren't getting practiced today," I replied matter-of-factly.
A loud sizzle erupted as the vegetables hit the pan. The aroma of the searing meat filled the room, as if it were attempting to invade my reasoning.
Mom flipped the stove fan on. The blaring, mechanical hum engulfed the room, creating a wall of white noise between us. Even so, her voice cut through it, sounding as if she were whispering directly into my ear.
"Just because your events aren't being practiced doesn't excuse you for being absent. You're supposed to have team spirit. What are you going to do if you start getting left out or rumours start to spread about you? People might start to think you're a bad student and avoid you. Do you know how much that'll affect your reputation?"
My leg twitched, but I continued to stand firm.
Don't try to push your values onto me.
Mom can have those values all she wants—and I will respect them. But that does not mean I would do the same thing.
I replied with three simple words.
"I don't care."
The fan seemed to grow louder, drowning out the world. The conversation was over. I got up from my seat and headed for the stairs.
Mom's attention should have still been on the stove. After all, she wouldn't risk giving Lily anything less than perfection. And yet, it was as if I could still feel her prying eyes on my back, tracking the movement of every muscle.
But I didn't let it stop me. Not when I was a kid, and not now that I'm older. Maybe it was because I was prideful, or maybe even a little headstrong. All those were true, but there was one—bigger—reason.
I just stopped caring about all that a long time ago.