After years of being called ungrateful, what difference would it make to truly be ungrateful for once?I was determined to become a champion in the state competition, take first place in the nationals, and join the Olympic training team. I wanted to leave this place and go somewhere I truly belonged. Unfortunately, fate had never seemed to favor me.The state competition was held in the capital city, which would take hours to travel to from our small town. Even if I hadn't spent the hundred dollars Dad gave me, it wouldn't be enough.My fingers touched the locket on my necklace, a keepsake from Grandma.On her deathbed, Grandma had pressed the locket into my hand."All the money I've saved over the years is in here. My precious Quincy, when you need money, pawn it. Don't hesitate to use it. I won't be able to see you become a mathematician, but I'll watch over you from heaven..."Grandma... Grandma...Tears blurred my vision.I murmured her name over and over.My grip on t
"Am I really a winner?" I asked, still in disbelief.Miss Hudson nodded. "Congratulations, Quincy. You've qualified for the national competition!"News quickly spread throughout the school.On my first day back in class, My mother burst in, ignoring the teacher mid-lesson, in front of everyone."You barely pass math tests. Tell me, how did you cheat your way into nationals?""If you have doubts, you can report me to the officials," I calmly replied.The teacher attempted to calm her: "Cheating? Maybe Quincy just got lucky."Of course, how could they believe a student who had barely passed math for years?"Quincy, you should have told your mom about this good news. We all heard from the school. No wonder she's upset.""I don't want a cheating daughter!" My mother spat.After leaving, my mother reported me for cheating to the school board and competition officials.I always knew she wouldn't be on my side.But I never thought she would try to destroy me.If I had cheated, sh
The line of students doing their mathematics worksheets came to a halt, as all eyes darted between my mother and me.I stepped out from the crowd. How could my mother ever allow me to study math? How could she stand to see me win math awards?"Miss Anderson, have you forgotten? You were the one who kicked me out of the house!""It's normal for mothers and daughters to have friction. Let bygones be bygones. Don't make a scene."Deflection was my mother's go-to tactic.With those words, bystanders would start trying to mediate, as if our rift was due to my disobedience.No one knew how hard it had been for me just to survive all these years.And no one knew that only at times like this would she call herself my mother.But this time was different.Miss Hudson, out of breath, ran from the front of the line and shielded me behind her."Quincy, you ungrateful wretch! I'm telling you, if you don't come back with me today, you'll never be able to take the examination!""I won't giv
The sensation in my right hand was fading, and I struggled to push my mother away before stumbling forward. Weak from blood loss, I collapsed onto the ground face-first. Step by step, my mother approached with a brick in hand, a disturbing smile on her face. Just as I thought my right hand was beyond saving, a group of passing college students noticed my predicament. Seeing them, my mother stopped, pretending nothing had happened. She walked back to her bike and quickly fled the scene. Fortunately, these students happened to be medical students and quickly called 911 while providing me with basic first aid. Thanks to their efforts, my hand was saved, but it would take some time before I could use it again.Miss Hudson rushed over, her eyes turning red at the sight of my cast. However, she held back her tears, knowing that I would be devastated to miss the competition I had worked so hard for. The anesthesia had not yet worn off, making speaking difficult for me. "M
After the league competition, Miss Hudson arranged for me to stay at a secret location that only she and I knew about.My education transitioned to online learning.I couldn't afford to have any more accidents.When the results were announced, it was inevitable that my mother would discover I was left-handed.Sure enough, on the day the results were announced, teachers in the office congratulated my mother.Of course, she didn't believe it."Nonsense. Quincy's right hand was broken. How could she write? You must have misread," she said to the teachers.A teacher immediately led my mother over, comparing details from school to other specifics."Look, did I misread anything? Your Quincy is truly a genius," the teacher said.My mother swayed unsteadily, muttering, "No, no, that's not right."She approached the education bureau and officials again, this time reporting suspicions that Miss Hudson's institute had bought placements.After a period of investigation, the institute wa
I saw my father for the first time sitting nervously in the reception room, occasionally wiping his sweaty palms on his pants.It was the first time I'd seen him with a smile.As soon as I entered, he handed me a box of milk he had bought."Quincy, Dad wants to discuss something with you. Your sister is struggling with math. I was wondering if you could tutor her if you have time."I looked up, confused.Wasn't my father a math teacher? Why would he need me to tutor my sister?Father awkwardly ran his fingers through his thinning hair."You know how it is with family. I can't teach your sister well. I can't bring myself to be strict with her."My heart sank.When I was little, Father had chased me out of the house with a broom.He'd thrown rocks at me and hurled the vilest insults.I knew if I hadn't won that gold medal, he wouldn't even call himself my father.Miss Hudson was right. After I won the gold, everyone suddenly became nice.I declined Father's request. Perhaps
She couldn't accept that the reason she had hated me for all those years was based on a lie.In an instant, she visibly aged. The next time I saw her was at the airport.She stood at a distance, watching me leave.I pretended not to see her, saying goodbye to Miss Hudson instead.No, now she is my Hudson Mummy."It is very dry in winter there. Remember to moisturize often.""Don't try to save money. Make sure to get along with your classmates..."Only when Annette arrived did Hudson Mummy reluctantly say goodbye.I saw my mother again when I went back to visit Hudson Mummy.This time, I was leaving for a study abroad program.I came back to ease Hudson Mummy's worries.Over the years, I had earned good money working on projects with my advisor.I learned from the internet to hide a gold necklace in a Pringles can as a gift.Hudson Mummy's eyes were red.I happened to make eye contact with my mother standing by the window.She had lost weight and aged considerably, lookin
From my earliest memories, my mother dragged me along to confront my dad, using me as a tool to try to bind him down."That night was a mistake. Why did you keep this child without telling me?"Even if you had her, I'll never acknowledge her!"Mom viciously pinched my arm. I cried out in pain."She's your daughter. How can you be so cruel?""You're the cruel one! There was never any love between us. Using a child won't make us happy. I never liked you!"A crowd gathered, whispering and pointing.Mom seemed oblivious, crying on the sidewalk,Pinching me harder: "Useless thing! What good are you?"My wails grew louder.Dad turned and practically ran away.Mom finally let go, stood up, and walked off.Ignoring the pain, I hurried after her.I don't know when Mom's love for Dad turned to hate.For years, Mom kept me at arm's length, but I still loved her.On her birthday, I bought her earrings with money from my part-time job.I burst through the front door, elated.The li