I used my entire year-end bonus to treat my whole family to a ten-day trip to Iceland. The night before we were set to leave, my younger brother suddenly said to me: "Sarah, my girlfriend says it's inappropriate for you to go on a trip with me. No boundaries." "So... maybe you shouldn't come." I went to my parents, hoping they would speak some sense into him. Instead, they told me to give up my spot to my future sister-in-law for the sake of my brother's marriage prospects. I smiled and agreed, happily seeing them off at the airport. Then, I immediately called the travel agency and canceled all the bookings and return flights. Later, lying in my newly bought condo, blasting the AC and eating ice cream in my camisole, I couldn't help but wonder. With empty pockets and no heavy winter coats... How much fun were they having in Reykjavik, where the temperature just dropped to -22°F? 1 The night before our departure, my brother, Kevin, suddenly dropped a bomb. "Sis, don't you think it's a bit inconsiderate for the four of us to go on this trip without thinking about my girlfriend's feelings?" Kevin's new girlfriend, Bella, was arrogant and rude. I always felt she had it out for me. But to save Kevin from embarrassment, I kept my tone light. "It was an oversight. Next time we'll invite her, and I'll cover the cost!" Kevin's brows furrowed even tighter. After hesitating for ages, he spoke again. "Sis, what I mean is... maybe you shouldn't go this time?" He looked dead serious. Not joking. I was baffled. "We've been planning this trip for a whole year. You're going to cancel it just because she's unhappy?" "Just because she's upset, the whole family stays home?" Kevin let out a long sigh, as if he'd finally made a tough decision. He enunciated every word. "Sis, the family isn't staying home. Just you." "Give your spot to Bella." "You have money anyway. Just go next year!" "Or, you know, book yourself another tour!" 2 I couldn't believe these words were coming out of my own brother's mouth. Seeing me stunned, he continued. "Sis, you can't blame me!" "Bella says traveling is a very intimate thing!" "We're opposite genders. It shows a lack of boundaries!" "I thought about it, and she has a point." "We're both in our twenties! Traveling together, eating and living together 24/7!" "It's easy for people to misunderstand! It makes you look... loose!" "I don't want to upset Bella, and I don't want to ruin your reputation!" I kicked over the suitcase I had just packed and pointed a shaking finger at him. "Kevin, we are siblings! From the same mother! What boundaries are you talking about?" "You live in the house I bought every single day. Why didn't you talk about boundaries then?" "Why didn't you move out to keep your distance?" "Misunderstand? What kind of brain-dead moron would misunderstand?" "Only your brain-dead girlfriend has such a dirty mind to think of something so disgusting!" Hearing me insult his girlfriend, Kevin, who was usually a pushover, flared up. "Sarah, I won't let you talk about Bella like that! Don't make me turn on you!" He started muttering nasty things under his breath. "You're this old and still single. Can't blame people for thinking weird things!" "If you had a boyfriend, the six of us could go, and there wouldn't be any issues!" No matter how good my temper was, I couldn't hold back the rage burning in my chest. "Kevin, I'm your sister!" "It's not that I haven't had boyfriends. But they dumped me because I was too busy taking care of you!" "And now you're siding with an outsider to insult me? Are you even a man?" Just then, the noise woke up my dad. He pushed open his door. "What are you two arguing about?" "Go to sleep. We leave early tomorrow." Full of grievances, I explained everything, hoping my dad would be the voice of reason. 3 To my shock, Dad pondered for a moment and said slowly: "There's actually some logic to it. Daughters should avoid fathers and brothers when they grow up. Your brother's marriage is the priority!" "Why don't you just make a sacrifice? Give your spot to your future sister-in-law." "It's a good chance for our family to bond with her." My eyes widened, voice trembling. "Dad, I know you've always favored Kevin." "But this is bullying!" "I paid for this trip! I invited you!" "And now I'm the one getting kicked out for a stranger?" "Aren't you afraid people will laugh at us if word gets out?" I rarely talked back to Dad. He was stunned for a moment before reacting. "Watch your mouth! What stranger?" "She's going to marry into the family. She's one of us!" "Do you know how hard it is to find a wife these days? Your brother doesn't have a degree or a great job." "Bella is pretty, has a good job, and comes from a good family." "If a girl like that wants your brother, we should be thanking our lucky stars!" I laughed in anger. "So because he's incompetent, I have to pay for it?" "I paid the money. Why can't I go?" Dad slammed his water cup on the table, splashing tea everywhere. "Money, money, money! That's all you talk about!" "So you make a few bucks? Think you run this house now?" "If it's just about money, tell me how much the trip cost. I'll pay you back!" 4 I pulled out all the receipts and opened the calculator app. "$12,500 total! I'll knock off the extra. Just give me $12,000!" Dad snatched the receipts, checking them over and over, muttering. "This expensive? You trying to scam me?" At this point, he still suspected me of faking the accounts. I smiled bitterly, tired of arguing. "I booked the best tour so you guys would be comfortable. Of course it's expensive." "If you're done checking, Venmo me." Kevin sneered from the side. "Sis, you're so petty." "It's just a little money, and you're asking Dad for it? The family raised you for nothing!" I pulled up my QR code and shoved it in his face. "If you're so filial, why don't you pay the $12k for Dad?" Just then, Mom walked out of the bedroom, wiping tears. "Kevin, that's too much! I heard everything. How can you treat your sister like that?" "That girl hasn't even married in yet, and she's making you bully your family!" "If she actually marries you, what then?" She turned to Dad, disappointment written all over her face. "You've always favored the boy. I know your family is old-fashioned." "But you can't bully your daughter like this against your conscience!" In this house, only Mom would stand up for me at times like this. Tears welled up in my eyes instantly. Dad and Kevin looked down, silent, clearly in a silent standoff with Mom. Mom grabbed my hand, sobbing, and whispered: "Sarah, I'll pay. Mom won't let you suffer this injustice!" She started taking off the gold bracelet I bought her for her birthday last year. "Gold prices are up. I'll sell this!" "And with my savings, it should be enough!" "Don't be mad at your dad and brother. Those two... they're hopeless." "It's Mom's fault. I can't protect you..." Her tears fell onto my hand. The anger in my heart softened instantly. "Forget it!" I sniffled, voice hoarse. "You guys go. I'll pay!" I knew clearly that if I refused to compromise, Mom would suffer the most between Dad and Kevin. Plus, canceling now would just mean losing more money. The cancellation fees alone would cost as much as two tickets. Whatever. The Blue Lagoon, the Northern Lights... Those dreams would have to wait. After this scene, I truly had zero desire to travel with them. I turned to go to my room. Kevin called out suddenly: "Sis..." I stopped, thinking he was going to apologize. I was about to say "Don't bother." Instead, he said: "Remember to call the agency and change the name on the booking to Bella." I was truly delusional to expect better. I laughed bitterly and went into my room. In Kevin and Dad's eyes, was an outsider really more important than their own flesh and blood? At least I still had Mom. At least someone loved me. I picked up the iPad, wanting to look at the itinerary one last time. I had spent countless nights planning this trip. When the screen lit up, I realized Mom's WeChat was still logged in. She must have forgotten to log out. I was about to log out for her when a group chat name caught my eye.
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