Biased Parents, Ten Years LieChapter 3

Luckily, on New Year’s Day morning, I found myself with Mom and Dad, visiting Grandma Rose. She sat by the fire, clutching the old flip phone I’d given her. I knew she was waiting for my call, but none ever came. She must have been in such agony. I’m sorry, Grandma. I’m dead. I can never see you again.

Due to Finn’s situation, Mom and Dad didn’t linger. They left after a quick visit. As they visited other elders, many praised my yearly devotion to Grandma Rose. Mom and Dad merely offered casual replies.

On the way back, Dad frowned. “Elias has a pretty good reputation with everyone. Maybe we really were biased against him.” He paused. “He hasn’t come back for so long…”

Mom didn’t speak, but a hint of worry clouded her face. They rushed home.

Seeing them, Finn’s face showed a hint of grievance. “Mom, Dad, Grandma isn’t still mad at me, is she?” He paused. “She must dislike me because you punished Elias. Maybe you should go find him quickly. Although, I just saw his latest post on social media…”

At this, Dad immediately grabbed Finn’s shoulder: “What did you say?” He asked. “You said Elias just posted something? Let me see!” Mom’s worried expression also eased a bit.

Finn winced in pain. Dad quickly released him: “Finn, I’m sorry, but where’s the photo you mentioned?”

Finn smiled and said it was nothing, but as he looked down to find the photo, a shadow of malice flickered in his eyes. Then, he produced a picture. In it, I was drinking with a few friends. The caption read: “New year, time for all the irrelevant people and things to get lost!”

Seeing this, Mom’s face immediately contorted in fury. “That rotten kid! He called us irrelevant! If he doesn’t want to come back, then he shouldn’t. He can die outside for all I care!”

Dad also scoffed. “A leopard can’t change its spots. Always fooling around outside. I bet those old folks in the village were tricked by his act!”

But I saw it clearly. That photo was from last year, when some friends had taken me out to dinner because they thought I was too stressed. And the caption wasn’t that at all!

Then, Dad apologized to Finn again. “Finn, I’m sorry. I accidentally hurt you just now. You can tell me anything you want.”

Finn rubbed his eyes: “It’s okay. Elias is also Mom and Dad’s child, so it’s right to care about him.” He paused. “But since Dad wants to make it up to me, how about taking me to the amusement park?”