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Chapter 8 You Never Asked Why
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No Seat at Home Chapter 11 The Same as Tania
I lowered my eyes and looked at my reflection on the floor.The mall lights made everything seem too bright."Okay." That was the only word I gave him before ending the call.Paige walked over once she saw that I was done. She didn't ask what happened and simply gave me a gentle pat on the back.I tilted my head toward the glass ceiling and blinked several times.My eyes burned for a brief moment. Fortunately, the feeling passed rather quickly.I didn't go home for winter break as the notice confirming my selection for the special forces program arrived just around the same time.Paige had already left for home with her suitcase, leaving me alone in the dorm.The neatly folded uniform in my locker would be replaced tomorrow by something heavier.My phone lit up. It was a message from Tania."Riley, Mom made your favorite sweet-and-sour ribs for New Year's Eve. She saved a portion in the fridge. She'll heat them for you when you come home."A photo followed her text.There w
No Seat at Home Chapter 10 Their Apologies
Mom's eyes were swollen, and Dad had far more gray at his temples than he had before summer."Riley, look. It's Mom and Dad." Tania's voice was hoarse, as though she had just been crying.The camera shifted toward the coffee table. There was a stack of printed pages lying there. The first was an introduction to the University of Defense Technology, covered in highlighted passages. Next to it stood a framed photograph of me from elementary school, holding an Outstanding Student certificate.That photo used to sit forgotten in a dusty box on the top shelf of the bookcase. Now, it was printed, framed, and placed right beside our family portrait.I couldn't help but stare at it for a moment.Then, Mom started tremulously, "Riley, I've gone through all your old report cards for the past few days." She lowered her head and wiped her teary eyes. "You were first place at the top of your class every year. Outstanding Student, first prize in the physics competition, first prize in the w
No Seat at Home Chapter 9 They Finally Acknowledge Me
Paige didn't ask me any questions. She just sat across from me, roughly wiping the sweat from her face, and casually said, "My mom sent me a whole box of stuff from home today. Dried mango, beef jerky, and some other food. Get over here and help me eat some."As she spoke, she reached into her locker and tossed several packets of snacks onto my bed.I stared at the name of her hometown printed across the packaging and felt my throat tighten.No one had ever thought to do something like this for me in the past 18 years.My hometown had plenty of local specialties, but no one ever thought about sending me any.The academy's official account published an article in the third week of training."Early-Admission Freshman Riley Henderson Ranks First in Company-Wide Assessment."It included a photo of me scaling a wall on the obstacle course.I didn't share the article or tell anyone about it. Still, my high school homeroom teacher saw it, so he forwarded it to the parents' group with
No Seat at Home Chapter 8 You Never Asked Why
"I was accepted into the University of Defense Technology," I stated."So?" Tania asked in confusion.Her reaction made me realize that the school's name meant absolutely nothing to them."Forget it. Are you calling me just to speak for Mom?"Tania paused. When she spoke again, her voice was quieter. "Riley, I really didn't expect them to forget your visa. I could've helped you if you'd told me about it.""Tania." I stopped her before she could say anything else.The word "help" sounded almost absurd coming from her."You don't need to help me, especially when you never have. I've been the one helping you for all these years. I picked up your packages, turned in your homework, and tutored you. Whenever something was missing, I had to step in and help. "Tania, have you ever wondered why whenever there wasn't enough of something I was always the one who had to go without? "Have you ever wondered why all of you thought that it was natural for me to accept that I wasn't coming a
No Seat at Home Chapter 7 You Never Listened
"Mom, I got accepted here. I came to enroll like everyone else," I replied calmly."I'm asking why you didn't discuss it with us first." She stepped toward me as she spoke, her finger almost jabbing me in the face. "Your father's blood pressure has gone so high that he's taking three different medications. Tania's been crying every day. Are you happy now?"I looked at her trembling finger, my mind rewinding back in time.That same hand had taken my travel bag and given it to Tania without a moment's hesitation.That hand was always accompanied by a smiling face. However, that smile only touched her lips when she handed Tania yogurt, snacks, or new clothes.It was also that same hand that had briefly touched my forehead when I had a fever at 14 before she frowned and said, "Take some medicine. Don't get your sister sick.""Mom, how long did it take you to get to Beckham City?" I inquired lightly.The sudden question caught her off guard."Four hours by high-speed rail," she re
No Seat at Home Chapter 6 You Forgot You Had Two Daughters
Dad didn't say anything in the group chat, but my phone rang 10 minutes later.It was Dad.There were several seconds of silence when I finally answered the phone, followed by a sigh that barely concealed his anger."Riley, where did you transfer your residency to?""Beckham City," I answered shortly."Beckham City? What are you doing there? I thought you didn't get into any decent university."I leaned against the iron railing of the dorm balcony, looking down at the cadets assembling for evening training."Dad, I got into the University of Defense Technology."This time, there was a longer silence."What?" he blurted in bewilderment."The University of Defense Technology. Early admission. I ranked 12th in the city."I heard him inhale sharply and swallow the rest of his words. He said nothing for a full 10 seconds.He didn't congratulate me. Instead, his first response was an accusation. "Why didn't you tell us?"His second was a complaint. "You ran off by yourself. Who'
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