Rich Bite More: Mom's Household Ration Law

"January 15th, 2015. I contributed 2,000 dollars to the family's living expenses for the first time," I read out loud calmly, though my hands were trembling.Mom's fork stopped midair, and her expression began to change."March 22nd, 2016. Dad was hospitalized after a sudden heart attack. The surgery costs 32 thousand dollars, which I paid upfront. That day, I was preparing for my final exams when I got the call and rushed to the hospital."I took out all the money I had saved for tuition. Mom held me and cried, saying, 'Brittany, once your father is discharged, I'll pay you back the money.' But it's been nine years now, and I haven't seen a single cent."Dad's face turned dark and stormy, the veins on his temples throbbing violently."June 8th, 2017. Stephanie needed a deposit of 30 thousand dollars for an overseas exchange program. Mom said the family was tight on funds and asked me to cover it first."I applied for a student loan at school and worked two jobs for two months. I

I followed Mr. Patterson into the office. My arm was still bleeding, so I pressed my other hand against it.He gestured for me to sit while he stood by the window with his back to me. After a long silence, he said, "Brittany, you're a capable worker, I'll give you that. But…"He turned, his eyes full of disappointment. "The company's image is also very important, and your family disputes have already seriously affected it."There are so many people gathered downstairs. Do you know what's written on the banners? What will the clients or partners think when they see this?"He placed a resignation letter in front of me. "I suggest you resign voluntarily and take one month's severance pay. This way, it'll be better for everyone."I stared at the resignation letter, my hands trembling."Mr. Patterson, can I at least explain—""Explain?" He cut me off. "I don't want to know about your family matters. The fact is, you've brought negative attention to the company.If you don't sign, we

"Free maid? Brittany was an accident?""This is pure evil!""My heart goes out to Brittany a thousand times over."Public opinion had completely reversed.Someone dug up records of Dad's company evading taxes.Someone else uncovered Stephanie's shady history of borrowing from loan sharks after a failed plastic surgery.Another dug up news about Gregory's gambling habits and DUI.They had become public enemies overnight.Clients from Dad's company called one after another to cancel contracts."Mr. Baxter, our company doesn't do business with people of questionable character."Mom was kicked out of her bridge circle by her friends."Natasha, you've gone too far. We're done playing with you."All of Stephanie's prospective marriage matches blocked her."Who would dare to marry someone from a family like yours?"Gregory was fired from his job."We don't need employees with questionable integrity."That evening, Dad called me. I stared at the name flashing on my screen for a

Two years later, I had been promoted to project manager, with an annual salary of 300 thousand dollars.I bought a small 550-square-foot apartment and got a cat. I named her Freedom.One weekend, while grocery shopping at the supermarket, I caught sight of a familiar figure.She was thin and stooped, her hair completely white. Dressed in patched clothing, she picked through the discounted vegetables.It was Mom.She turned around and froze when she saw me."B-Brittany?" Her voice was raspy, and her eyes instantly reddened.I nodded politely, then continued pushing my cart.She hurried after me, trembling as she grabbed my sleeve. "Brittany, how have you been?"I stopped and looked at her.Two years had aged her far too much. The wrinkles on her face were etched like knife cuts."I'm doing well. Thanks for asking," I replied, pulling my sleeve back.She followed behind me, speaking cautiously. "Brittany, there's something I want to ask. Could you lend me ten thousand dollars