They Love My Money, Not Me
My mom calls me on Friday.
"Don't forget to attend the family dinner tomorrow. Your brother loves shrimps, so you should buy more of those at the seafood market in the southern district.
"Your sister-in-law loves lamb chops. Why don't you go scour for more in the eastern district? Also, your nephew loves imported strawberries, so you mustn't forget them now."
I say yes to everything.
But as soon as I end the call, I see a new message in the family's group chat.
"I already told Alan the things that we love to eat. It's hard for you all to earn money, so you shouldn't buy anything at all."
One second later, the message is swiftly deleted.
Still, the sight renders me stunned.
I've been married for two years. During every Saturday dinner, I'm the one putting in money and effort just to organize said dinner.
I've been thinking that I don't have to count every little favor, seeing as we're family and all.
But it seems that I've already become an outsider a long time ago.
Well then, I shall not be attending the family dinner this time.