My mother didn't come back until the evening.

As soon as she entered the house, she rushed into our room, grabbed my neck, and slapped my mouth hard. "You bitch! Do you know how much money I spent at the hospital today?"

"Why do you meddle in so many things? You even called the village chief! How can someone so young have such wicked thoughts?"

"If it weren't for you, who would have known that old lady died at home? Now look! I had to beg and plead to become someone's grandson for a day!"

"Damn it, it's all because of you! You damned animal!"

My mouth was full of blood as I mumbled an apology and begged for mercy. "Mom, I'm sorry, I won't dare to do it again."

"It wasn't intentional, I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

"Please forgive me, Mom, I'm begging you."

My sister cowered in the corner, not even looking at me.

I don't know how long it passed, but my mother, panting heavily, threw me to the ground and stomped on my legs with her feet. "If only I had known you could run so well, I would have let your brother break your legs too, so you couldn't run!"

"And your mouth! If I hear you talking nonsense again, I'll sew it shut with needles, do you hear me?"

I felt dizzy and couldn't quite make out what my mother was saying, but I instinctively nodded.

She was satisfied with my submission, and then turned to my sister, hitting her. "And you, you slut. When the village chief came, you wanted to complain, didn't you?"

"You were shouting even before the car entered. If your brother hadn't reacted quickly, someone would have found out."

"Everyone knows that family matters should not be made public. How come you don't know to cover up for your brother? If this matter gets out, how will others view our family?"

My sister bit her lip. "Mom, I did it for the sake of our family. My legs are not good, so I can't provide dowry for our brother to get married. I was anxious, too."

My mother sprayed spit as she spoke, hitting right at the core.

"Your legs are obviously incurable. Even if you can stand up, it won't be noticeable, and you won't be able to do any heavy work in the future. Who would marry a disabled person like you? It would be a waste of money to treat you; we wouldn't even get our investment back!"

My sister sobbed uncontrollably, and my mother's eyes shifted, her attitude softening.

"Don't say that I haven't treated you well. I have been supporting you, and you have Erniu to take care of you with your injured leg. You don't have to do any work, just enjoy a comfortable life at home."

"But look, your chances of getting married now are slim. Because of you, your brother hasn't been able to find a wife for these years. We have to wait until Erniu grows up, wasting so much time."

"Why don't you two see if you can get pregnant? It can be considered as compensation to your brother."

My sister remained silent for a long time before obediently agreeing.

"Mom, I'll do as you say."