One month after Grandma's funeral, I returned home again.

Both Mom and Dad looked haggard, with red-rimmed eyes and dark circles underneath.

I took out twenty thousand yuan from my bag and gave it to them, saying, "This is a loan from someone else. Take it for now, and I'll give you the rest after working for a few more months."

Perhaps realizing they only had me to rely on, Mom and Dad accepted the money, and their attitude towards me did a complete 180.

Mom said, "Well, no rush. Give it to us when you have the money."

After chatting with them for a bit, I made my excuses and left, citing the need to get back to work.

I won't tell them how much money I've actually earned. I'll slowly repay them for my high school tuition and provide them with a monthly allowance.

I don't trust them.

My younger brother and sister aren't destined to be imprisoned for life. If I easily reveal my true situation to them, the same nightmare awaits me.

I've endured for so many years just to change that outcome.

I will always, always look out for myself.