Chapter 2The Martydom Addiction

We couldn't control the grocery shopping. But we thought we could at least fix her wardrobe.

She had a significant amount of savings, but she wouldn't spend a dime on herself.

The pants she wore were bought fifteen years ago. The fabric was piling so badly it looked like sandpaper.

I took her to the mall with good intentions. I wanted her to look decent and feel comfortable.

She stood at the entrance of a store, looking inside but refusing to enter.

I tried to encourage her. "Mom, Sarah [my sister-in-law] transferred me $10,000 today. She said whatever you pick is on her. Just relax and choose."

Instead of being happy, she started lecturing me.

"How could you take Sarah's money? Do you know what people will say if I spend her money? Send it back immediately. I can't use it."

It was always this performance.

Deep down, she was happy Sarah wanted to spend money on her. But she had to decline, and she always did it in a way that made it sound like Sarah was reluctant to give it.

Luckily, Sarah wasn't there, or it would have been another fight.

"Mom, it's a gift of filial piety. Just take it," I urged.

She got angrier and shoved me. "I said no! The clothes I have are fine. Do you think I'm embarrassing you by dressing like this?"

I rubbed my temples. "No, Mom. No one thinks that."

"Then it's Sarah. Does she think I embarrass her when I pick up my granddaughter from school? Is that why she sent money?"

She was getting louder and more ridiculous. The sales assistants were giving us weird looks.

I cut her off. "Mom! Sarah doesn't think that! We just see your clothes are old and torn. We want you to have new ones. We aren't poor. We can afford a few shirts!"

She huffed and went silent.

I took the opportunity to push her inside. I asked the staff to recommend some outfits.

Several assistants swarmed her, picking out tasteful, comfortable clothes. I handed them to her to try on.

Right in front of the staff, she checked every single price tag. Her face turned black, and she shoved the clothes back at them.

Before I could react, she dragged me out of the store.

I apologized to the confused staff over my shoulder while asking her, "What's wrong? Why didn't you try them?"

She didn't say a word until we were outside. Then she exploded.

"Your salary is only five thousand! You don't know how to save! All you think about is buying clothes!"

My salary isn't high, true.

But I told her the money was from Sarah. It had nothing to do with me.

I tried to explain.

She wouldn't listen to a word. She just kept rambling.

"Do I need you to buy me clothes? My clothes might be old, but they cover my body just fine!"

I couldn't move her.

In the end, I transferred the money back to Sarah and explained the situation so she wouldn't overthink it.

Sarah sent a voice note back: "Mom is really addicted to suffering. She has a life of leisure waiting for her, but she insists on living like an abandoned stray. I don't know if she's afraid people will steal her money or if she wants people to think we're unfilial children."

I chuckled bitterly and sent back a helpless emoji.