Chapter 2Eight Swiss Rolls

My son’s thankless behavior showed early signs. On his fifth birthday, Leo was late, as usual. Calls went unanswered, texts unreturned. My son’s eyes drooped from exhaustion, and I, feeling sorry for him, told him, “Dad’s still working overtime. Mom will celebrate with you first, and Dad will celebrate with you again when he gets back.”

He suddenly exploded, smashing the cake onto me. “I hate you! It’s all because you do nothing at home that Dad works so hard!” “Why are you so lazy, not going to work, just like a pig at home!”

No money meant no dignity. In my son’s eyes, my care for him, my sacrifices for the family, couldn't compare to the occasional toy Leo brought home. He even pushed me once because I dared to touch that toy while cleaning his room. To this day, a winding, ugly scar marks my wrist. Since he loved his dad so much, I decided to let them have each other.