Page 27 of Echoes of Eternity

My eyes were burning with unshed tears.

Chivonn leaned forward, her voice urgent and fierce. “I get that you care about your family, but this isn’t the solution. Taking his offer is like signing up for a lifetime of trouble. He’s a part of a world that’s dangerous and manipulative. Even if it looks like he’s offering a lifeline, it’s just another way to control you. You have to protect yourself and stay out of that mess.”

I took a deep breath, trying to settle my nerves, absorbing her words. “You’re right. That’s why the guilt hits me even harder because Iknowits manipulation, but the temptation is there. I just don’t want to let my family down.”

Chivonn’s hand tightened around mine, her grip firm and reassuring. “You’re not letting them down by rejecting his offer. You’re protecting yourself and making sure you don’t get dragged back into a dangerous situation, you’re protecting your family by not dragging them into that mess. Your family would want you to be safe and happy, not to risk your well-being for a false promise. There are other ways to ensure they’re taken care of without compromising who you are.”

I looked at Chivonn, feeling a renewed sense of clarity while trying to swallow the boulder that suddenly appeared in my throat. “T-Thanks, Chivonn. I needed to hear that. I’ve been struggling with this decision, but your perspective and reminder help.”

Chivonn’s expression softened, her support unwavering. “Anytime, Mae. You don’t have to face this alone. I’m here for you, and if Kaito shows up again, you let me know. We’ll deal with him together somehow. Heck, maybe the boss has a few connections up his sleeve, if you know what I mean. And don’t forget, there are resources and ways to help your family that don’t involve going back to him.”

As we continued our lunch, Chivonn’s clear-headed advice provided a sense of comfort. While the challenges with Kaito and my concerns for my family still loomed, knowing that I had someone who truly had my back made the situation feel a little more manageable.

12

A week had passedsince I confided my worries to Chivonn, and I had managed to avoid any encounters with Kaito, much to my relief. I felt a false sense of security wash over me, like a thin veil shielding me from the trouble he brought. After that fateful night, when I’d kicked him in the nuts and made it clear I wasn’t to be messed with, I had hoped he would finally get the message.

As I drove back to my parents' house, the familiar streets blurred past, and I allowed myself to breathe a little easier. Maybe things would finally settle down. Yet, as the memories of Kaito’s dark gaze and cocky smirk lingered in my mind, I couldn’t shake the feeling that this wasn’t over. I remained on edge, half-expecting him to materialize out of the shadows at any moment.

The familiar sight of my parents' house, with its neatly trimmed lawn and warm, inviting façade, brought a different mix of relief and dread. I pulled intothe driveway, mentally bracing myself for the inevitable interrogation that awaited me. Despite my efforts to stay positive, I couldn’t shake the knot of anxiety that always accompanied these visits.

As I stepped out of the car, my mother appeared at the door, her face lighting up with a forced smile that did little to mask her underlying concern. “Mae, you’re here! It’s been too long.”

“Ma, I was here like a week ago,” I said, sighing. My father joined us, standing beside her in the doorway. “I brought some groceries to help out. I hope that’s okay.”

“Yes, yes. Come. Come inside,” my mother urged, taking the bags from me with a mix of relief and expectation. “You know, we worry about you. How are things going? Do you have enough to eat? Your cheeks are not so puffy today.”

I always found it strange how well-being in our culture seemed inextricably linked to food. It was as if nourishment was the ultimate measure of love and care. No matter what else was happening in my life, their focus always shifted back to my meals—whether it be too much or too little. I could almost hear the unspoken rule: if I wasn’t eating enough, then everything else fell apart.

I smiled weakly, trying to deflect the weight of their concern. “I’m fine, really. Just busy with work. We’ve had a lot of clients lately.” But even as I said it, I felt the familiar pang of guilt. Their worries were genuine, and I didn’t want to add to their burdens.

My father, who was now preparing tea in thekitchen, glanced over with a sigh. “That’s good to hear, but you really should consider a more stable job. Tattoos are fine, but they’re not exactly a secure future. The clients can fluctuate, yes?”

I felt a familiar surge of frustration while I started putting their groceries away. Their fridge looked a little empty and I began to wonder if my parents were sharing some of their food with the neighbors. “I’m doing what I love, and it’s working for me. Even with a few clients, the money is good, Pa.”

My mother looked at me with a pained expression. “But Mae, don’t you want to be settled? A ‘normal’ job would offer more security so you do not have to worry about how many people come in. We just want to see you safe and comfortable.”

I could feel the pressure mounting. “I’m managing just fine, Ma. I’m the one bringing you groceries. It’s not the job, okay? The job is good. It’s always good.”

“And what about finding a husband?” My mother’s tone was insistent, almost pleading. “You’re not getting any younger, Mae. It’s important to have a family, to settle down. We’ve been waiting for you to give us grandchildren.”

And there it was. The biggest elephant in the room. In our culture, familial success was measured not just by personal achievements but by the brood of grandchildren that followed. Their expectations loomed over me like an unyielding shadow, a constant reminder that my life choices were still seen through the lens of tradition. The thought of fulfilling that role felt heavy andsuffocating especially in the midst of this Kaito nonsense.

I couldn’t help but wonder if I’d ever meet those expectations while trying to carve my own path. Kaito's relationship had made me hesitant to embark on any new ones.

The familiar guilt began to creep in. “I’m focused on my career right now. I don’t want to rush into something when I’m not ready. I mean, I can always find you guys a little dog to take care of.”

My father joined in, his voice tinged with the disappointment I knew was coming. “It’s not just about expectations. It’s about your future. We worry about you being alone and without support. It’s not easy out there, you know.”

“I understand, Pa,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady.

My mother’s face fell, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, constricting my chest with discomfort. “We just want what’s best for you. It’s hard for us to see you alone. We worked so hard to give you a good life.”

Guilt, thy name is family. “I’m doing my best to balance everything, Ma. I want to make sure you’re okay.”

“But Mae-Mae,” my mother said, her voice quivering, “we’ve given you everything we could. We sacrificed so much for you to have opportunities, and now it feels like you’re throwing it all away. What will happen to us if something were to happen to you?”

Please don’t do this right now.

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