Chapter Forty Three

Kelly’s eyes widened when she saw Isa storm into the house, the clatter of suitcase wheels bumping against the tile floor. She dropped the towel she’d been holding onto the dining table and rushed toward her, eyes darting to the luggage.

“What are you doing home?” she asked, her voice sharp. Her gaze darkened, her hands trembling. “Don’t tell me this is what I’m thinking—right?” She let out a dry, humorless laugh.

Isa’s grip on the suitcase tightened. Sweat dampened her palms. She opened her mouth, but no words came. she gave a slow, stiff nod.

“What?” Kelly scoffed, shaking her head. “No. No, this can’t be. You’re just home for a break, right?” She clapped her hands, trying to smile. “Right? Tell me I’m wrong.”

Isa swallowed hard. Her throat closed up. A shiver ran through her chest and into her limbs. She loosened her hold on the suitcase, then clutched it again even tighter.

Her mind flashed back to the open drawer—the photos of Steven scattered like torn pieces of her heart. He hadn’t said a word. Just stood there, hugging the doorframe, like she wasn’t even in the room.

This is what he wanted. For me to leave. He could’ve said something. One word. Given me something. But he kept his mouth shut. Shut his eyes. Shut me out.

Isa scoffed aloud. Tears welled in her eyes. She shook her head.

“I can’t do it anymore,” she whispered. “I can’t…” Her voice cracked, her heart breaking.

Then came the sound of her mother’s smirk—followed by the sting of a slap across her cheek.

Isa gasped and stumbled, catching herself on the suitcase handle. Her grip turned white-knuckled. Heat flared across her face.

“Go back now!” Kelly screamed, pointing at the door. “What do you want the neighbors to say? That you’re back again? That you quit—again? That you’re just the failure everyone expects you to be? Is that how you make me proud?” Her voice shook with rage.

Isa’s lips trembled. Her blood boiled.

Then she laughed.

Kelly blinked in shock as Isa raised her head and met her gaze, laughing bitterly.

“What the neighbours will say?” Isa scoffed. “Do you even care about me? Ever?” she shouted, hitting her own chest. “Since I started that damn job, have you ever called to ask how I was? If I was okay? If I was eating? If I was alive?”

She shook her head. “No. You didn’t. You never have.”

“I’m your mother, you brat!” Kelly screamed, slapping her again. The dull thud echoed in the room.

Isa staggered but didn’t back down. Her breathing came in short, shaky bursts. Her hands trembled.

“I’ve always wondered…” she muttered, laughing through her teeth, “if my life would’ve been like this if Dad were still alive.”

Kelly gasped, her hands flying to cover her mouth.

Isa’s eyes glistened as she looked at her mother.

“I know he hurt you. I know,” her voice cracked, “but he was a good father.” She sniffled. Silence hung heavy between them.

Kelly looked away, her face twisted as if the air itself had turned bitter in her mouth.

“All you care about is what people think—your pride, your image. You failed your children, Mom. You made me chase everyone’s approval and lose sight of who I am.” Isa shook her head, her fingers tightening around the suitcase handle. “Not anymore. I’m choosing what I want. I’ll live my life—even if you hate me for it. I don’t care what anyone thinks.”

Tears streamed down her cheeks, her lips quivering. “I’m tired, Mom. I… I can’t live like this anymore.”

She wiped her face with the back of her hand, but the tears kept falling. “I’m sorry, Mom,” she whispered.

Isa turned away and dragged her suitcase toward her room, her footsteps heavy with heartbreak.

Kelly collapsed to the floor, tears spilling down her cheeks as she dug her nails into the side of the chair. Her eyes landed on Isa’s baby portrait near the wall—and that was when the sobs came harder.

All she’d ever wanted was to give her daughter a better life. To be proud of her. But she’d failed her own parents chasing a childish dream—and by the time she realized it, it was too late.

Why couldn’t Isa understand?

Thanks so much for reading! 😊 What are your thoughts on Kelly in this chapter? Do you think she’s being selfish 😤 or just trying to do the right thing in the wrong way? 🤔 I’d love to hear your thoughts! 💬