False Strings. || Haobin

FLASHBACKS.

A five-year-old Hao was having a blast playing with his soccer ball, when a stranger joined him for a game by the roadside. They were giggling and having fun until the ball rolled away, leading Hao to chase after it. Just when everything seemed perfect, a delivery truck came barreling down, and in the blink of an eye, tragedy struck-Hao was hit, blood streaming from his head and his body marked with scars.

When he came back to his senses, he felt detrimental contact of a hand, with the intention of showing discipline, on his cheek; while tears streamed down his face as he cried out for his mother's forgiveness. Fortunately, his beloved father gave his family the ultimate sacrifice, donating his heart to little Hao. Grievance was bestowed upon the once loving family, oh so to put a burden on the mother, she had lost not only the father of her children, but also her husband; the one made to fulfill the hole left upon her heart. But back then, Hao was just a joyful kid, unaware of the weight of such loss.

Fast forward to 9 years later.

At the age of 17, Hao found himself fleeing from home due to his mother's mistreatment. Life was challenging, balancing school and work, but not once did he look back with regret.

Fate undoubtedly plays a role in this scenario. His mother and stepfather discovered his whereabouts, and his mother is determined to reclaim her son.

As Hao was tidying up his kitchen, there was a knock at his apartment door. Upon opening it, he found his mother, appearing as angry as she had the last time he encountered her. Memories of the trauma inflicted by her began to resurface.

"You are truly a burden to this family! You should be grateful that we are allowing you the opportunity to return home."

"Our home? I learned that my father gave the house to me after he made a heart donation when I was a child, and yet you claim it as yours as well? Tsk."

"Is this what you're acting after you ran away from home?" his mother retorted, astonished.

"If your purpose for being here is to scold me, I ask that you leave my apartment so I may live in peace?" Hao replied calmly as he continued to clean the kitchen counter.

"I am here to remind you that you must never return to this family, we won't accept you here anymore." mother stated firmly after he left.

Hao remained indifferent to her words; in her eyes, he was merely a disappointment. It was in that moment that he sensed a tear begin to form.