I explained, “I did all this because you weren’t listening to me, and I didn’t know how to make you see. But I cared about you and our relationship, and I wanted to find a way to escape Hongbo without fighting. It wasn’t right, but I hired Andrew out of love. Just like you two set me up with Hongbo out of”—I couldn’t quite say “love”—“your concern for me. But it wasn’t right. Just like how I shouldn’t have lied to you.”

“Lies, out of love?” my mother threw back. “Those contradict each other.”

“You guys haven’t told me about Bǎbá’s prostate cancer, supposedly out of love,” I said quietly.

Neither of them said anything.

“Bā, are you okay?” I blurted. I’d bottled up my feelings for too long, and they were spilling out now. “You know I love you, right? I’m here—I want to support you through this. You don’t have to hide things like this from me. In fact, you shouldn’t; it makes me worry more because I don’t know any of the details.”

“You wouldn’t understand, not until you have kids,” my father replied.

There was an uncomfortable pause.

My mother was looking at me like she couldn’t swallow my past lies and was silently choking on them.

The knife in my heart twisted.

Then, for the first time, I ignored that my heart was injured and bleeding, and I spoke from it anyway.

“Mǎmá, Bǎbá, I love you both. So much. Which is why I’m here, trying. I’m sorry for the lies in the past. I promise I’m going to be honest with you from now on, even when it’s painful. I hope…” I exhaled. “I hope you can one day do the same.”

Their faces were a mix of shock and anger at what I’d done. As those emotions worked themselves out, I left before they could say anything. I knew they would need time, and I didn’t want to hear words that would be said in the heat of the moment and impossible to forget.

Clean slate. Take one.

February 13, 12:23 p.m. PST

<Chloe>

Is everything okay with your client?

I’m so sorry

<Drew>

Yes, yes, you played the jilted ex perfectly

More importantly, how are your parents?

They still want you to come over for dinner tonight

Seriously???

That’s a good sign, right?

Well tbh I’m not sure what their motivations are

They’re not talking all that much

Could be they want to get to know you

Could be to confront you (sorry I hope not )

Um could be we really just have too much beef

Ok so prepare for anything?

Yeah

Maybe don’t bring any pears

That I can do

Come at 6

This will suck and I’m very sorry in advance but…

I can’t wait to see you