I Couldn’t Afford My Parents ‘Time Chapter 06
I had said those words so many times.
When I was little and no one showed up for my
parent–teacher meetings, I said I was fine.
When I got sick and went to the hospital alone, I said I was fine.
When I worked part–time to pay my own tuition and filled
out my college applications by myself, I said I was fine.
But this time was different.
Back then, I said I was fine because I was still hoping they’d
come back to me.
Now, I said I was fine because I had truly stopped waiting.
Ten minutes after the train left, the family group chat finally.
came alive.
Mom was the first to send a long string of voice messages.
Why didn’t you tell us you got into Columbia University?”
Do you know how many people made fun of us today?”
‘Come back right now.”
“We’ll drive over and pick you up.”
“I’ve already had your dad arrange the graduation party.”
“It’ll be held at a five–star hotel the day after tomorrow.”
Dad quickly followed with a screenshot from Instagram.
He had posted about my acceptance to Columbia.
The caption read:
So proud of my daughter. Columbia University, here she comes!”
The comments were full of congratulations from relatives and friend.
Melody didn’t say anything.
After a long while, she sent me a private message.
‘Hazel, Mom and Dad canceled the movie day they promised
me tomorrow because they want to throw you a graduation party.”
Are you happy now?”
stared at the message for two seconds.
Then ignored it.
By the time I arrived in New York, it was already late.
The semester hadn’t officially started yet.
I checked into the temporary student housing I had arranged beforehand.
The room was small.
Outside the window, I could see people rushing in and out of the subway station.
I lay on the bed.
For the first time, I slept deeply.
The next morning, my phone was filled with dozens of missed calls.
My relatives took turns trying to convince me to come home.
They said Mom and Dad had already booked the hotel.
They said Mom hadn’t slept all night because of me.
But no one asked why I had chosen to leave on my own
before they even knew I got into Columbia University.
That afternoon, Mom sent me a screenshot of a bank transfer.
$10,000.
This money is for you to come back for the graduation party.”
And you can use it to finish tutoring Melody during this
“What about your living expenses?”
“The school set me up with a work–study job on campus.”
This time, she had nothing to say.
It was probably the first time she realized…
I truly didn’t need them anymore.
Before the call ended, Dad took the phone from her.
“Hazel, your mom is just angry right now.”
Text us your address.”
We’ll come visit you in New York.”
No need.”
“We’re your parents.”
Do we need your permission just to take you to college?”
I simply hung up.
Back then, I couldn’t even buy one day of their time no
matter how hard I tried.
Now that they finally wanted to come…
no longer needed them to.
On move–in day, the campus entrance was packed with
freshmen and their families.
My roommate, Morgan, was the first to arrive.
Her parents helped her make the bed.
Then they pulled snacks and food from their boxes and
insisted on sharing them with us.
Before leaving, her mom hugged her.
“Call us if you need anything.”
“Don’t be afraid to bother us.‘
I lowered my head and organized my books.
Suddenly, I remembered how, before I turned eighteen, I had to save $20 every time I wanted a hug from my own parents.
Morgan looked at me.
“Your family isn’t here yet?”
They’re not coming.”
The moment I said that…
A familiar voice suddenly came from outside the dorm room.
Who said we weren’t coming?”