Every time Sumin saw their house, they felt a clench of fear at what awaited them. Would today be the day that it finally appeared? That the moment they had been dreading would occur? So far, each day had proven no. Still, that fear persisted so much that Sumin kept their head down as they walked up to the house, staring at the sidewalk to the point where they had memorized every crack and scratch in the pavement, and only looking up at the last possible moment.
The sidewalk turned under their feet and they sighed, knowing they couldn't put it off any longer. Taking in a deep breath, Sumin lifted their head up slowly, feeling the dread build up inside as they looked at their house.
An ordinary, two-storey house with a modest yard and a maple tree. The only remarkable thing about it was the bright blue door, courtesy of their artisan father. Sumin let out the pent up breath and allowed a smile to cross their face. Today, it seemed, was like all the previous days. There was no FOR SALE sign up. Yet.
As soon as they entered the house, they heard their mom on the phone. "Look, I'll have the paycheck ready by Friday. If you could just wait until then…I know we're behind but there's not much else I can do, if you just could be a little more patient…yes I understand that. I understand all that. Look, you don't…"
Sumin tuned it out, not wanting to listen to more. Every day it was the same, the situation getting worse and worse. Their mom was already working double-shifts and overtime at the restaurant and their dad was juggling two jobs, all to keep them afloat. But, as much as they wanted to deny it, they were sinking and the water was just getting higher. It was only a matter of time.
A few months ago, their sister Althea had been on a train coming from university when there had been major accident on the tracks, upending the train. 9 dead, 7 critically injured, and dozens more harmed in some way. After a major operation, the doctors had been able to save Althea's life, but she had remained comatose ever since. Now, all Sumin saw was their sister, a girl full of joy and out loud laughter, completely still, the only sign of life being the steady beep of the heart monitor.
As the months went on, so did the stack of bills to pay to the point where they were almost completely broke. Sumin knew their parents were keeping it from them but they had always been more observant than they let on. They saw the bills, the strain in their parents' faces, the new hours added to jobs, the shortage of stuff in the house. It was pretty clear that unless something changed, things would only get worse.
Sumin put their stuff down before facing the kitchen door, still hearing their mom behind it. They knew they had to confront her. Just like with Gabriela earlier, they just had to go in and get it over with. But this one was more difficult as they knew what their mom would tell them, they knew where the conversation would go. But they didn't know how it would end. That was the real problem, because they needed it to end a certain way and that wasn't a given.
Rip off the band aid, they reminded themself and walked in.
Their mom instantly looked up and Sumin could see her eyebrows crease. "Ok, last time, I promise," she said over the phone. "We won't be behind anymore. I understand, thank you." She put the phone down with a heavy sigh and practically sank into a chair. "Not that we can really promise that," she muttered, almost to herself. "Sorry, how was school?"
"The usual," Sumin replied softly. They tried to keep their tone neutral but their observational skills had come from their mom. She could tell that their voice was off.
"What is it?" she asked.
Sumin knew there was no turning back now so grabbed a seat next to her. "I left debate team."
Their mom's eyebrows shot up with concern. "What? Why? I thought you loved debate."
"I do. But I love you more."
"Huh? What does that…"
"I got a job," they told her. "To help pay the bills."
That stopped her.
"You and dad are not enough. You need me."
"Sumin, look." Their mom took hold of their hands. "You…this whole situation is not something you should worry yourself about. We'll find a way. So don't worry about it."
Sumin squeezed their hands. "Not a good liar."
"I'm not-"
"I hear you when you don't want me to. I know the truth. You need more help. I got a job. Not much, but at least it will help."
"You shouldn't have to…"
"Althea shouldn't be in hospital," Sumin told her firmly, holding back the tears as much as they could. "She should be awake and happy. But life isn't fair. So, to help, I will make money."
They were both silent for a moment and Sumin could tell their mom was doing her best to hold back her tears as well. But they were both doing a pretty poor job of it.
"Wh…" she stopped, a slight sob escaping. She composed herself and looked Sumin in the eye. "And, uh, what job did you get?"
"Barista," they told her. "Miguel's Number One Coffee House."
"Ah. Should have known." Their mom blinked and rubbed their eyes. "You…I love you so much. I wish…I wish things were different. I wish you could just live your life the way you want right now. I'm sorry we can't give that to you."
"Not your fault," Sumin told her.
"No." She looked Sumin deep in the eyes, cupping their cheek. "I am so proud of you. You are the best child a mother could ask for, and if Althea were here, she would say that you were the best sibling. So, thank you."
This time, Sumin chose not to hold back the tears. Instead, they just let them fall as they wrapped their arms around their mom in a massive hug, feeling her hug them back.