Mom, are you serious? I'm not getting married. I'm not even old enough to drink!"
Mom's expression remained unchanged. "You're old enough to make your own choices. And this is your choice. You either get married or you stay here and face the consequences."
I felt a surge of anger. "This is ridiculous! You can't just force me to get married!"
"I'm not forcing you. You're failing your exams. You're not going to university. You're not getting a job. So, what else is there? You're going to marry someone who can take care of you."
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. My mom was actually suggesting that I marry someone just because I failed my exams. I felt like I was living in a different time.
"I'm not a piece of property!" I yelled, my voice rising. "I'm not going to be sold off to the highest bidder!"
Mom's eyes narrowed. "Don't raise your voice to me. You're disrespectful and ungrateful. I've given you everything, and this is how you repay me?"
I felt a lump in my throat. I knew I was being disrespectful, but I couldn't control my anger. I felt like I was being treated like a child, like I was incapable of making my own decisions.
"I'm not ungrateful," I said, my voice trembling. "I just want to live my own life. Is that too much to ask. I might be failling but I want to go to university. I want to have a career."
Mom sighed, her expression softening. "I know, Mika. But I'm worried about you. I want what's best for you."
I looked at her, trying to understand. I knew she loved me, but I couldn't understand why she was so set on this. I felt like I was trapped, like I had no other options.
"I don't know what to do," I said, my voice barely a whisper.
Mom reached out and took my hand. "We'll figure it out," she said softly. "But you need to understand that I'm not going to let you throw your life away."
I looked at her hand on mine, and for a moment, I felt a flicker of hope. Maybe she wasn't as adamant as she seemed. Maybe there was still a chance that I could convince her to let me go to university.
I took a deep breath and looked at her. "Can we talk about this more?"
Mom smiled slightly. "Of course, Mika. We'll talk about it."
I felt a sense of relief wash over me. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I was determined to make her understand. I wasn't going to let her ruin my life.