Grace Li was reflecting on her actions, wondering if she had acted too impulsively. When she was younger, she had done something similar. Around eleven or twelve, she was sensitive and a little naive. Whenever her parents scolded her for seeming less favored than her brother, she would throw a tantrum and threaten to run away from home. Looking back, she realized how childish that was; she was just trying to get her parents' attention. Now, at thirty, she found herself thinking about "escaping" again.
She couldn't stand the suffocating atmosphere in the house anymore, the feeling of being an outsider, a "black sheep" in the family. If she stayed any longer, the guilt and anxiety would just keep growing. She longed for the peaceful and independent environment of her apartment in New York, where she could live at her own pace, free from the heavy expectations of family.
The evening before New Year's Day, the streets of New York were buzzing with excitement and anticipation. The city was alive with the holiday spirit, and people's faces reflected the joy of a new year ahead.
By the time Grace arrived back in New York, the night had already settled in. She went to a hotpot restaurant, one that combined American buffet-style dining with the traditional hotpot experience. The place had everything from fresh ingredients to American-style snacks and salads. She treated herself to a solo hotpot meal, taking her time and enjoying the peaceful solitude for two hours, even trying the restaurant's signature American-style desserts.
Back in her Manhattan apartment, the quiet, familiar surroundings immediately put her at ease. Here, there were no relatives pushing marriage, no constant money requests from family. Just peace.
As she was settling in, her phone buzzed. She picked it up to find a message from Olivia in the work group chat.
Olivia: Dude, you back in New York? I swear I just saw you coming out of a hotpot joint in a cab.
Grace Li: Yeah, it's me.
Olivia: What brought you back so suddenly?
Grace Li: Something urgent came up.
Olivia: Gotcha. You going to Times Square for the countdown?
Grace Li thought about it for a moment. Going out might help her shake off the mood.
Grace Li: You going?
Olivia: Heck yeah, meeting up with some friends. You should come too. I'll introduce you!
Grace Li: Nah, not really feeling it.
After a few more messages, Grace left the chat. But then, another notification popped up on WhatsApp. It was Aiden Thompson.
Aiden Thompson: When'd you get back?
Grace Li: Just today. Went for hotpot right after.
Aiden Thompson: Alone?
Grace Li: Yeah.
Aiden Thompson: You should've called me.
Grace Li: Next time.
Grace stared at the chat. She was surprised by how much she longed for some company. Since Aiden had reached out, she figured there was no harm in asking him to join her.
Grace Li: Wanna go to the countdown?
Aiden Thompson: Sure thing.
Grace Li: I'll pick you up.
Aiden Thompson: You're closer to Times Square. I'll head over.
Grace Li: Okay.
Once the message was sent, her heart raced a little, and her mood lightened. Without overthinking it, she had invited Aiden to join her for the New Year's countdown. If it weren't for how low she was feeling, she probably wouldn't have reached out so easily.
Soon, Aiden Thompson arrived at the building. He told Grace that with the crowds in Times Square, it wouldn't be easy to drive.
Grace decided to wear a red dress with a white jacket and black boots, carefully putting herself together before heading out.
Aiden was already waiting outside in a gray coat and black sweater. As Grace stepped out, he asked, "Aren't you cold?"
Grace grinned. "I always choose style over warmth."
Aiden chuckled softly. "But you look adorable all bundled up too."
"Doesn't sound like a compliment," Grace teased.
Aiden pulled out his phone and showed her the weather forecast. "It's gonna drop to 48°F in an hour. Better layer up."
Grace smiled, "Don't worry, I'm good. Got a fleece-lined undershirt under here."
Aiden, satisfied, asked, "Should we take the subway or the bus?"
"Bus. I can enjoy the night view on the way."
"Alright."
As expected, the bus to Times Square was packed. Grace was squished in the middle, but Aiden stood in front of her, always keeping just enough space between them to protect her from the jostling crowd. It was such a gentlemanly gesture that Grace couldn't help but notice.
Grace had always been drawn to kind, chivalrous men like Aiden. She often found herself attracted to him, but she was too afraid to take it further. After all, there were too many practical things to consider.
She wasn't exactly wealthy, so keeping him around for fun wouldn't work. And if she were to pursue a serious relationship, the age gap alone was an issue. Plus, Aiden was successful, educated—he'd probably be interested in someone younger, more traditional, someone who could make him feel like the center of attention. She assumed he was only hanging out with her because she was his boss.
Maybe it was better to keep things as they were, she thought.
When they reached Times Square, the place was already packed. The giant crystal ball for the countdown sparkled above, and the energy was electric. The stage was alive with a famous singer performing, the music blasting through every corner, and people cheered and danced along.
Grace didn't feel like joining the crowds, so she and Aiden got warm drinks and headed to the Hudson River promenade. They sat on a bench, quietly enjoying the view of the brightly lit skyline.
"Something bothering you?" Aiden asked suddenly.
Grace turned to look at him, surprised. She thought she'd hidden her feelings well. How did he notice?
"How'd you know?"
"Just a hunch."
Grace smiled. "Thought that was a girl thing."
"Nah, guys get them too."
"Okay." She took a sip of her hot tea, her emotions heavy. She felt like opening up. She turned to Aiden, unexpectedly letting her guard down. "Aiden Thompson, do you have any siblings?"
"I have an older sister."
"Lucky you."
Aiden raised an eyebrow. "Why do you say that?"
Grace sighed. "Because in Asian families, the younger brother is often the favorite."
"Really? It was different for me growing up in the UK."
"Cultural differences. In my community, there's this deep-rooted preference for sons. It's influenced by Confucian values and the belief that sons carry on the family name and legacy. It's something that's hard to break, even though more and more Asian girls are pursuing their education and careers now. My dad, despite the tradition, encouraged me to study and supported me going to college. But when it comes to other family matters, those old beliefs still linger."
Aiden nodded in understanding. "That's archaic thinking. Modern women are independent and strong. And often, daughters are just as filial as sons."
Grace nodded. "But they don't see it that way. In their eyes, daughters are like water spilled. It's ingrained, and hard to change."
Aiden thought about Grace's words and the time she had comforted a girl who was thinking of jumping off a bridge. He realized that Grace's words to that girl were probably words she told herself too.
"Grace Li, your life is yours. Don't let others' opinions get to you too much."
Grace smiled faintly. "I keep telling myself that. As long as I know what's right for me. But I'm emotional. I get easily influenced by my surroundings."
She gazed at the skyline, lost in thought. "Aiden Thompson, I just remembered something. When I was a kid, I used to think it was normal for my parents to favor my brother, especially when it came to birthdays. I remember once I bought myself a small cake for my birthday—no one else thought it was important. Then one year, my parents brought home a big cake for my brother. I felt so left out, like I was invisible. It's funny, though. I never really complained. But now, when I think back on it, I realize that what hurt wasn't the cake. It was the feeling of being overlooked. I just wanted to feel equal, to be loved in the same way."
Aiden, moved, looked at her with tenderness. "Grace Li, you deserve so much more love."
Grace managed a forced smile. "It's okay, really, Aiden. Honestly, I don't expect my parents to love me more at this point. I'm content. Every time I bump into old classmates from my hometown, I feel lucky. Where I'm from, very few girls get the chance to go to college. A lot of them start working after middle school or go to trade schools because their parents think girls don't need to study too much since they're just gonna get married anyway. But my dad was different. He always encouraged me to work hard and get into college. His support is what got me here. I'm really grateful to him. Even though they still have that son-preference thing, I still feel lucky. After all, they're my closest family, and they're the ones who really want the best for me."
Aiden slowly lifted his hand, as if to pull her into a comforting hug.
But suddenly, Grace pointed excitedly at something in the distance. "Aiden, let's go do that! I've been wanting to for ages!"
The sudden shift in her mood broke the somber atmosphere. Aiden reluctantly pulled back his hand, which was almost on her shoulder, and followed her gaze. A group of young people were gathered nearby, waving sparklers in the air. The colorful sparks lit up like blooming flowers against the dark sky, crackling in a way that was nothing short of magical.