My parents never smiled at me since the day I was born.

2

After starting elementary school, I saw how other parents smiled as they held up their children's perfect test papers. I thought my own parents would be just as happy to see my good grades.

So I threw myself into my studies. I eagerly answered questions in class and worked tirelessly on my assignments after school.

When I showed my mother my final report card with perfect scores, she just gave it a cold glance.

"'What's the use of a girl studying so hard?'"

"'I thought... you'd be happy...'"

'My mother's indifferent expression was so hurtful. I knew she didn't like me, but her apathy still pierced my heart like a thorn.'

"'What is there to be happy about? With all that time you spend studying, you could be helping me with chores. Just look at the floors! They're filthy!'"

With that, she turned her back on me, grabbed a broom, and started sweeping.

'I just so desperately wanted to see my mother smile. I just wanted her approval.'

So I put down my schoolbag and took the broom from my mother's hands.

"'Mom, let me help you. I can do anything.'"

And so, gradually, it was sweeping, washing dishes, cooking, feeding the cow... I took on most of the household chores.

It was truly exhausting, but my hard work paid off. I finally started to see my mother smile.

"'Look at her. This girl is pretty quick with her chores.'"

For once, my father's expression wasn't cold.

He looked at how neat and tidy the house was, and nodded.

"'This girl wasn't a complete waste, after all.'"

'If his next words had been praise, I think I would have been so happy I could fly.'

But in the next moment, my father's gaze shifted to my mother's stomach.

"'It's been this long... still nothing?'"

'So his gaze had rested on me for less than a second before it returned to my brother—a brother who didn't even exist yet.'