C11 – Suicide
“Go home!” Feeling the weight of the other teachers’ stares, Lin Yuv’s embarrassment fueled his stern command.
Catching the glance from her husband, a hint of fear stirred in her heart. With her spirit subdued, she trailed back, leaving behind a group of disappointed onlookers.
Amidst their agricultural chores, some idle men sought work in town. As for their teacher, after tending to his tasks, he found leisure to gossip about others.
“Ha! Lan thought he could elope in secret. But there’s no hiding in this world. He got what he deserved,” Soong Qinghee scoffed.
Lin Yuxing didn’t anticipate this outcome. That woman was cunning; with silver in hand, she’d find a way to resolve the matter.
“Ah Yao, Auntie’s shameless. Blaming Brother for Lan’s cheapness,” Lin Yuchen lamented to their family’s Ah Yao.
“Why fret over such matters? Feed the chickens,” Soong Qinghee instructed, broom in hand, his personality a puzzle.
Lin Yuchen stuck out his tongue and dashed off.
Aunt Lin returned home, glaring at Lan’s tears, boiling with anger. “Cry! All you know is crying. If you hadn’t acted foolishly, would we be in this mess?”
“With Lan’s erratic behavior, it’s your fault. Such disgrace never befell our family!” Aunt Lin scolded, pointing at Lan. “You’re almost ruining your brother’s reputation. If you tarnish his name, I’ll tear you apart!”
The more the old grandmother pondered, the fiercer her anger. What a travesty!
Aunt Lin, feeling aggrieved, countered, “Ah Yao, Yu isn’t to blame. If he hadn’t exposed Lan’s deception, none of this would’ve happened.”
“Don’t you dare defend him! I warned against taking Lan to town, but you ignored me. Now, deal with the consequences!” The old grandmother cursed again. “I’ve said it before, don’t indulge him. The more you do, the more trouble he causes.” She resented her sons’ favoritism.
In the old grandmother’s eyes, he must marry her. With marriage, her loyalty would extend beyond her family to his.
Aunt Lin cast a plaintive look at her husband. They had two children; one attended school in town while the other was doted on, inviting his mother-in-law’s complaints. Both were precious to him; their struggles were his own.
“I can’t go on! I can’t!” Lan’s sudden outburst, followed by a rush towards a pillar, sent shockwaves.
Aunt Lin, horrified, watched as Lin Yuv intercepted his brother, taking the brunt of his charge.
“Lan, Lan…” Even the old grandmother hadn’t anticipated Lan’s desperation.
“Lan, why carry such burdens…” His voice filled with anguish. “Thank goodness you’re safe, my dear Lan!”
His outcry reached Soong Qinghee and others across the room. “Can you believe the words coming from your brother-in-law’s mouth?”