I had to ask.

I just had to.

My father gave very disappointing answers.
Words that I've heard TOO many times.

But, this was new...

"I'm just a man. I know I've done many wrong things. Let us not talk about reasons anymore.
Let's talk about 'qing' -affections ."

" Don't yearn for your family's love and acceptance anymore. Instead, love yourself .
You have the rest of your life to do that. And you must."


I gulped down the tears that were coming.