I thought I had moved on from my family’s rejection for 17 years. That being said, when my parents showed up at my door, they looked shocked and disappointed. They thought I would be having a hard time, not doing great.
I went against what they thought I should do by not becoming a doctor like them. I chose to act and start my own business instead, going my own way. My parents quickly and harshly told me they didn’t like it.
“You’re not going to be a doctor?” What did my mother ask? Her voice was sour.
“I want to do something and start a business,” I said, my heart beating fast.
My dad laughed and said, “Acting? Doing business? Do you think this is a joke?”
Their rejection hurt a lot. I only took a bag of clothes and $100 with me.
I built a life without them over the years. I worked hard and got acting jobs and started a business that did well. While this was going on, my parents were bragging about my doctor brother.
I didn’t expect anything when they got back to Sydney. But when they were having trouble finding a cheap place to live, they became interested in my life.
“Come see my place,” I said, trying not to look amused.
When they walked into my modern, custom-built home, they looked sad. They were amazed by the beautiful designer furniture, large windows, and well-kept wooden floors.
When my mum asked, “How much do you pay to rent a room here?” her voice was shaking.
My answer, “I don’t rent,” was full of pleasure. “I own it.”
As their shock turned to anger, charges began to fly.
My mum hissed, “You lied to us!”
To that, I replied, “I worked my way up in banking.” “You never asked.”
Their real goals became clear: they wanted to live with me and take advantage of my success.
“You think you can just walk back into my life, judge me, and ask to live in my home?” I laughed. “After 17 years of silence?”
Their faces turned angry, and my dad said he would cut me out of the will.
I gave a shrug. “What will I do without the inheritance from people who can’t afford to live in my area?”
You could feel the stress. He said, “We just wanted the best for you.”
I gave a sad smile. Not at all. You only wanted the best for yourself. But I left my own mark.”
My dad told them as they left, “You’ll regret pushing us away.”
I didn’t give up. “17 years ago, you pushed me away.” That’s all I have to say.
When the door shut, I knew I was finally done with it.
