I Reported My Own Family

Chapter 3

Several people hadn't finished picking and spoke up, sounding unhappy, "We were told we could pick as much as we wanted after answering the questions. Why are you cutting it short?"

My sister smiled at them warmly. "It's fine, go ahead and pick. My sister is just a bit quiet and private. Don't mind her."

I spoke up to stop them, "This is my garden. No one touches anything here without my permission!"

She argued back, "You should be more generous with people. Isn't it good to share what we have? Look how happy they are to take fresh food home."

I said clearly, one word at a time, "These plants are still being tested. Once they're fully developed, they'll help far more people. You don't understand that, do you?"

Lyndon stepped in front of her, shielding her. "Veda, why are you snapping at her? Ann cares about other people. She's not like you, always shutting everyone out, guarding everything."

Her eyes filled with tears. "If it helps, I can give them my share too."

I was stunned and angry. "Your share? Every single plant here comes from research seeds. We only ever eat what's extra. Nothing here belongs to us!"

Mom and Dad finally arrived and stood between her and me.

"You're making her cry over vegetables that don't even cost much? What harm is there in letting her have some fun?"

"Fun?" My chest ached. "These are specially developed plants from an official national research program. Every single one is tracked and recorded. They are not toys for her to show off with!"

When the visitors heard they were researching plants, many put what they had gathered back.

"We'll just buy what we need at the market. We'll look forward to when your new variety is ready."

Ann watched them leave and looked even more hurt, tears streaming down her face.

Dad spoke without listening to anyone, "You spend all your time fussing over plants and making a big deal out of nothing. Apologize to your sister and Lyndon right now!"

I knelt down and gently lifted the few small seedlings that were still standing. The large, unripe green pumpkin growing near the wall was the only plant left untouched.

I kept my voice steady, though it shook. "I'll apologize, but I want the garden key back."

They had never cared how much this hurt me. I locked the gate and walked away without looking back.

That evening, I ordered high-definition security cameras, 24-hour monitoring, every corner covered.

I had seen the look in her eyes, sharp and angry, fixed right on that last remaining pumpkin.

I didn't say anything out loud. I quietly put a protective spiked barrier around it and set up clear warning signs.

Back in my room, I carefully planted the tiny pumpkin seedling I had found growing in a corner.

It was the only other one that had sprouted. This variety was very hard to grow, only the one in the garden had reached full size.

My supervisor had told me over and over, that one was the most important plant in the whole project.

It has already been approved and listed in the national breeding program.

Once it was fully grown, its seeds would be harvested using a special process for further study.

Later that evening, I saw Lyndon outside. He hesitated, looking like he wanted to say something.

I spoke first. "If you're here to ask me to apologize to Ann, don't."

He looked surprised. "So do you know you were wrong?"

I gave a sad smile. "Lyndon, you're my boyfriend. You're not hers."

He looked down at me. "But Ann is kinder, more full of life. Everyone likes her."

I frowned. "Even if her happiness comes at my expense?"

"You're just thinking too small," he said, shaking his head in disappointment.

I didn't bother arguing. When this variety was ready, it would help feed so many people.

Good, honest work doesn't lie. That is what matters.