The Fool’s Dance

When I got the news that my sister had been diagnosed with a terminal illness and was hospitalized, I quickly wrapped up my meeting at work. I rushed to the hospital. At the entrance of the hospital room, I ran into my father, who had arrived just as hurriedly. As soon as he saw me, his face darkened, and he spoke in a harsh tone, "Lori, why are you picking on Yingying? She's your sister, not some stranger. She's new at the company and still adjusting. She finally got a project, and you just had to interfere? Being petty is not something I taught you!" What a bombshell accusation! I was completely baffled. "Dad, what are you talking about? What project? I have no idea." "The Crystal Water Bay project," he snapped back, clearly annoyed, while faint sobbing sounds drifted from the room. With a dismissive wave, he turned and walked inside. Crystal Water Bay? That’s no small project, and it was handed to me directly by the general manager. How could it possibly be related to Judy, who just joined the company? These thoughts raced through my mind, but I held my tongue and followed him in, only to watch him fuss over my sister on the hospital bed, speaking to her in a gentle, soothing voice—a complete 180 from the harsh words he had for me. I listened quietly, but a sharp pain pricked at my heart. Ever since my mother passed away, my father had been perpetually gloomy, and his attitude towards me was always lukewarm at best. But ever since my missing sister was found, it was like he had been given a new lease on life, catering to Judy’s every whim, as if— As if she were the only true daughter of this family. Before I could say anything, my father suddenly swung around and slapped me hard across the face. The slap was forceful, knocking me to the ground, my cheek swelling instantly. Reeling from shock, I cried out, "Dad! What are you doing?!" From my vantage point, his face was twisted with a look of rage and disappointment that I had never seen before. "Lori, how did I never see the venom in you? It's one thing to ostracize Judy at work, but I know you've been upset since she came home. Why would you stop her from coming to the hospital for treatment? Do you really want her dead?" What in the world is going on? I snapped my gaze to my sister, curled up on the bed. She still looked as delicate as ever, though her lips were unnaturally pale. As soon as she noticed me looking, she trembled and tugged at our father's sleeve, her lips quivering, on the verge of breaking into tears, "Daddy, don't speak about sister like that. I'm sure she has her reasons, and I haven't lost anything..." "Haven't lost anything!" My father's eyes flared with anger. "The doctor said it's because you were late that they diagnosed you with late-stage cancer. You don't have much time left, and I just brought you home..." "So," I said, having already steeled myself and standing to the side, though my swollen face felt a bit awkward, "Dad, do you think I delayed Judy's diagnosis? With all due respect, she's only been home for less than a month. Even if I had stopped her from getting checked, the illness wouldn't have progressed this quickly, right?" "Enough. I don't want to hear it." Clearly, my father wasn't listening. "Judy doesn't have many good days left. Granting her a few last wishes isn't asking too much, is it?" I frowned, looking at the timid Judy, "What is it you want this time?" "How can you speak like that?" My father's eyes narrowed, and he kicked my shin. I staggered, barely catching myself on the bed's railing, feeling a burning pain in my leg, and hissed. My father immediately spat out, "Quit the theatrics," and continued, "The project I just mentioned, give it back to Judy. It was never yours to begin with." I was so mad, it was almost laughable. "Not mine? Why don't you go ask the company when, where, and how this project was supposedly handed over to Judy?" At that moment, Judy burst into tears. She lowered her head, wiping her eyes as she choked out, "It's alright, Dad. I should've known my place. I was just too ambitious. Growing up in the countryside, being brought to the city by you felt like a miracle. I just wanted to prove myself, but compared to my sister, I'm still miles behind..." Father's expression softened instantly, his eyes filled with pity. He sat by her bed, whispering words of comfort, completely ignoring me. Watching this so-called "heartwarming" scene, I couldn't help but feel the sting of irony. Just as I was about to turn and leave, a hand landed gently on my shoulder. It was my fiancé, Sammy, the one person I thought I could count on. I let out a breath I didn't realize I was holding. We had been together for two years, already planning our wedding for the eighth of next month. But before I could fully relax, Sammy leaned in and whispered, "Lor, Judy said... before she dies, she wants a perfect wedding. I thought, since our plans are almost ready, why not let Judy use them? It'd be convenient, right?" My eyes widened in disbelief, and I pulled away from Sammy's embrace. Did he even hear himself? That was my wedding! Are you kidding me? Why should Judy get my wedding? Just because she's sick and dying? My heart twisted painfully as I glared at Sammy, demanding, "What on earth are you thinking?" "Me?" Sammy chuckled, as if it was no big deal. "I think it's totally fine. After all, she's your sister, and she doesn't have much time left. Her happiness is what matters most now." Oh, her happiness is what matters most, is it? And what about me? Has anyone considered that the invitations are almost all sent out, and now it's suddenly Judy's wedding? What will everyone think of me? "So if the wedding's hers, does that mean you're lending yourself out as well?" I asked, feeling utterly defeated. Sammy's expression faltered for a moment, then he quickly regained his smile. "It's just a ceremony, sweetheart. Surely, you don't mind?" Before I could respond, Judy threw herself back into the mix. She stumbled out of bed and fell to her knees before me, crying, "I'm sorry, sister. I didn't discuss this with you first. I just mentioned wanting a wedding because I've always been alone. I thought a wedding would make me feel like I have a family, so I wouldn't feel so lonely after I die! That's why Sammy offered to help me. Please, don't argue. It's all my fault for being so selfish." As Judy sobbed uncontrollably, Father shot me a sharp look before rushing to help her up, scolding, "Can't you show a little grace? What kind of sister behaves like this? Judy, you shouldn't just kneel to anyone. Get back in bed before you catch a cold." Sammy didn't move, but his eyes were fixed on Judy, clearly concerned. I watched the three of them in the room, playing their parts perfectly—one playing the good cop, one the bad cop, and then pulling the guilt trip. If I didn't agree, I'd be the petty one, the one who disrespects the sick, the bad sister. Everything would be my fault. I took a deep breath, turned on my heel, and tossed over my shoulder, "Do whatever you want." As soon as I reached the office, I got a call from Sammy. He subtly accused me of being heartless, saying Judy was now depressed in the hospital and suggested I should talk to her, maybe even apologize. No sooner had I hung up than a text from Judy popped up. She said she was just my sister and wouldn't compete with me for Sammy. She just wanted a wedding, she pleaded, practically begging me to agree.I left all the messages unread, ignoring them as I buried myself in the office, sorting through files. Soon after, the manager called and unleashed a torrent of anger on me. It was then that I discovered my father had bypassed me entirely and contacted the manager directly, demanding that the Crystal Water Bay project be handed over to Judy. The manager, dismissing me offhandedly, accused me of leaking project information, insisting I either leave the project team voluntarily or face a lawsuit. If it came to that, the best outcome for me would be getting fired. As I stared at the scattered documents on my desk, a hollow emptiness engulfed me. I had been burning the midnight oil for nearly three months, only for all my hard work to be handed over to someone else because of a single phone call. All the emotions I had bottled up throughout the day finally erupted, and I broke down, sobbing at my desk, unsure if I was mourning my job, my chaotic family, or my wedding. The next day, I kept my composure as I handed in my resignation to the general manager. As I was about to leave the company, Sammy intercepted me. He hemmed and hawed for a while, eventually asking if I could let Judy try on the wedding dress I had ordered six months ago. I found it utterly absurd. "Sammy, this wedding dress was custom-made for me. It just arrived from France last week, and I haven't even touched it. Now you want me to let Judy wear it? Don't you think that's too much?" Sammy scratched his head, looking equally frustrated. "But there's nothing else suitable at the moment. You wouldn't want Judy to show up in an ill-fitting dress at the ceremony, would you? It would reflect poorly on you. Besides, she doesn't have much time left, and this is her only wish." Does every absurd wish have to be granted just because her days are numbered? What about our promises, your affection, your commitments? Have they all been unconditionally transferred to Judy? I looked at the man beside me, my heart heavy with sorrow, barely recognizing the person I had loved for two years. In the end, I relented. Judy gingerly slipped into the wedding dress, her eyes alight with excitement she couldn't hide. She didn't have to say a word; my father and Sammy eagerly surrounded her. "It's perfect for you, like it was made just for you. Judy, you look stunning; you'll dazzle everyone..." Hey, that's supposed to be my wedding dress. I stood at the edge of the room, speechless and numb, watching it all unfold. Sammy finally remembered me, approaching only to ask if I could also bring out the jewelry I had prepared. Those pieces were meticulously chosen to complement the dress, after countless trips to find the perfect match for me. I refused without a second thought, "No need to try them on; they don't suit her." Judy's tears fell immediately. "I know, sister still looks down on me for being from the countryside. I've never worn anything nice, and maybe sister is afraid I'll ruin them..." "That's not true," my father consoled her, then turned and rushed to my room. He knows exactly where my jewelry cabinet is! By the time I caught up, my father had already gathered the jewelry in his arms and hurried back to Judy without even sparing me a glance. The jewelry I had chosen was simple yet elegant, bold without being intricate. On Judy, petite and habitually hunched, the jewelry set looked like a child playing dress-up with grown-up treasures.Judy noticed it too, but she held her head high, trying to maintain her composure. Finally, she tentatively asked, "I heard... after Mom passed away, she left a painting for you. I don't mean to impose, it's just that Dad said Mom was an amazing artist. So, I was thinking, if we could have that painting at the wedding, it would be like Mom is there with us... After all, I'm her daughter too, right?" "Yes, yes!" Dad, teary-eyed, was moved by Judy's words and immediately told me to fetch the painting without a second thought. But as soon as Judy mentioned the painting, my face fell. If there was one thing I couldn't give up, it was this—Mom's only painting left to me. The sketch was drawn with her hand guiding mine, stroke by stroke. Even though the final piece had been refined by her, making the original sketch unrecognizable, it meant the world to me. It had absolutely nothing to do with Judy and would never be part of her wedding. "Absolutely not," I stated firmly, not budging an inch. Dad, furious, charged at me, hand raised. Sammy shifted beside me but stayed put. I was completely disenchanted with him. I closed my eyes and took the slap, the metallic tang of blood in my mouth was a bitter reminder of my constant concessions. I looked deeply into Dad's eyes. "Dad, this is the last time I'll call you that. Over the years, I've sent you plenty of money, more than enough to repay you for raising me. Now, please take your beloved daughter and leave my home." Dad was taken aback, and ironically, he instinctively raised his hand again. I brushed his hand away with ease and turned to Sammy. "Mr. Beniamin, our wedding is off. You should leave too. I'll pack up your things and return them to you in a few days." Sammy's face soured immediately. "What do you mean, Lori? The wedding is next month, and you're saying this now?" How amusing. "Yes, the wedding is next month, but I'm not the bride." Sammy let out a sigh of relief. "Still upset about that? Didn't I say, after fulfilling Judy's wish, I'll give you an even grander wedding? Don't be petty, look at the bigger picture, don't act like a jealous woman." Jealous woman—never thought I'd be called that. I put down my phone, my voice was cold. "I can't afford that. Get out. I've already called security." Sammy stepped closer, his face contorted with anger, veins popping. "Lori, don't be so ungrateful. I've never seen someone so petty with their own sister. She's sick, and you have the nerve to act like this? Has your conscience been eaten by a dog, or are you just a rotten person?" I'd never seen him like this, as if I were his mortal enemy. So this is your true self. At this moment, I felt nothing but relief—relief that I saw his true colors before the wedding. Security was quick and soon knocked on my door. Judy, wearing the wedding dress, wore a look of shame. I blocked her at the door and held out my hand. "Give me back the jewelry." She instinctively covered the necklace, clearly unwilling to return it. I waited for a moment, patience exhausted, then grabbed her hair and pulled it sharply. Her head snapped back, and she let out a piercing scream. I remained unmoved, calmly unclasping the necklace from her neck. "It's not yours. You can't take it." Sammy pulled my hand away, his face set in a stern expression. "Lori, haven't you caused enough trouble? Even if you're kicking us out, you agreed to give Judy the dress and jewelry, didn't you?""Agree to what? You guys practically twisted my arm to get them out!" I shot back with a sarcastic laugh. "If you're so worried about Judy, why not buy her stuff yourself? It's better than mooching off others." My father's face darkened, "What's this yours and mine nonsense? We're family, and Judy's your sister. What's yours is hers, end of story. And you called security over such a trivial matter? Are we your enemies now?" Oh, now we're family, huh? I rolled my eyes, about to retort, when Sammy pulled me aside, "Lori, you know I gave all my savings to your dad as the bride price. How am I supposed to shell out for Judy's dress and bling now? Besides, you're not using these things at home anyway. What's the harm in lending them to Judy?" No way was I backing down, "You said it yourself, the bride price went to my dad. If you're short on cash, ask him for it. It's not my problem." Judy emerged, having swapped outfits, still wearing that teary-eyed look. That got me another round of insults from Sammy and Dad. They branded me a cold-hearted ingrate and a tight-fisted miser.