I’m Aya, 21, living on my own after getting a job.
My mom’s moods were always intense—when she got angry, it was unbearable.
I spent my whole childhood searching for the “right” words, just to keep her calm.
But no matter how much I tried, she only cared about my sister and ignored me.
Still, I was grateful—she raised us alone.
Even so, I couldn’t go on living while constantly watching her mood.
So after finishing junior college, I took a job far from home.
Now I’ve made lots of new friends and started a new life.
After leaving home and meeting so many new people,
I realized just how small and narrow my world had been.
I finally understood—I don’t have to live as “the daughter my mom wants.”
I can live as myself.
On the phone, Mom still talked to me like I was her possession,
as if I would always obey no matter what.
But I’m not a little girl anymore.
I can stand on my own and choose my own path.
So I’ll give myself credit—
for being able to say, “I quit being your daughter.”