I’m Ren, a college senior living on my own near campus. My parents were always head over heels for each other, but three years ago, my dad died in an accident, leaving my mom living alone in my childhood home. Now, things have gone from bad to worse—she’s been diagnosed with a terminal illness. She recently confessed that before she married my dad, she was married to someone else. Apparently, I have a half-sister named Ran. My mom’s dying wish is to see her daughter one last time. I wanted to make that happen for her, so I reached out to Ran’s family home. But she told me she had no intention of seeing her mother and hung up. Meanwhile, after hearing Ran’s side of the story, I’ve started to feel like something about my mother’s words is… off.
Thinking about everything Ran went through, I couldn’t help but snap at my mother. I’ve been happy my whole life… but I had to realize that my happiness was built on the sacrifices of Ran and her family. Mom will likely pass away without ever getting to apologize to Ran, without ever seeing her or being forgiven. But maybe accepting that is the ultimate “penance” she can pay now… I’ve chosen to stay by my mother’s side, but in my heart, I’m quietly praying that Ran continues to find the happiness she deserves.