“You’re too thin.” Auntie Bao shoves a bun, generously buttered with jam, into my hands. “Are you eating? You don’t look like you eat three meals a day.”

She chatters on about maintaining healthy eating habits as I take bites of the bread. Eating it takes up all my determination and it’s not long before I thrust the remaining half back at her.

“This is disgusting.” It tastes like burnt cardboard slathered with sugar. “I’m not going to finish it.”

Auntie Bao clucks her tongue. “There’s only a bit left. Don’t waste food.”

“You’re the one who made me eat it,” I say.

Her stare doesn’t waver. A sense of doom looms over me as her eyes bounce between me and the roll of newspaper stationed on her side table. I wouldn’t call it a threat but…

I grimace and stuff the remaining bread in my mouth. I manage to keep it down by knocking back an entire glass of water. “There,” I sputter between mouthfuls. “Happy?”

Auntie Bao’s smile is warm. “At least you still listen to what I say. I know it’s been awhile since I saw Mei Mei. I was getting worried.”

“Around two weeks.” I return her smile in an effort to suppress the pang of guilt. “I’m sorry I didn’t bring anything. It was a last minute thing, to have Athea drop me here on her way back.”

This is another reason why Athea should have woke me last night. She’d better be prepared to be grilled the next time I see her.

“Nonsense, you don’t need to bring anything!” Auntie Bao bellows with good natured laughter. “Visiting me is already a present. Now I have someone to finish my food.” Auntie Bao gestures at her lunch tray. “Don’t be shy, just take whatever you want!”

Auntie Bao and I had been woken at the same time by a nurse on her morning rounds, delivering breakfast on a rattling metal pushcart. The dishes in each meal rotated daily, and today, the hospital served up fish with vegetables and rice, a small cup of potato salad and an apple sliced into cubes.

Auntie Bao had already eaten the fruit and potato salad. The fish – it smelled like it’d been pickled for a hundred years – and rice was untouched.

After so many months in captivity, I can understand why Auntie Bao is eager to pawn off the hospital food to her visitors. Her absolute favourite food is wanton noodles, and since the hospital serves western style meals, she must not have had chinese-styled dishes in a long time.

I kind of regret acting on the spur of the moment last night. If I planned to visit, I should at least try to sneak in hawker food or something.

“I already had the bread, so I’m not hungry. But, I won’t mind if you ask the nurses to dabao the rest,” I joke.

“What rubbish!” Auntie Bao slaps her blanket covered knee. “Since you won’t eat it, I’ll leave it for Jin Ma.” She grabs the plastic cover that comes with the food tray and attempts to put it back on. The thunderous crinkling of plastic draws a dirty look from the nurse stationed by the door.

Auntie Bao ducks her head. Her hand fumbles with the plastic, making even more noise. The nurse’s pointed stare does not abate. The annoying woman doesn’t even try to hide her distaste.

I end up taking the cover from Auntie Bao. “Let me do it,” I assure her. Then, in a louder voice, “I should help since I have nothing better to do.” I toss a baleful glare to the nurse. To my immense satisfaction, she turns tail and leaves the room.

Auntie Bao pinches my cheek. “Why are you talking so loudly? And stop frowning! A girl shouldn’t have wrinkles so young.”

I gently bat her hand away. “If I do get them, you’ll have to stop calling me Mei Mei.” Once I finally finish placing the cover on the food tray, I lean back into my seat.

I slip my hand into my pocket, wondering what time it is. I grope around my pocket, then realize it’s empty. Right. My phone got shot putted off the cliff. Old habits really do die hard. I need to get a new phone, and soon, or else I’d get labelled as a fidgety weirdo.

I look over to wall that was supposed to have a clock hanging on it. To my credit, my bad luck doesn’t do anything by halves. There’s outline of dirt on the painted wall that suggests a clock had rested there until recently. I search the rest of the walls, but sadly, there’s nothing resembling a time keeping device.

Alright, then. How keen am I on asking Auntie Bao for the time?

I really, really don’t want to. First, it’ll bring up more questions I’ll have to lie to answer. And, now that I’m on that line of thought, I realize I can’t contact Athea or any sort of ride hailing service without a phone. Seriously… lady luck seems to have packed her bags after Shi Ning died.

I take out the card Ling Ge gave me. I thumb the dog eared end, recalling what we had discussed. We’re set to meet today around two o’clock. Normally, I couldn’t care less if I made him wait. But knowing my brother, he might use my lateness against me as a reason to delay the reward as much as he can get away with.

I’m not willing take that risk.

I reluctantly turn to Auntie Bao. “What time it is?”

“Wait, let me check.” She opens the drawer of her side table that doubles as a bed stand. She takes out her old smartphone, the screen decorated with a spiderweb of fine cracks. I watch her fiddle with her abused Samsang before she manages turns it on.

The screen lights up. The fractured glass makes it impossible for me to spy on its contents from where I sit. I remind myself to get her a new phone as soon as possible. And more importantly, a tempered glass screen protector. I’m not saying older people have butter fingers but…

“It’s almost one o’clock.” Auntie Bao says. Then, she gasps. “Oh no. Are you late for work?”

I stop her before she starts to fret. “Don’t worry, I took the night shift this month. But, I planned to go in a little earlier today since there’s a couple of things I need to settle for the boss,” I say.

“It’s a good sign that he trusts you.”

Good, she doesn’t suspect anything. I start to ease into the lie I had planned, “Yeah. He told me how good of a job I’m doing. We’re getting our bonus for this year soon, and I think I’ll be getting a big one.”

“Do you know how much?”

The innocent question sends my heart racing. Making sure my outward expression is smooth as wet cement, I reply, “About six months’ worth. It’s not bad, I guess.”

“I didn’t know admin jobs paid so well!” Auntie Bao exclaims. “Jin Ma must be in the wrong industry. He’s always complaining about his tiny bonuses. Do you think you can introduce him, Mei Mei?”

“The only reason I’m getting that much is because I managed to do good work this time. I got lucky.” I try to contain her excitement. “As for Jin Ma, his position isn’t as bad as you think. Unlike mine, his has way more chances to earn a higher position.”

“Is that so? But you’re getting so much money... ” Her hesitant voice accentuates the strange expression on her face. I can’t tell if it’s worry or suspicion. Regardless, my insides tighten uncomfortably. “Are you sure your job is safe? They better not ask you to do anything dangerous.”

“It’s fine, it’s fine. Other than a ton of paperwork and miscellaneous physical duties, like cleaning my colleagues’ desks, it’s like any other admin job.”

There’s probably a job out there that matches my slightly exaggerated claims, but they certainly did not have me in their employment. The first deskbound job I’d taken on (which she assumes is the one I’m talking about) saw me fired before the first month was over.

It wasn’t that I was a bad worker. It was more that I lacked the bearing of a traditional worker bee. Apparently, even in this age, speaking your mind to your boss is not a skill that’s appreciated.

If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Luckily, I managed to earn enough for my monthly expenses by taking on ad hoc jobs, like helping out at events and pop up businesses, ever since. As for the monthly contributions I promised to Jin Ma, put towards Auntie Bao’s hospital payments, Athea has kindly covered it.

Dire times call for desperate measures. Jin Ma’s income is barely enough to cover Auntie Bao’s medical fees while juggling his own expenses. I can’t not help, not when she’s cared for me as if I were her own child.

I thank whatever forces in the universe for bringing Athea into my life. She’s been paramount in keeping Auntie Bao cared for. It’s one of the many reasons I decided to return the money she loaned me, even when she insists not to. I don’t want to take advantage of her kindness. She doesn’t deserve that.

Once I cash the check or receive the lump sum from Ling Ge, she’s going to get back everything I owe, with interest.

Auntie Bao’s next words break me out of my daydreams. “I think you should quit,” she tells me. “There should be plenty of work out you can try. Your job might not be safe. What if they ask you to do something you don’t want?”

I let out a surprised bark of laughter. “No way. It pays way more than regular jobs, and quitting would be a damn waste.” Also, how else would I explain away my incoming fortune? “You don’t need to worry. I can take care of myself, and what I can give will be a huge help to Jin Ma.”

“Jin Ma is an adult. He’s supposed to take care of the matters of the house and elders. You shouldn’t be thinking about these kinds of things.” Auntie Bao tells me. “All you need to think about is finding a good husband to take care of you. If you don’t get married, I’m worry it’s because I didn’t raise you well.”

In this day and age, her traditionalist mindset never ceases to make me guffaw. I’ve expressed my opinion multiple times (look at how that thinking served the Hans and their well-bred associates? Plenty of infighting to start a drama serial) but Auntie Bao has never budged.

This is a trait she and Ying Ze share. Not surprising, they got along well before I came along and ruined it. Still, her adherence to traditions can’t be helped. She was born in a different time with a different set of rules. However, just because I understand her point of view doesn’t mean I have to follow it.

“How can I think about dating when you’re sick?” I say. “Also, my job is a temporary thing. I’ll find a better one after I wring it for all it’s got.”

“No.” Auntie Bao replies. “You quit before the month ends. I don’t want you working there.”

The reins on my temper loosen. She can’t expect me to jump because she said so. “Thanks for the input. I’ll think about it.”

“Han Mei Ling, you listen to me.”

“Oh, you’re pulling out my full name? I’m shaking in my boots.” I look down and gasp. “But wait! I’m not wearing any.”

I’m spared from a tongue lashing on talking back to my elders when Jin Ma enters the room.

There’s sweat on his brow and a dark patch on his turquoise collared dress shirt. He brings the bouquet of multi-coloured flowers closer to his chest and adjusts his oversized spectacles.

“Ma? Mei Ling?” he utters in confusion.

“Hey, you came in at a good time.” I gesture to Auntie Bao with my chin. “She’s pissing me off.”

“Mind your language! Jin Ma, your sister is being stubborn.”

Jin Ma clears the withered batch of flowers from the vase balanced precariously on the corner of the side table. He places replaces it with the ones he brought moves the vase towards in the middle. “I don’t care what you two are arguing about, but Ma’s right.”

My hands go up. “I knew you’d side with her.”

“Because she’s usually in the right,” he replies, deadpan. “Right, Ma?”

“Mei Mei doesn’t want to quit her dangerous job. You need to convince her. Her boss probably wants something she’s not supposed to give.” Auntie Bao pats her son’s plump forearms. “You can handle my bills yourself, can’t you?”

Jin Ma’s face screws up. I leap to his rescue before he gets a stress induced migraine. “Don’t be unreasonable. He already works overtime almost every day. If this goes on, he won’t be able to find a wife to give you grandkids.” I elbow him as he takes a seat beside me. “Am I right?”

He laughs quietly. “I have enough on my hands between you and Ma as it is. I’d rather focus on earning more so we can live without worry.” I clap him on the shoulder. Truer words were never spoken.

“You two shouldn’t gang up against me. It’s bad for karma to gang up on a sick woman.” To my relief, Auntie Bao retreats and drops the previous line of conversation.

“That’s what brothers are for,” I say, cackling as I rest a hand on his shoulder.

This is what a brother should be like. Supportive and calm, an unbending filial piety. Unfortunately, no matter how much I wanted to be related to Auntie Bao and Jin Ma, it would never come true. We were a family, but only as much as our lack of a blood relation would allow.

Jin Ma shrugs my hand off. “Step-brother,” he corrects.

“Even so,” Auntie Bao says sternly, “I still consider Mei Mei to be my own daughter. I don’t care what anyone else says or what surname she carries.” She puffs up her chest. “I raised her.”

Warmth ripples through me, making me almost giddy with delight. Auntie Bao likes to give me these touching reminders every so often, usually in response to Jin Ma’s bluntness.

Her touchiness on the subject is due to the reality of me being a legitimate child of the Han family. Even if I haven’t lived with those demons for years, the law still recognizes them as my rightful family. Auntie Bao would be steamrolled if she’d ever tried to go against it.

I know Jin Ma doesn’t say what he does to be mean. It’s just habitual for him to speak his mind. His straight forwardness has been a great source of amusement over the years. I’ve even seen him make adults twice his age cry. We’re so alike it’s funny we’re not actually related.

“I know, Auntie Bao, I know.” I glance around the room. No one’s looking, so I lean in to give her a quick hug. “Get better so you can go home. I miss watching shitty romance dramas with you. It’s too boring to sit through when no one’s there to appreciate my insights on their cheesy dialogue and nonsense storylines.”

“You’re too ungrateful. Be thankful that you have all these free shows to enjoy. I wish I had so many to watch when I was younger!” She launches into another spiel about her days of youth. Jin Ma and I exchange long suffering looks when one minute stretches into five.

“That’s very interesting,” Jin Ma interrupts. “But I need to get going, Ma. My lunch break will be over soon. We can talk a little longer on my next off day.”

“Ah, there’s no need. A man shouldn’t be listening to stuff like this.” Auntie Bao waves him off. “Since you’re leaving, send Mei Mei along the way! And if you see her boss, tell me what you think of him.”

“I was planning to talk to her, anyway.” Jin Ma nods at me. He doesn’t seem like he’s lying. I wonder what he wants to tell me?

I get to my feet and usher him out the room. “Let’s go before Auntie Bao decides to hire a private detective to tail me.”

“I don’t need one, I can do it myself!” I hear loud shushing noises from the rest of the room’s occupants and try not to grin.

----------------------------------------

Jin Ma and I head towards the lift, both of us the eye of the storm amidst the havoc. The hospital is in full swing. Nurses swarm the hallway while IV poles and pushcarts are wheeled to and from destinations. Chatter swirls in the air and bolsters the already frantic energy. The atmosphere is a far cry from the ghost town Athea and I experienced last night.

“You still haven’t told her you borrowed money from your friend?” Jin Ma’s words tears down my buoyant mood. The accusation stings like a red hot poker and I shoot him a frigid scowl.

“Do you want her to relapse?” I say. “Just say the word and I’ll tell her how much you’re struggling to pay for her expenses. We can both watch as she cries and blames herself.”

“It shows how much you know. That worry is a thing of the past, now.” His greasy face lights up with smirk. “I got promoted. At the end of this month, I’m going to receive a bonus that’s enough to clear at least half the debt hanging over our heads.”

Talk about a serendipitous event. Me getting a ‘bonus’ would be hard to pass off, but both of us getting one would legitimatize my claims. “Whoa, congrats!”

“Five years of loyalty. My reward is long overdue.”

“I’m coming into a bit of money, too. We can combine what we have and completely wipe out the entire debt if you’d like,” I say.

Jin Ma’s smirk fades. “You’re getting money? Don’t tell me it’s from your friend, again.”

I obviously can’t disclose the deal I made with Ling Ge. Jin Ma is a good son, but that just means he’d loose his lips around Auntie Bao. “I’ve told you before about the game Athea works on, right?”

“Yes.” His expression turns wistful. “Once my promotion goes through, I’ll finally have time to try it out.”

“You should. It’s pretty awesome. But, moving on, the development team is currently working on a new update. Given how much money it’s set to pull in, she’d probably expect to get a generous raise.”

His tone is incredulous as he says, “And what does her incoming windfall have to do with you?”

“What else? I asked her to lend me a bit more than she usually does. She’s already agreed to it, and it’s not like she needs the money.” There’s no point in convoluting my already complicated cover story. For that reason, I decided to stick with what I was telling him over the past year, albeit with fragments of truth mixed in.

“You’re being too reckless. How are you going to return what you owe? What if something happens to her and she ends up needing the money back?”

I sigh. Today’s oddities are growing to be a pain in the ass. No phone, no clock, and Jin Ma chooses now of all times to grow a conscience. “Relax. She’ll be fine. Between her and her brother, they could probably pay our bills ten times over.” He doesn’t look convinced, pushing me to hastily tack on, “I need the money more than she does, anyway.”

Jin Ma jabs the lift buttons with such force I worry his thumb might warp. The action is aggressive, almost petulant. He’s never one to act out his emotions, so I’m a little more than surprised.

“Jin?” He levels a glare at me. Wow, he’s pissed. Why now, though? He’s never batted an eye the previous times I joked about our lack of finances. “What was it you wanted to talk to me about? You mentioned it when we were with Ma.”

“I already forgot,” he replies crossly.  

I fold my arms. “Hey, if you want to say something, say it to my face. Use that bluntness of yours. You should know I can handle whatever you throw at me.”

“Like I said, I can’t remember.” He strides into elevator as soon as the doors open. “Are you going to stand there? Some of us have actual jobs we need to get to.”

“Jeez, alright.” I jog after him. The lift door closes, trapping us in a pocket of cool air.

I watch as he types furiously on his phone. The busy bee life of an office worker. I kind of envy his tenacity. With his sharp tongue, it must be hell to keep his opinions to himself. I tried, and I only lasted a month.

“So…” I say, trying to break the awkward atmosphere. “Where did you park?”

“You’ll know when we get there.”

He doesn’t say much after that. I would be more upset, but I have a more pressing matter to think about. There’s no sense in dwelling, and I’m sure things will be fine once Jin Ma cools off.