Both of my parents worked full-time since I was little.
My little brother was born with a health issue. So, my mother was often absent to take him to the doctor and stay with him in the hospital during his operations.
I spent most of my childhood with a lady who lived across the street until my father finished work.
It was my family.
One day, a friend invited me over to her house after school.
Her mother opened the front door and smiled at us. She led us to the dining room and served a few slices of Castella cake (Japanese sponge cake) with green tea.
I picked up a small fork and pressed it against the brown surface. The fork cut through the cake effortlessly. I picked up a small piece carefully and put it in my mouth.
Delicate sweetness spread throughout my mouth, and then the bitterness followed in my heart.