"Lili, won't you change your mind?" Teddy's voice was almost begging his wife.
"You can't stop me anymore, Teddy. I've made up my mind."
There was finality in Lili's tone as she dragged the suitcase stuffed with clothes and belongings out of the bedroom.
"I'm tired of living in hardship."
"I'm begging you—at least for our daughter's sake."
"That's exactly why I'm going to Paris. Maybe I'll find luck there. I'm doing this for Fiona, too. Because if we keep relying on you, nothing will ever change."
"I've been trying to make you understand, haven't I? Just a little more patience. I'm working hard."
"Let me go, Teddy. Why stop me now, when I'm already leaving?"
"Please, Lili…" Teddy blocked her path, nearly falling to his knees before his wife. He embraced her desperately, clinging to the hope she might still change her mind.
Meanwhile, in a corner of the living room, five-year-old Fiona sat silently crying. At such a young age, she already understood what was happening. Her mother was leaving. It would just be her and her father now.
She stood up from her seat and ran toward her mother, wrapping her tiny arms around her waist.
"Mommy…"
Lili knelt down to face her daughter. "Stay here, baby. Mommy will come back. I don't want us to be apart, but I have to do this. If I can't return, I'll take you with me. You'll study in Paris. So please, don't cry, okay?" she whispered, caressing Fiona's cheeks.
But instead of stopping, Fiona only cried harder.
Her mother embraced her tightly and kissed both her cheeks. Then, with trembling hands, Lili wiped away her tears, released her, and picked up her large suitcase and travel bag once more.
"Take care of Fiona, Teddy. I'll write often, and once I have work there, I'll send money."
"Lili…"
"Mommy!" Fiona's cry was filled with desperation, but her mother walked out the door without looking back, heading toward the waiting taxi outside.
The little girl tried to run after her, but Teddy pulled her back and quickly shut the door.
Moments later, he was crying too, holding his daughter in his arms.
In her young heart, Fiona felt pity for her father. But for her mother—she felt nothing but hurt.
Why did she have to leave them?