Neil's words left Sharon stunned.
No one had ever said to her, "I can take care of you."
When she was young, before her parents left for work, they would tell her:
"Grandma is getting old, and your brother is still little. You must be sensible and obedient, alright?"
At school, when the family struggled financially and couldn't afford to support two children, her grandmother said:
"You're stupid, your grades are poor, and as the elder sister you should take care of your younger brother. Drop out so he can continue his studies."
Later, when she joined the army, the company commander scolded her:
"I don't care what you were at home. Once you join the army, you're a soldier , a weapon, a bullet.
What you should think about is how to defeat the enemy, not sit here crying about being tired, wronged, or overworked!"
So, she buried her emotions and marched forward bravely.
She was always the sensible one. The obedient one.
