My mom immediately sat upright, grabbing my arm with a slight force. "No, that's my coffin fund, how can we use it now? This is money saved for Ste... for you and your brother!"

"Mom! We can't possibly want money that costs you your life. At this time, what could be more important than treatment?!"

I looked at the aunt in the next bed, "Auntie, isn't that right?"

"Big sister, your daughter is right! What could be more important than life? If you're not here, the family falls apart. A mom makes a home!"

My mom said, "But..."

I interrupted her. "Mom, I know you're thinking of us. Let's focus on the treatment first. Once my financial product matures, I'll replenish the coffin fund for you!"

After saying this, I saw a light in my mom's eyes, and with the neighbor's flattering support, she didn't say much more.

I made a decisive move, went to the bank to withdraw the investment I had saved for her, and cashed it all out to a bank card.

Then I went to pay the deposit and hired a nurse.

Upon entering the hospital, money was spent like water. How could 200,000 dollars be enough?!

I hurriedly contacted a broker to list the property under my mom's name.

With the real estate market being down, the sooner it's sold, the better.

After arranging everything, I called Steven to remind him to come and keep vigil at night.

After all, Mom wasn't just my mother.

After a month, the attending doctor informed us, "The patient in Room 26 has improved, but further treatment is needed, and that requires more money. Here's the bill. If there are no issues, please pay early to avoid delaying treatment."

Improvement? How could someone with advanced cancer truly improve? It was merely keeping her alive, giving hope to the healthy.

I glanced at the bill, identical to the one when we first entered the hospital—200,000 dollars!

In my previous life, I spent all my savings on these repeated expenses.

But when I couldn't afford the medical bills, and I asked Mom to use her savings, she'd rather die than allow it, even leaving a will that gave everything to Steven.

Steven even accused me of not wanting to treat our mother for money, and the relatives were no different.

I calmed my emotions and dialed my uncle's number.

He answered with a hearty laugh, "Gloria, what made you think of calling me?"

"Uncle..." I continued with a choked voice, "Mom's sick, I... I don't know what to do. Can you help us?"

"What? Your mom's sick... Gloria, don't cry. We're family, and your mom is my sister. I'll definitely help, just tell me what illness does she have?"

"Breast cancer... advanced stage."

"It is cancer and advanced stage. Gloria, let's leave it at that for now. I'm a bit busy, but I'll come visit your mom tomorrow..."

Before I could respond, the line went dead.

They are indeed a family.

Then I called my aunt, and got a similar reaction. They showed feigned concern upon hearing about Mom's illness, but avoided involvement once they knew it was cancer.

I truly felt sad for my mom. With advanced cancer, her son only wanted her inheritance, and the relatives avoided any connection.

I did everything I could for her, yet she was blind to it.

This time, treating her was the greatest filial piety I could offer.

The next morning, relatives came to our house.

My uncle, aunt, and to my surprise, my aunt-in-law also came.

She had never liked our family much, always frowning at gatherings.

My uncle broke the silence. "Where's Steven? Why isn't he here?"

I choked up and shook my head. "I don't know. I haven't seen him for days."

Steven indeed hadn't visited for several days, having kept vigil for two nights and then excusing himself on a business trip, unreachable by phone.

My uncle cursed, "That damn boy, his mother is sick, and he's still out messing around."

I just gave a bitter smile.

We drove together to the hospital.

Leading them to the hospital room, I started, "Uncle, aunt, my mom is inside..."

Before I could finish, I heard voices inside.

I immediately recognized Steven and his girlfriend, Emma Smith was talking.

"Mom, see, your illness hasn't improved yet. I think it lacks some joy. Emma and I are thinking of getting married to bring you some happiness!"

My mom couldn't stop smiling, "That would be wonderful! Go ahead! If Mom gets happy, maybe the illness will go away!"

"But... Emma's parents said they need at least a house in my name to agree to our marriage," Steven sounded troubled.

"Mom, how about you transfer the house to me first? After Emma and I get married to bring you joy, I'll transfer it back."

Emma said, "Auntie, I was also sad to hear about your illness, so Steven and I thought of this plan. My parents said they don't need a dowry, but Steven must have a house in his name to agree to our marriage."

My mom decisively said, "That's only right. What's this about transferring it back? The house was meant for Steven's marriage."

My brother hesitated, "But you still need money for treatment..."

"That can't include selling the house! There's your sister, and then there's your uncle and aunt. They won't stand by and do nothing!"

"..."

Even though I knew of my mother's favoritism, hearing it firsthand still hurt.

My uncle and aunt exchanged looks.

I took the opportunity to cry out, "Uncle, aunt, I'm not afraid of your scolding, but I've already listed our house with a broker. My mom's illness is like a bottomless pit. Without selling the house, we'd only be left borrowing money..."

My uncle patted my shoulder, "Gloria, you did right. Your mom is confused, but you can't follow her lead! This Steven is too thoughtless. Uncle is the eldest male relative, and your dad's gone. I'll take charge of this!"

With that, they pushed open the hospital room door and walked straight in.