Storytime.

Unlocking the gate to the house, she then pushed open the door. As she scanned the environment of the house, she saw the old man sitting there on the sofa, one leg propped up, with the television switched on, the volume blasting through the speakers. Some Chinese programme was playing on the screen. The house was messy, as ever. Things were sprawn all over the dining table. Peanut shells and empty beer cans. " Seriously, why must he drink everyday?! " She thought to herself, frustrated with the mess.

It seemed as though he just realised her existence. He looked at her outfit, bottom up. Hot shorts, tube top, thick makeup that he barely could recognise her. She looked much older than her actual age.

"Oh, home liao ah? Your teacher called. Why never go school today?" He questioned.

"Didn't feel like going." She replied, clearing the trash from the dining table.

This had been going on for several months. His daughter skipping school, smoking, getting into trouble outside. He wondered why his 16-year-old turned so rebellious. He recalled his former days where he too was behaving the same way his daughter was. Why did she have to turn out the same way that he did? It was all thanks to his wasted youth that he was unable to get a job these days. No matter what campaigns they came up with, ex-convicts will always be ostracised and unaccepted by the general public. He knew what was to come one day for her. All he could do now is to spend his life as a couch potato, watching the television, spending whatever little amount he has on 4D and at random gambling dens, just to try his luck.

"Err, Girl ah, you can lend me $100? I will return you one. Just need to buy some things." He held tight to the remote control, pretending to watch the telly.

She, already accustomed to giving money and not receiving anything in return, fished out her Prada wallet from her little handbag and threw $200 on the table.

"Don't ask anymore from me this week." She said it in a straight face and walked to her room, locking herself in till she left the house again.

Sitting on the bed, she started reminiscing about the times spent when Mum was still around. At least, there would be food on the table everyday. Mum would prepare lunch then leave it in the microwave before leaving for work. Religiously, she would reach home around 6.30pm, to catch the news on TV and prepare dinner at the same time. Life wasn't perfect, but it was good enough. At least much better than the situation now. Heck, she brushed those thoughts aside. She didn't want to start tearing. She never liked being weak and vulnerable. She logged on to Facebook. One new message. "Min, you are cheap. I despise you." Immediately, like as though she already inticipated a negative comment, she deleted it straight away.

"Yea, I'm cheap. So what? At least I earn my own keep." She retorted to herself, glancing at the expensive makeup and luxury goods she purchased, earned with her own effort. A new text message showed up. Sliding across to unlock the screen of her iPhone, she read the message softly. "Hey love, I'm downstairs now. We're going to Bali remember? Wife overseas for 4 days and I miss you so much. " She didn't get the name saved under the contacts in her phone. But she remembered the number and knew which guy it was. The thirty-something henpecked man. "K baby, see you soon. I miss you too." She lied. Searched her wardrobe for some clothes and dumped it into a larger Victoria Secrets bag. She took her passport along and thought, "this is the last few times I'm doing this, " stuffing some things into her shorts pocket and grabbing her phone, "earn enough and I'm never coming back."

She unlocked the room door and took her things, walking hurriedly towards the main door.

"Where you going?" The man asked.

"Staying at friend's house for a few days." She replied, slamming the gate shut.