How much do I owe him really? - Wei Hao

When their father was involved in an accident and was no longer able to work, Wei Jun stopped schooling and took on full-time work. He helped put his younger siblings through school, including Wei Hao.

Wei Hao was grateful for his brother's sacrifice. He knew Wei Jun had given up his own dreams so that Wei Hao could pursue his.

But Wei Jun was difficult to get along with. When Wei Hao didn't do well in school, Wei Jun would put him down. "You're not good enough. You need to try harder." When Wei Hao did well, Wei Jun would dismiss it. "You were just lucky this time."

Wei Jun had a bad temper. Wei Hao felt like he was walking on eggshells around him, never sure what might trigger an outburst.

"Don't forget what I've done for you," Wei Jun would say, his voice heavy with expectation. "You're indebted to me." He used this reminder as leverage, a way to get Wei Hao to do what he wanted.

During Wei Hao's growing-up years, their interactions were limited to the family home and family activities. Wei Hao's financial dependence meant he couldn't create distance even when he wanted to.

In adulthood, they met mainly at their parents' place during festive periods. Polite. Cordial. Surface-level.

When their parents passed on, they barely spoke. The tie that had held them together… the obligation, gratitude, shared family gatherings… had loosened. And Wei Hao realised he didn't want to tighten it again.