Hi. I wanted to write the Chinese saying, 不听老人言,吃亏在眼前。
It means that if you don't listen to what your elders say, you will regret it. Enjoy!
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I scanned my surroundings. The room had maghonany furniture and maroon cushions. The walls were white tainted with a bit of gold. The room was classy yet old. The rest of Muse was here and they were also looking around the room.

Mother and Grandmother walked into the room and seemed to be bickering.

"Please Mother, just let me realise my dream. I want to be an idol, not a meek wife whose husband is a doctor," Mother cried out in esasperation. Grandmother wanted Mother to marry a rich doctor? That sounded like Father? Was Mother happy with her current marriage?

"Rozu, I am doing this for your own good. Being an idol is not going to get you far in life. Just trust me. You will not regret listening to me," Grandmother said sternly. Mother shot daggers at Grandmother. If looks could kill, Grandmother should have been dead. However, Grandmother stood her ground and gave Mother a lecture on how marrying a rich husband would benefit her. Mother's hands curled into fists and she looked as if she was about to explode in anger.

"I don't want to be like you-a useless, meek lamb that just follows what her father says. There is not freedom and it is the same as being a slave! I don't want to be a caged bird!" Mother yelled at Grandmother, cutting her off mid-sentence. Anger was evident in both of their eyes. Mother wanted freedom? She was so different in the past...

"Since you will not listen to me, fine! But you will regret it later," Grandmother huffed as she strode away. Mother stomped out of the room and cursed inder her breath. Mother cursed?! Another shocking different between the past and present Mother.

I glanced at the others. They stared at me and shrugged. Suddenly, I was steetched again and appeared in the hospital ward.

"Gomenasai Okasan..." Mother apologised again and sobbed pitifully. I felt a tug at my chest and wanted to comfort Mother. I glanced at the others, using my eyes to ask them what to do. Nozomi understood the hidden message and mouthed "Wakaranai". The beeping of the pulse monitor became slower and then the long 'beep' was heard.

Grandmother had passed away.

"Mother...don't leave me..." Mother whispered through sobs. Her mascara made the tears greyish and sadness radiated from her. A doctor rushed in and checked if Grandmother was still living.

It was futile.

Mother clung onto Grandmother's lifeless body. I felt a wetness forming at the corner of my eyes- tears. Nurses entered the ward and tried to coax Mother to let go of Grandmother.

After what seemed like an eternity, Mother reluctantly let go of Grandmother. With annoyed expressions, the nurses and doctor placed Grandmother on a gurney-like bed with rollers and wheeled her out of the ward. Mother wiped her tears off. Sadness, guilt and regret were evident in her eyes. The thought bubbles appeared and instead of pictures, words appeared.

(Mother's thoughts underlined)

I should not have argued with Mother.

Why was I so self-absorbed?

Why did I think that freedom was more important than Mother?

Due to music, I did not fulfil Mother's wishes and hopes for me.

I hate music.

Shock jolted through my entire body when those three words appeared. That was the reason she hated music. Gasps emanated from the others. They had shock written on their faces.

I needed to do what Mother wanted me to do. I needed to fulfil her wishes. Althougj I would be a caged bird and lose my freedom, it was for Mother.

Okasan, I hope you would watch me fulfil your wishes.

Mother left the ward.

The flashing bright lights engulfed us once again...and we were in a garden.