Vow of A Daughter

My name is Mandy Scott. I was born into a family that favored sons over daughters. Since I can remember, every good thing in our home always went first to my brother, Leo. He wants a new toy, and my parents immediately go out to buy it. I want a workbook, but I get scolded for wasting money. Day after day, the grievances in my heart quietly piled up, but I never dared to voice them. I know that in this family, my younger brother is the center of everything. Throughout three years of high school, I studied with all my might, just hoping to get into a prestigious university and escape this stifling home. When the admission letter bearing the name of my dream university arrived, my hands trembled with excitement. I carefully slipped the letter inside my favorite book and hid it in the deepest part of my wardrobe. I was afraid my parents would oppose it if they found out, and even more afraid my brother would sabotage things. But what was bound to happen, happened. That day, when I came home from school and just pushed open my bedroom door, I saw Leo Scott sitting on my bed, holding my admission letter. My heart immediately leapt to my throat, and I rushed over to snatch it back. "Leo Scott, give me back the letter!" I was so desperate I almost cried. But Leo looked utterly contemptuous and tore the letter to pieces right before my eyes. The torn paper drifted to the floor like my broken dreams. "You still want to go to university?" Leo Scott sneered, "Even if you study, it's pointless. Better to save the money for me; I intend to get into a prestigious university." I stared at his arrogant face, trembling with rage. I wanted to argue with him, but he didn't give me the chance and turned to rush out. I crouched on the floor, slowly picking up the shattered pieces, tears streaming down uncontrollably. That evening, when our parents came home, I told them everything. I thought they would stand up for me, but my mother took my hand and said, "Mandy, your brother is still young; you should be more lenient with him." "Besides, it's useless for girls to study so much. You might as well start working early to support the family and save some tuition for your brother." Father also agreed, "Your mother is right. Our family's situation isn't good; it's not easy to support even one university student." "Leo is a boy—he will be the backbone of the family. His education is what truly matters." I couldn't believe my ears—they dismissed my efforts and dreams so lightly. In that moment, my heart completely broke. Soon after, my parents arranged a job for me at an electronics factory. I was forced to pack my bags and leave home to find work. Life at the factory was harsh; I worked twelve hours every day, but the wages were pitifully low. I still hoped to persuade Leo Scott to study hard so he wouldn't let our parents down. Once, when I came home during a holiday, I saw Leo Scott hanging out with some rough-looking people, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. I walked over and grabbed his arm, saying, "Leo Scott, don't hang out with these people. Please go home and study properly, okay?" Leo Scott jerked his arm free and said impatiently, "Mind your own business! I'll do whatever I want. What does it have to do with you?" A boy with dyed yellow hair approached, eyeing me up and down while muttering vulgar words. "Is this your sister? Not bad looking," the yellow-haired boy said with a sly smirk. My face flushed with anger, and I wanted to retort, but Leo Scott stopped me.