The Day They Changed the Locks, My Family Forgot I Got Into College Too

After finishing my part-time job, I came home and put my key in the lock, but no matter how hard I tried, it wouldn’t turn.

They’d changed the lock.

No one had told me.

I called my mom.

“Mom, why did you change the lock?”

My mom sounded unconcerned.

“Oh, we changed it last week. I forgot to tell you. Your dad and I are helping your sister get settled at college today. Your brother even took time off to come along. The whole family’s finally together.”

Suddenly, her voice cut off.

“Wait, why are you standing outside the house? Shouldn’t you be in class? Didn’t your senior year of high school start ages ago?”

I opened my mouth.

“Mom, why would I be in my senior year? I’ve already...”

My dad snatched the phone from her and interrupted me.

“Gu Xue, the whole family’s been running around helping your sister get into college. It’s one thing if you can’t help, but now you’re skipping class and lying about it?”

“Your sister was right. You don’t care about studying at all. You’re in your senior year and still running around. You’re hopeless.”

I was about to explain when I heard my brother shout excitedly on the other end of the phone.

“Mom, Dad, Xia Xia, hurry up! They’re about to take the group photo.”

The call ended abruptly.

They’d all forgotten that I was starting college this year too.

In fact, I’d scored even higher than Gu Xia.