Résonance: a LingOrm's Story

Chapter 47: The Earthquake

The tension in the dining room was palpable, thickening the air as the discussion within the Kwong family turned increasingly heated. Ling stood tall at the head of the long, gleaming table, her hands clasped together as she braced herself for what was coming. Her parents, seated on either side of her, radiated quiet support, but the rest of the room was a battlefield of disapproving glares and murmurs.

One of her uncles, the eldest brother of her father, glared at her from across the table, his voice booming with disapproval. "Ling, this is not a matter to take lightly! You've always been the pride of this family, and now you're asking us to accept something that goes against everything we've stood for, for generations."

The murmurs grew louder, with other members of the family nodding in agreement. Ling could feel the judgment in the room tighten around her like a noose. She had expected resistance, but facing it head-on was harder than she imagined.

"I know this isn't what you expected from me," Ling responded, her voice steady but firm. "But my relationship with Orm isn't something I can hide, or something I'm ashamed of. We've been through so much together, and I love her. I'm here because I want you to know that this is my decision. I won't live my life by the expectations of others, not even family."

Her aunt, a stern woman with pursed lips, spoke next. "Ling, think about the implications. What will people say? The Kwong name is respected across Hong Kong. Our family is traditional. There are responsibilities—"

"Responsibilities to what, Auntie?" Ling cut in, her frustration bubbling up. "To a name? To a legacy built on outdated beliefs? I understand that tradition is important, but love is important too. And I refuse to live in a way that denies who I am or who I love."

Her cousin, the eldest son of her uncle, leaned forward, his face dark with disapproval. "This isn't just about love, Ling. It's about the future of the family. You're asking us to accept something that could bring shame upon us all. What happens when people talk? Do you want our business partners to look at us differently?"

Ling's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to let his words shake her resolve. "Let them talk," she said, her voice rising. "If they want to judge us based on who I love, then they're not worth our respect anyway. Orm is not some scandal waiting to happen. She's a kind, intelligent woman, and I'm proud to be with her. If you can't see that, then maybe it's not me who needs to reconsider things."

The room fell into stunned silence at her words. For a moment, the weight of her declaration hung in the air. Ling's eyes scanned the room, meeting the disapproving stares of her relatives, but also the calm, steady gaze of her parents. Mr. Kwong, who had been listening quietly, finally spoke.

"Ling is right," he said, his voice quiet but firm. "Our family has always prided itself on strength, but what is that strength if it crumbles the moment we're challenged by something different? I raised Ling to be independent, to think for herself, and to follow her heart. I stand by her decision. Orm makes her happy, and as her father, that's what matters most to me."

Mrs. Kwong nodded in agreement, her soft voice cutting through the tension. "Ling has always been a woman of integrity. She has worked hard for everything she has, and she's built a life she's proud of. As her mother, I support her wholeheartedly. We should be proud of her for standing by her love, not shaming her for it."

Despite their parents' support, Ling knew the battle was far from over. Her uncle, clearly the most vocal opponent, wasn't finished.

"We are thinking of the future of the family, Kwong," he snapped, addressing Ling's father directly. "Your daughter's decision affects all of us. We have connections, reputation. Do you want to risk all that because of some fleeting emotion?"

"This is not fleeting," Ling cut in, her voice rising with each word. "I've spent years with Orm, through thick and thin. She's stood by me in ways you can't even imagine. You think this is some frivolous affair? You think I'm doing this on a whim? I've never been more certain of anything in my life!"

Her uncle slammed his hand down on the table, causing the silverware to rattle. "Ling, think carefully. This isn't about just you. You're part of a family, a legacy. If you go through with this, there will be consequences. Don't expect everyone to accept it so easily."

The room fell silent again. Ling's chest tightened, but she met her uncle's gaze without flinching. "I understand that not everyone will agree with me," she said slowly. "But this is my life. And if my decision means I lose the approval of some members of this family, then so be it. I'd rather be true to myself than live a life that pleases others but suffocates me."

Daniel, who had been silent throughout the argument, finally spoke. "Uncle, with all due respect, my sister's life is her own. We're a family, yes, but that doesn't mean she should be forced to live a lie to preserve some outdated idea of what our legacy should be. If anything, this family's legacy should be one of love, acceptance, and strength—not fear and judgment."

Ling felt a surge of gratitude for her brother, his words echoing her own thoughts. She turned to him, and he gave her a small, encouraging nod.

Her uncle, visibly fuming, glared at both of them before standing up abruptly. "We'll see how this plays out," he said coldly. "But don't expect everyone to fall in line, Kwong. You're asking too much."

Without another word, he left the dining room, the door slamming behind him. The tension remained, but the atmosphere shifted slightly as the rest of the family exchanged uncertain glances. Some seemed to be reconsidering their initial resistance, while others still held their disapproval, though less vocal now.

Mr. Kwong stood up slowly, looking around the room. "If anyone else feels as strongly as my brother, you're free to leave. But know this: Ling has our full support. This family will not be torn apart by intolerance. We stand by our daughter."

No one moved, though a few of the older relatives exchanged uneasy looks. The atmosphere had shifted, and the balance of power in the room seemed to tilt in Ling's favor. She could feel it—a slow but significant change.

As the tension slowly dissipated, Mrs. Kwong turned to her daughter, her expression softening. "I'm so proud of you, Ling. You spoke your truth."

Ling exhaled, her shoulders finally relaxing. "I couldn't have done it without you and Pa."

Her father nodded. "We'll face whatever comes next, together."

Back in Chumphon, Orm sat on the porch of her family home, her phone buzzing with an incoming call. It was Ling. Smiling, she picked it up and greeted her girlfriend, unaware of the storm that had just passed in Hong Kong. "Hey, P'Ling. How was dinner with the family?"

Ling's voice came through, tired but content. "It was... intense. But I stood my ground. My parents and Daniel are on our side, and the rest of the family... well, let's just say it's a work in progress."

Orm chuckled softly. "I'm so proud of you."

Ling sighed, her voice softening. "I can't wait to see you again."

"Soon," Orm promised. "We've got our whole future ahead of us, don't we?"

"Yes," Ling whispered. "And I can't wait to start it with you."

Unbeknownst to Orm, Ling's next step was to make that future official.