Words Behind Silence - Chapter 2

He was a little upset, and he spoke to me in an upset tone. He said, “You’ve never faced any real problems in your life. You’ve never gone through any difficulties. You live a comfortable life; you come from a privileged family. Have you ever slept without eating because of money? Have you ever gone a whole day without food? Have you ever been without a home? Did your parents ever deny you something because of money? You’ve always lived a comfortable life. What kind of stress could you possibly have? Can your stress be greater than mine? You had a peaceful childhood.”

I couldn’t speak back. My mind went silent, but my thoughts started racing. It’s true — my parents never denied me anything because of money. But what I lacked were the words of care that only parents can give. I often wished they had encouraged me, or at least said something kind instead of words like, “You can’t do this,” “You’re a fool,” “You lack ability.” They would say, “If you don’t listen to me and something goes wrong, I won’t stand by you.”

They cared for me, yes. Money is important, of course; the lack of it brings stress. But I’ve realized something: even when there’s no money, love and kind words from parents can give the courage to earn money and face the world. Emotional support can build the confidence that wealth alone never can.

Yes, of course, I had food. There was never a day without money or meals. But even though I had food, how could I truly eat it with all my heart when my mother’s harsh words echoed in my mind?

Even with food in front of me, those words made it hard to swallow. I felt full on the outside but empty inside.

How much worse it feels when you have the finest variety of food in front of you, freedom to eat, yet something inside stops you from swallowing. Even the tastiest food feels bland without heart. And yet, simple food eaten with all your heart feels luxurious and full of flavor.

Yes, my parents gave me opportunities. They paid my fees, enrolled me in taekwondo classes, allowed me to participate in sports, and even let me perform on stage. But they never showed interest. They often made fun of what I did instead of encouraging me.

They never sat in the audience to watch me perform, never clapped for me, never said, “I’m proud of you.” When I won, there were no words of praise. When I lost, there were no words of comfort.

I had everything material — food, education, comfort — but I lacked the warmth that makes all of it meaningful.

I understand his pain and struggles. But I wish people would also understand that even a “comfortable life” can have its own kind of emptiness. Maybe I’m wrong — but this is what I felt when he said those words to me.

I understand what he says, and at the same time, I realize he had real people, genuine love, and happiness. His experiences made him crave what he lacked because of money. I, on the other hand, have the things he craved — comfort, security, and resources — but I never experienced genuine love, true happiness, and wholehearted support.

Life feels fully satisfied only when we have both — the power and security of money, along with genuine happiness and love. He searches for the power of money; I search for true feelings and happiness beyond wealth. Our desires are opposite, shaped by what each of us missed.

Now I feel a deep gratitude for the children who might one day experience both together — True  love, Happiness along with power and  money. How lucky they will be.