I bought a red dress on June 25, 2007. I can remember that day clearly because it was my birthday. That morning, I thought my husband and son would say “happy birthday” to me, but not at all! Nobody remembered my birthday, only myself! How disappointing! So I went outside.
     I have a habit that I would go shopping when I am unhappy so I walked into a fashion store and a pretty red dress quickly caught my eye. It was a silk evening dress, suitable for attending banquets. The dress has a belt with a bow-knot at the waist and it looks very beautiful! I tried it on right away…...Oh, perfect! Looking at my beautiful self in the mirror, my mood got better! I bought it without thinking. It cost me RMB 198 yuan. I was wearing the dress and went home with a happy mood! 
     This happened 12 years ago and this dress has always been well preserved by me. It looks like new, because I have never worn it. But it is very important for me because it was my first birthday present that I bought for myself! Also it reminds me: your mood is good or bad depending on yourself!  Don’t let others dominate your mood! 

– Hui Qin Li

Relationship:  Im/migrant Im/migrant