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The financial crisis of 2008 was a storm we barely weathered, costing my parents more than just money—it cost them their essence. I remember Dad, his face shadowed by determination, vowing, "This company has been in our family for generations. It won't end with me."
Mom, once a beacon of joy and creativity, had her light dimmed. Her art supplies gathered dust, and her dance shoes lay forgotten. I recall a time when Dad would laugh, swirling her around the kitchen as she giggled, her eyes alight with passion for life. But those days faded into a memory.
One evening, as Dad buried himself in paperwork, and Mom meticulously planned the week's meals, devoid of her usual spark, I couldn't hold back my frustration. "Don't you guys miss it?" I blurted out. "The art, the dancing, the...us we used to be?"
Dad paused, his pen hovering over a sea of documents. "Survival demanded sacrifices, kiddo. We did what we had to do for the family, for the company."
Mom sighed, a tired smile on her face. "It's not that we don't miss it, dear. But we had to prioritize. Your father and I...we had to put you and Molly first, along with ensuring the company's survival."
As the crisis ebbed, the strict regimen of work and responsibilities remained. Dad's office became his sanctuary, the late hours his constant companion. Mom transformed into a shadow of her former vibrant self, her days a blur of chores and familial duties.
Even Molly, caught in the relentless pursuit of academic excellence, found no respite for play or leisure.
I watched, heart heavy, as our family, once a tapestry of color and warmth, turned into a stark outline of survival and sacrifice. The laughter, the joy, the spontaneity of our old life seemed like relics of a bygone era, leaving behind a silence too profound to fill.
Her response forever stuck with me. “Sometimes, that's just what happens when you settle down. It's not always a bad thing.”
Since then, I’ve been immensely terrified of the idea of settling down. I find it hard to build anything concrete and have a sense of home, even to the best of things. My place in France is just a studio apartment where I sleep most of the time. I had never made it home and didn’t intend to do so. It is very devoid of character and sparse.
I never form serious relationships because I’m terrified of the changes that could happen. I also don’t plan to have children to avoid a repeat of what happened to my mom.
“Mom, I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me. Besides, I’ve been going to therapy,” I say, looking away from her.
It’s half a lie. I even struggle with keeping to therapy. I’ve left it several times before starting afresh, but I’m trying and that’s all that matters. I keep to myself, knowing she’d be even more convinced she’d broken me if I ever told her any tidbit. The last thing I need is for her to be wracked with even more guilt than she already shoulders.
“Are you sure?” she asks with wide eyes, and I nod.
“On the topic of settling down, I might get married soon,” Molly speaks up suddenly, saving me from needing to say more.
I send her a grateful look when Mom claps her hands together and turns away from her excitedly.
“Oh my, that’s wonderful news, Molly,” Mom says.
“Yes. Nicely done, dear.”
I frown and narrow my eyes at her once my gratitude fades, and I realize what she said. “Since when were you in a relationship? Do you have someone you’re interested in?”
Although I’ve been away and never take her calls, my sister has kept me updated on her life; so far, there’s been no time when she mentioned a boyfriend or someone she was serious about.
“Not really,” she confirms my thoughts. “It’s just something I’ve been thinking about recently. I’ve been so busy with work I haven’t given dating much thought; but now I’m ready, I’ll pick someone up.”
I stare at her, completely dumbfounded. I look at my parents, who nod their agreement. Who approaches dating with that sort of thought process? Just pick someone up!
“Well, that’s fine I suppose. Now, how about we have lunch together and catch up? It’s been so long since we last saw you, Kelly. How are your friends doing?” Mom ropes her arm with mine and leads me to the kitchen, leaving Dad and my sister behind.
6
Enzo
Itoss my phone and keys on my couch, still very pissed off at the way my morning began.
“How could she have left saying nothing?” I complain to no one in particular.
I woke up this morning in an excellent mood. I’d had the best sex of my life and was sleeping beside the woman responsible for such an amazing night, who would hopefully be responsible for a wonderful morning. had been my thought until I reached for the space where she should’ve been and came up empty. I thought nothing of it and waited, thinking she’d only gone to the bathroom and would be back soon.
I frown as I remember how dumb I’d been earlier.
I close my eyes as I imagine all the ways I’ll have her the moment she steps out of the bathroom. I can't hide the grin on my face as I think about the sex would have with her now that we're not as exhausted as we were the day before.
