DROWNED HYDRANGEAS

3. MOM'S CALL

It was a pleasant Wednesday morning disturbed only by the sound of Shen Yang arguing loudly with someone on the phone.

"It's been two and a half years , and your father is getting antsy!", a shrill voice answered him.

"I know mom but you have to understand my situation here, I've just joined in my job, it's not that easy to get a week leave."

"Don't you think we'd want to see you?"

"I facetime you once a week atleast!"

"You know that's not the same....we miss you Yang Yang."

This is what he dreaded , being cornered with guilt.

He sighed, "I'll see what I can do, mom. I have to go now, will talk to you later"

"Take care, Yang Yang"

"You too mom, Bye", he hung up.

One thing about Shen Yang, he is a very easy going guy. He takes anything and everything easily except one thing, his parents.

'Why do they care now?', his heart tightened.

Bark bark

Ryder came running while wagging his tail and jumped on him.
"Oh, Ryder", he laughed as he caught the hyper husky ,"How was your sleep?Hungry buddy?"

Ryder didn't answer because obviously Ryder is a dog! Duh!

The dog whined and rubbed it's face on his chest.

"What will I do without you, Huh? I only have you here.", as if understanding his feelings, Ryder started to lick his face aggressively.

"That tickles, Ryder stop! Come come, let's have breakfast now", he giggled.

The tensed atmosphere of
Shen Yang's apartment dissipated a little and it was filled with his laughter and Ryder's excited barks, the only two living souls there.

////

Even though Ryder has drenched him in his love and licks, a cloud of unease followed him. His co-workers started taking note of it as his easy go personality seemed to be in a haze that day.

Somehow he finished his morning quota of work and packed to go to lunch. He went to his usual spot of the month after getting his usual lunch in cafeteria.

He did want to go see his parents, but knowing what will come next, he doesn't want that. Just thinking about the consequences of that meeting and enduring a one week visit with his family made him very uncomfortable.

Lost in his thoughts, he didn't even realize Neji coming there and sitting in front of him. Neji cleared his throat that also cleared Shen Yang's thoughts.

"You seem lost today. Did something happen?", Neji asked.

"Just a little family problem. Nothing to worry about. Anyway, what's for lunch? I'm sure Mitsuri Jie* prepared something special for me.", he tried to be cheerful.

"She did", he continued, "Also it's not something to not worry about when you are this silent. I've been dining with you for a month in which you always talk my ears off. Now tell me what's wrong", his voice contained a hint of worry.

Shen Yang hesitated a bit before he spoke, "My parents. They want me to go back to China."

"Permanently!!?"

"No! Just to meet them , stay there for some days and come back"

Neji's face visibly relaxed ,"Oh, okay then."

"Careful Neji-san, you sound like you will miss me?", Shen Yang asked with a teasing smile.

"Who's gonna miss you? Atleast I can rest my ears on those days."

"That's rude", Shen Yang pouted.

Neji ignored that and asked, "What's wrong with meeting your parents? You've been here for almost three years, you don't talk about them either, they'll miss you ofcourse..."

"I wish they miss me", he muttered.

"What do you mean?"

"That's....complicated"

"I understand that it's your family problem and all but just know that if you want an ear, I am always here."

"Thanks", he smiled genuinely upon hearing these words, his day long depression lifted and he was back to his sunny self.

"Aww , you're so nice Neji-san", there, the annoying brat was back.

"Don't test my patience. Eat your lunch before it turns cold."

"Yes Sir!!"

(⁠｡⁠♡⁠‿⁠♡⁠｡⁠)

Note:

*Jie - 姐姐 ( jie/jiejie / jiĕjie ) - older sister in Chinese.

San- It's a suffix meant to show respect in Japanese, so it often works like “Mr.” or “Ms.” would in English.

Source: Google