third time's a charm

23

The jetway spat out passengers into the bustling hive they dubbed the airport, resembling a swarming ant colony. Win, with his older sister Thana and her boyfriend Jaylerr, stood amidst the organized chaos, their eyes scanning the throngs of people for the familiar faces of their parents.

The airport terminal sprawled out before them, a maze of gleaming corridors lined with bustling shops and hurried travelers. Fluorescent lights flickered directly above, casting a stark brightness upon the scene below. The air hummed with the noise of rolling suitcases, echoing announcements, and the chatter of countless voices in a multitude of languages.

As they waited, Win felt a mixture of anticipation and apprehension churning within him. This reunion with his parents was meant to be a joyous occasion to introduce Bright, his former fiancée, to his family and announce their engagement. But now, as he stood amidst the frenetic energy of the airport, that vision felt shattered and distant. The weight of their broken engagement hung heavily upon him, casting a pall over what should have been a moment of celebration. The absence of Bright by his side only served to amplify the ache in his heart, leaving him feeling adrift amidst the bustling crowd, uncertain of what the future held.

"Where are they?" Win's impatience broke through the din of noise around them, his gaze darting anxiously through the crowd.

Thana, standing beside him, craned her neck, her eyes scanning the sea of faces. Amidst the chaos, she caught sight of two familiar figures, their features mirroring Win's own smiling eyes. It was their mom and dad, approaching through the bustling crowd, their arms outstretched in greeting.

"Children! How I missed you!" Their mother's voice rang out like a gentle breeze, carrying with it the warmth of her affection as she pulled Win and Thana into her embrace. Ingrid, their maternal figure, was a fascinating blend of East and West, a tapestry of cultures woven seamlessly together. Despite her lineage stemming from generations of German and Austrian ancestry, her Asian roots were unmistakable, painting her presence with a unique hue.

Ingrid's appearance was a curious mixture; her features, akin to a finely crafted porcelain doll, exuded the delicate elegance of her European heritage. Yet, it was her eyes that hinted at her multifaceted background, resembling precious gemstones shimmering amidst a sea of earthy tones. Like a captivating mosaic, they held within them the story of her diverse culture, a harmonious fusion of traditions and customs.

"Finally!" Their father's voice, like the steady rumble of distant thunder, broke through the commotion of the airport terminal as he joined their mother's side. Wei Zhou, their paternal figure, exuded an air of quiet authority tempered with a warmth that enveloped those around him like a comforting hug. Though his features bore a sternness that hinted at a disciplined demeanor, beneath the surface lay a heart brimming with love and support for his family.

Wei was a striking figure reminiscent of a classic painting and possessed a natural charm that emanated effortlessly from his demeanor. His attire, meticulously chosen and impeccably tailored, spoke volumes of his attention to detail and refined taste. If Win inherited their mother's likeness, then Wei bore a striking resemblance to Thana, his handsome countenance a mirror image of his daughter's grace and poise.

"I was sure our flight would get delayed again," he said to his children as they helped with the luggage. "We were rushing when you told us about your best friend Gun's wedding in Cancun. You'll be gone for days, you say?"

Win grunted as he struggled with his father's heavy luggage, curious about its contents. "Yeah, it's gonna be one of those epic four-day weddings, with all the traditional hoopla and probably a thousand people flying in from places like Madagascar..."

His father chuckled beside him. "You always dislike weddings. I wonder why..."

"You have Uncle Richie to thank for that. He convinced me that marriage isn't all sunshine and rainbows as people make it out to be. Sometimes it feels more like a never-ending game of compromise and sacrifice."