Preciosa

chapter 3

Valerie

It's my father's birthday.

To be honest, I didn't have the best relationship with him, I had my issues with him. But he is my father.

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FLASHBACK (a few years ago)

I return back from a long and tiring day at school. My father, reeking of alcohol, was sat down on the couch, watching television. I immediately go upstairs not wanting to bother him.

After a few minutes of silence, my father spoke up. "Be useful and get me a beer!" He yells, his voice echoing throughout the house.

I hurried downstairs towards the kitchen grabbing a beer and handing it back to my father.

My father snatched the beer from my hands, uncapping it swiftly. He took a long swig, letting out a satisfied sigh as he leaned back. The cold liquid coursed does his throat, his gaze turned back to me, his eyes dark.

"How was school?" He questions, taking a sip of his beer. His tone held a hint of scrutiny mixed with drunkenness. A sense of dread filled the air.

He always had mood swings, one minute he's angry and the next he is all nice.

"It was good, no trouble today." I reply.

"You are going to stay with your mother on the weekends alright?"

"Y-yes.. okay."

My father and mother had a divorce. I never actually knew the reason why. But I always assumed it was something to do with my mother's family approval. I guess they didn't accept my father as my mothers husband.

————
PRESENT TIME

I was currently in my apartment room, practically laying on the ground. I look down at the birthday card, pen in hand, contemplating what to write.

I have no idea what to write.

Maybe I should write something long?

Never mind, I'll just go short and simple.

A grumble leaves my lips as I rub my temples.

Nonetheless, I knew how my father would feel if I failing to acknowledge his birthday.

The pen scratched against the card as you carefully wrote down words, a sigh escaping me as I complete my sentence.

"A happy birthday, Father. Wishing you a wonderful day."

I closed the birthday card and sealed it tightly.

I hope he gets the letter in time.

I clip my hair back with my clawclip and I select a necklace that glistened in the light. I gaze at my reflection in the mirror as I carefully put it on.

I make my way down the main road towards the nearby grocery store. I walk through the aisles, my eyes scanning the shelves for the items. Picking up items and dropping them back down into my shopping cart.