Invisible String

Chapter 22 -Meet the parents

As we sat down to finally eat dinner, the chatter around the table grew warm and familiar. My parents began updating me on everything I'd missed in the last month, their stories weaving together a tapestry of home.

"Well, we finally got around to painting the kitchen," Mom started, her eyes lighting up. "It's now a lovely shade of seafoam green. You would love it."

"How's it different from the green we used to have?" I asked, a little confused.

"Oh, it's much fresher and brighter," Mom explained enthusiastically. "The old color was more of a forest green, a bit too dark. This new shade really opens up the space. You have to see it to understand."

Dad nodded in agreement. "And it makes the whole room feel bigger and more inviting. Your mom's right, it's a huge improvement."

I couldn't help but smile. The way his voice sounded, it was as if he had just read that off a script Mom gave him.

Jackson grinned, adding his two cents. "Yeah, and it's less like a cave now. Plus, it matches those new curtains Mom got."

I smiled, picturing the changes. "I can't wait to see it. Sounds like you guys have been busy."

"Busy is an understatement," Vanessa chimed in, sharing a knowing look with Mom. "And speaking of changes, your dad's been turning the backyard into a mini-farm."

Dad laughed, shaking his head. "Hardly a farm, but we did start a vegetable garden. We've got tomatoes, peppers, and even some herbs growing. It's been a fun project."

"Can't wait to try some of those veggies, dad."

"Maybe we'll bring some over next time," Mom added. "You'll love them. Freshly picked, nothing beats that."

"Can't wait."

"Enough about us, how are you doing, Genesis?" I know Mom has been waiting to ask that question since the moment she stepped foot inside this house.

I take a deep breath, glancing around at the familiar faces. "I'm doing better," I say, trying to sound convincing.

I really didn't want to talk about it, but I also knew my parents needed to know I was ok for some peace of mind.

Mom's eyes soften as she reaches out to squeeze my hand from across the table. "We've been so worried about you."

"I'm really sorry for exposing all of you to something like this. It's not fair." The knot in my throat grows tighter.

Under the table, I feel Logan's hand on my thigh, giving it a reassuring squeeze. He was sitting beside me, and it was comforting to know he was there.

"You have nothing to apologize for, sweetheart," Mom says, her voice filled with empathy.

"This wasn't your fault, Genesis," Dad adds, and their words mean the world to me. "And if that Noah guy ever shows up around here, he's gonna find out just how quickly an old man can still throw a punch," Dad says with a smirk. "I've been itching for a good excuse to dust off my boxing gloves."

"I'll be right beside you, old man," Jackson says, grinning.

"Count me in," Logan chimes in. "Always ready for a good brawl."

"And I'll go, just in case a cop shows up and y'all need someone to pay for the bail," Ethan adds, raising his hand.

"Honey, you struggle getting out of the couch. I doubt you could beat up a twenty eight year old," Mom mocks Dad.

"Yeah, and honey, I love you," Vanessa starts saying, "but just the other day you hurt yourself while trimming the hedges."

"Cause it's tricky!" Jackson pouts, not helping his case.