My dad is a Musician

Chapter 3

Dad came back soon with hot cocoa and put the cup beside my table. He then went to my cupboard and from the lowermost drawer, pulled out a first aid box and from that he took out a thermometer.

He then came to me and said, "Put this in your mouth for a while. I will come in a moment ok?"

"Yes dad." I don't even have to ask him for a distraction.

"I will bring some soup for you for lunch and I want to see you have it. No tantrums alright?"

"Yes. Why is it that you nag me so much? I hate it."

Firstly I am so worried about Zack being here and then he is nagging me like he doesn't trust me. This is so irritating!

"Surprisingly you feel better to argue."

"It's annoying if anything."

"I would have grounded you if it was any normal day but since you are unwell and a bit weak at the moment, I will forgive this."

I will forgive this… Gosh! He said it like… like… "Like doing a favour on me." I said that aloud. I would love to see what he would do about it. I have had worse and I hate how he is acting like I am a kid who constantly needs babying.

Dad then ruffled my hair and said, "I know you are upset and there is something more going on which you don't want to talk about. So I will leave but, remember that I will be here if you need me."

I looked at the other side. Dad removed his hand and said, "Just know that I really love you." I then looked at him a couple of moments later when he said, "I will step out for a while." I saw him leave the room and he didn't even look back. I feel bad now. I think I over-reacted. I will talk to him later but… first, the plan.

I put the thermometer in hot cocoa and waited for its temperature to rise. How much is high temperature and which one is normal temperature anyways? Who cares?

The best thing was that this thermometer was a normal one and not the digital one. I think above half would be fine. Like who cares? It will be high as it is.

I heard dad knock on the door. I didn't hear his footsteps approaching me. Why? What's wrong with me?

I immediately took out the thermometer from the hot cocoa and put it in my mouth. What was the temperature? I forgot to check it out. Ughh!

"I am coming in." I heard from the other side of the door and then saw the door open.

"Did you check the temperature?"

I shook my head.

"Ok then remove it for me please."
He said as he took the thermometer out of my mouth and as soon as he saw it he was shocked. What happened?

"Leon, this is…" he started but before that, I think I need to talk about something else.

"I am sorry." I started.

"What?" He asked, sounding confused.

"I didn't mean to act out. I just… couldn't control it."

"It's ok Leon."

"It's not. Like everyday you nag at me to eat this and eat that and give me so much advice. I am not a child anymore, dad. But I know that yelling at you and fighting you and spoiling your mood is not something I should have done. I was wrong on that one. I am sorry. I will be more mindful in the future about my temper."

"Oh Leo," He paused for a while before he said, "I am very sorry. I will try to cut down the advice I give you. When I stepped out earlier, I realised that I would have been over-protective of you and that is something that would have been a bit annoying at this age. I will try to be more mindful too."

He continued, "And on that note, I am so proud of you today. It's completely ok that you lost your temper but you made sure to make up for it and surprisingly it was before me. I was thinking of talking after checking your temperature but the way you started the topic first and accepted and acknowledged that it was your fault along with knowing what you did wrong exactly shows how much you have grown. Keep it up kiddo. I am very happy."

"You taught me to accept my mistakes and apologise in an argument and later discuss it properly, dad." And that's true. I felt bad and I said that I felt bad. Dad said it was this active communication which helps me be a better human and build deeper relationships with others.

"Give me a hug." He said and I went closer to his chest. He caressed my hair. "I am very very proud of you Leon."

I am happy too now and this is all the more reason I want to protect this relationship. I will definitely find out who my abuser is.