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"I HAVE TO GO. I'M pulling into the country club and can't be late for my tee time. Do not disappoint me, Y/n," Dad says sharply before ending the call, leaving me alone with my racing thoughts.
I hold on to the bathroom counter for support as I inhale deeply through my nose and count to five before exhaling, fighting to keep the tears at bay.
Growing up, I was taught that crying is a sign of weakness. It's ironic how my dad told me that, yet he's the reason I'm feeling this way.
He's always valued power and success over building relationships with his family. And when I agreed to work for him, my desire for financial security and independence outweighed his negative treatment.
Movement near the doorway has me spinning around to find Satoru leaning against the wall, his hands clenched into fists at his sides, a scowl on his otherwise relaxed face.
"How long have you been standing there?" I ask with trepidation.
"Long enough to affirm my overwhelming disdain for your dad." He strides across the bathroom and hops up on the countertop like we're two pals having a casual conversation. "Why do you let him talk to you that way? You deserve better."
"It's complicated," I reply vaguely, hoping he'll drop it.
"Why don't you uncomplicate it for me?" he suggests, using my response from yesterday.
How do I explain that my need for security and stability outweighs my father's mistreatment when I don't think he would understand? Satoru may have the perfect family, but mine is far from it.
"How much has Suguru told you?" I ask, curious about what my brother has shared with him.
"Not much," Satoru answers. "I know he doesn't have contact with either of your parents and changes the subject if they're brought up in a conversation."
I lean against the vanity next to where he's sitting, emotionally drained from my conversation with my dad.
Satoru doesn't rush me to speak, waiting patiently as I collect my thoughts. I tap my fingers against my thigh as my mind races.
"There's no pressure to talk about it if you'd rather not. I'll be here when you're ready," he says, offering comfort.
"No, you should know. Just please don't judge me." I inwardly cringe at how vulnerable I sound.
"Never," he vows as he holds my gaze, studying my expression.
"My mom has always had unpredictable mood swings. Some days she was energetic, and others she could barely get out of bed. It didn't help that my dad was indifferent. He spent most of his time at the office and traveling for work, not wanting to deal with his home life."
Suguru tried getting our mom help, but she refused, and he was angry at my dad for leaving. After graduation, he moved to New York, cutting off all contact with our parents. He thrived, especially after Satoru dropped out of college and joined him in the city.
