Mine

Family

Saarah

I just took a nap after returning home with my mom from shopping. Shopping with my mom is always exhausting; despite basically having everything, she still loves to go out and get herself half her wardrobe every other day. She insists it's good bonding time for us, and I appreciate that a lot. My mom is incredibly committed to her work. Much like my father, she's always in and out of meetings and at various gatherings. There's always someone at home in her office, planning upcoming deals and designs.

When my mother and father got married, my father gifted her with her own designer clothing brand, allowing her to design practically whatever she desired. She often tells me that she never thought she would become this successful. However, with her many connections and the upper-class status that came after marrying my father, she was bound for success. Now, her brand is renowned, and she manages a team of talented designers who help bring her visions to life. It's inspiring to see how far she's come, and even though our shopping trips can be tiring, I cherish the time we spend together, knowing how busy she is with her thriving career.

My father was also very successful, if not the most successful person I know. He built his career from the ground up, working tirelessly to create a business empire that spans multiple industries. His determination and work ethic have always been a source of inspiration for me. Despite his demanding schedule, he always finds time for family, making sure to be present for important moments and milestones.

My parents' success has provided us with a comfortable life, but it has also come with its own set of challenges. They both have demanding careers that require a lot of their time and energy. Yet, they always emphasize the importance of family and make an effort to spend quality time together whenever possible. Their hard work and dedication have set a strong example for me, showing that with perseverance and a strong support system, anything is possible.

I'm now about to start another book when there's a light knock on my bedroom door. The gentle sound pulls me from my thoughts, and I set the book aside, curious about who might be there. "Come in," I call out, sitting up a bit straighter on my bed, ready to greet whoever is on the other side.

"Hey, honey, are you awake? You didn't come down for dinner. Your father was asking for you," my mom said as she opened the door slightly and peeked in. Her voice was soft and filled with concern, making me realize just how long I had been up here lost in my thoughts.

"Hey, Mom. I'm awake, but I'm not that hungry, to be honest. I'll eat something later," I replied, giving her a small smile to reassure her.

She walked in further, closing the door behind her and taking a seat on my bed. I noticed her fidgeting with her wedding ring and bracelet, a telltale sign that something was on her mind.

"Is everything okay, Mom? What's on your mind?" I asked, sensing her unease. Her fidgeting made me worry that something was bothering her.

"Saarah, I know you don't like me constantly bringing up the same topic, but your father is really starting to feel the distance between you two, and he doesn't seem to handle it well," she said, her voice tinged with concern. She looked at me, hoping I would understand the weight of her words.

My father and I had a perfect relationship growing up. He always showered me and my brother with love and attention. Despite his busy schedule, he made it a point to show up to family dinners and special occasions, making sure we knew how much he cared. His presence was a constant source of support and warmth in our lives.

However, everything took a turn when my father decided to kick my grandfather out of our home and move into one of his mansions far away, in a location he refuses to mention. My grandfather was not just a family member; he was my best friend and had a profound impact on my life. He was a big part of why I chose tennis as my sport at the academy. He was always easy to talk to, offering reassurance and advice whenever I was overthinking situations. Losing his daily presence was like losing a part of myself, and it created a rift that seemed to widen between my father and me.