A Love Story

Chapter 13

Charie

The house is filled with tension. Mom and Dad have been on Kryzella’s back for weeks. They’ve always pushed her to excel academically and in her extracurricular activities. She worked hard and now makes a living for herself, but instead of celebrating her independence, they’ve shifted their focus. It’s like they’re on a mission, and the new target is finding her a husband.

Mom’s relentless when it comes to matchmaking for Kryzella. She’s arranged yet another blind date for tonight, insisting this one will be perfect. “Kryzella, you should meet this one,” Mom says, holding up a photo of a man who doesn’t even come close to what Kryzella is looking for. “He’s well-settled, family-oriented, and exactly what you need.”

Kryzella glances at the photo and sighs. “Mom, I’m not interested in being set up. I don’t even know this person.”

But Mom won’t hear it. “You’re not getting any younger, Kryzella. You need to start thinking about your future. A good husband will bring you stability.”

Dad, who usually stays quiet, chimes in, “We’ve found you a few matches. You should at least meet them.”

Kryzella looks exhausted. She’s been working hard to build her career, and now, on top of that, she’s expected to find a husband. The stress is clearly getting to her. I see her hands trembling slightly as she tries to remain composed.

I try to support her. “Kryzella, let’s talk about this. Do you have someone in mind? Is there someone you like?”

She shakes her head, her voice almost a whisper. “I don’t know. I’m not ready for this. I just want to focus on my work right now.”

Mom’s face tightens. “Your work is important, but so is finding a good husband. Your father and I didn’t have to deal with this pressure. It’s different now.”

I sit across from Aunt Lena, who’s visiting us for the week. She’s always been the free spirit in the family. As she sits beside Kryzella, she takes one look at the scene, and her eyes widen in disbelief.

“Julia, what’s going on?” Aunt Lena asks, stepping into the living room. Her tone is filled with surprise and concern.

I explain the situation quickly. “They are pressuring Kryzella to find a husband right away. It’s been really stressful for her.”

Aunt Lena’s face flushes with anger. “This is absurd! When we we younger, nobody forced us into marriages. We had our own choices and time. Your mom didn’t deal with this kind of pressure. Why impose it now?”

Mom looks defensive. “It’s different now. The world has changed.”

Aunt Lena shakes her head. “No, Julia. The world might change, but that doesn’t mean we should impose these pressures. Kryzella should be able to make her own choices about her life, without being rushed into something she’s not ready for.”

Dad grumbles but doesn’t argue. Aunt Lena’s words hit a nerve.

Kryzella looks relieved to have someone speak up for her. “Thank you, Aunt Lena. I just want some time to focus on my career and figure things out.”

Aunt Lena puts a comforting hand on Kryzella’s shoulder. “Take all the time you need. Life isn’t a race, and marriage isn’t a deadline. Do what feels right for you.”

Mom and Dad exchange glances. They look uncomfortable but don’t push the issue further.

As Aunt Lena leaves, Reena bursts into the room, clearly frustrated. “Mom, has Kryzella told you she’s met someone?”

Mom looks surprised. “No, she hasn’t mentioned that.”

Reena’s voice is sharp. “Exactly. That’s why she didn’t tell you. She knew you’d just pressure her even more. This is why she’s been keeping it to herself.”

Kryzella’s eyes widen, but she nods in agreement. “I didn’t want to add more stress. I need to figure things out on my own.”

Mom looks taken aback. “Kryzella, I didn’t realize you were keeping things from us because of this.”

Kryzella’s voice softens. “I just wanted to find my own way without feeling rushed. I’m not ready for all this pressure.”

As the room quiets, the atmosphere feels different. The air is still charged, but there’s a new understanding. Mom and Dad seem to be reconsidering their approach.

The next day, the tension returns. Kryzella’s blind date has been set for this evening. A man arrives at our door, and Mom is all smiles as she ushers him in.

“Kryzella, this is Adam. He’s the one I was telling you about. I’m sure you two will hit it off,” Mom says, her excitement barely contained.

Adam is dressed neatly in a suit, and he extends his hand with a confident smile. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Kryzella.”

Kryzella forces a smile, clearly uncomfortable. “Nice to meet you too, Adam.”

Mom’s enthusiasm is unwavering. “Adam’s a great guy, Kryzella. I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time. Why don’t you two head out? The restaurant reservation is for seven.”

Kryzella nods, though her eyes betray her nervousness. “Sure. I’ll just grab my coat.”

As she heads towards the hallway, Aunt Lena watches from the sidelines, her disappointment palpable. She shifts uneasily and catches my eye.

“Charie, this is wrong,” Aunt Lena says quietly. “They’re pushing her into something she clearly doesn’t want.”

I nod, feeling the weight of the situation. “I know, Aunt Lena. It’s hard to watch.”

Mom, noticing the tension, tries to lighten the mood. “Aunt Lena, it’s just one dinner. It’s not the end of the world. She might even enjoy it.”

Aunt Lena’s gaze is sharp. “Julia, it’s not about the dinner. It’s about respecting Kryzella’s choices. She should be able to decide what’s best for her without feeling pressured.”

Dad, who has been silent, finally speaks up. “We’re just trying to help her find a good match. It’s not meant to be a burden.”

Aunt Lena’s tone softens slightly. “I understand you want what’s best for her, but pushing her into this isn’t going to help. She needs to make these decisions on her own.”

Mom looks taken aback but doesn’t argue further. “Alright, alright. Let’s not make this more complicated than it is.”

As Mom and Dad enthusiastically guide Kryzella and Adam out the door, Aunt Lena pulls me aside. “Charie, I’m worried. They’re not listening to her needs. She’s clearly uncomfortable.”

I watch as Kryzella’s anxious glance back at the house tells me how much she’s struggling with this forced arrangement. “I’m worried too, Aunt Lena. I hope tonight goes well for her.”

Aunt Lena nods, her expression full of concern. “I just wish they would give her the space to figure things out on her own.”

With a heavy sigh, I reply, “I can only hope that tonight’s date will bring her some peace or clarity, even if it’s just the beginning of her finding her own way.”

We both watch in silence as the door closes behind Kryzella and Adam. The house feels quieter now, but the tension remains, a reminder of the struggle between expectation and personal choice.