Beneath the Surface

chapter 56 : video call

The morning of Tristan's departure for the international conference was filled with a quiet tension. Tristan sat at the edge of the bed, his suitcase packed and waiting by the door, but his mind weighed down by the thought of leaving Sarah and Stan behind for several days.

Tristan: (sighing) "I don't know, Sarah... maybe I shouldn't go. I could ask someone else to take my place. It's just a conference, after all."

Sarah, standing by the dresser, turned to face him with a soft smile. She could see the hesitation in his eyes, the internal conflict of wanting to stay but knowing the importance of the trip.

Sarah: (gently) "Tristan, it's the call of your job. You've worked hard for this opportunity, and it's important for your career. We'll be fine here."

He looked at her, his brow furrowed with concern. He stood up and walked over, taking her hands in his.

Tristan: "But what if something happens? I won't be around... I just don't like the idea of being away for so long."

Sarah squeezed his hands, her gaze steady and reassuring. She knew he had always been protective, always present, but this trip was necessary for his work and his growth.

Sarah: (smiling warmly) "We've done this before, love. You've gone on trips, and everything's turned out fine. Stan and I will miss you, of course, but we'll manage. We'll video call every day, and before you know it, you'll be back home."

Tristan sighed, the tension in his shoulders easing a bit, though he still felt a tug of reluctance.

Tristan: "I don't know how you do it, always making things seem easier than they are."

Sarah chuckled softly, brushing her hand along his cheek.

Sarah: "It's because I believe in you. You've always been here for us, and now it's time for you to do something for yourself. We'll be okay, I promise."

Stan came running into the room, holding up a drawing he'd made, oblivious to the conversation but excited to show his parents.

Stan: (cheerfully) "Daddy, look! I made this for you to take with you!"

Tristan knelt down, taking the picture from Stan's hands. It was a drawing of their family, smiling and holding hands.

Tristan: (smiling) "Thank you, buddy. I'll keep this with me the whole time I'm gone."

Sarah knelt down beside Tristan, wrapping her arms around both of them. She looked at Tristan with love and assurance, reminding him that no matter where he was, they were always with him in spirit.

Sarah: (softly) "Go, Tristan. We'll be waiting for you. And when you come back, we'll celebrate with your favorite dinner."

Tristan looked between Sarah and Stan, his heart full of love and gratitude. He finally nodded, his hesitation giving way to resolve.

Tristan: "Alright. But I'm calling you both the minute I land."

Sarah smiled, leaning in to kiss him softly.

Sarah: "We wouldn't have it any other way."

With one last embrace, Tristan picked up his suitcase, kissed them both goodbye, and walked out the door, his heart a little lighter knowing that his family was behind him every step of the w

During Tristan's five-day conference abroad, the distance didn't stop the connection between him, Sarah, and Stan. Every night, as soon as Tristan returned to his hotel room, the first thing he did was set up a video call with his family. It became their daily routine — a way to feel close despite the miles between them.