The Family

Quarrel and Fever

It was an ordinary autumn day, a day off, Sunday. The day before, on Saturday night, Aka was sitting in his office writing documents while his husband Shen and their children were sleeping. At midnight, Volodya woke up and went to the nursery, where baby Liana was sleeping. Walking down the corridor, he saw that Aka was working. And, not wanting to disturb him, he went into the kitchen, made himself tea, came to the nursery and sat down in front of the crib in which Liana was sleeping.
At one o'clock in the morning, Aka finished working and went to the nursery to check on Liana. When he entered the nursery, he was surprised to see his son sitting there.

"Volodya? What are you doing here at this late hour?"

Volodya looked at his father, his eyes were full of fatigue.

"I'm sitting with Liana. I can't watch you strain yourself. That's why I decided to sit with her to make you feel better."

Aka's expression turned gentle when he heard his son's words. But there was also a note of concern in his eyes. He spoke in a warm and gentle tone:

"Son. Go to sleep. You're very tired. I'll look after Liana."

Volodya then got up and went to his room without saying a word. Aka stayed there, in the nursery, with Liana. So the night passed.

The next day, Sunday afternoon. All four were at home. The day passed as usual. The evening could have been peaceful too, but this time everything happened differently.

Aka: Shen, my love. I think you're pushing yourself too hard.

Shen: * in a gentle voice*
I know, my love.

Volodya intervened: Dad. (turns to Shen) Dad was working all night yesterday.

Shen: What..? Aka!

Aka: Son. Go to your room.

Volodya went into the room, giving his parents a place to argue.

Shen:* in anger*
Aka! How long has it been possible?! How much longer will you work at night!

Aka: * also angry*
And what did you expect from me!

Shen: I expected you to take care of yourself and us! You work and work and work all the time! And you don't even pay attention and time to your family!

Aka: What are you talking about?! I'm taking the time!

Shen: That's not spending time with your family! Your job is just useless!

Aka: Useless?!

Shen: Yes! You work all the time, you participated in wars! And what's the use of it?!

Aka: I'm helping our country! To our Homeland! If we don't help our homeland, where we were born, then how can we live?!

Aka's voice was riddled with pain and resentment, he tried his best to fight back tears, but a tear still flowed out of his left eye. Shen's anger reached a boil and he slapped Aka in the face.

Shen: Save your snot and tears! Your job is the most useless! And I don't care if you get tired too!

Aka was shocked by Shen's actions and the words he said. He didn't know what to do or how to react. He is completely broken, tears started flowing from his eyes, he turned away from Shen, unable to look at him anymore. He went into the bedroom. Sitting on the bed, he cried his whole heart out.