NadechYaya: Racing in the Rain

Chapter 1

The strong scent of the hospital antiseptic fills my nose. The cold air-conditioned room was sending faint goosebumps all over my skin. I cross my leg over the other, shifting my weight on the hard leather seat.

I bite the inside of my cheek as I continue to mindlessly nod at what the doctor is saying. More than half of it wasn't exactly getting in, but I nod anyway, acting like I understood one hundred percent of it. I didn't understand most of the terms he used, but as long as I knew the basics---don't stress him out, don't let him eat anything he's not allowed to, take care of him---all is good.

I purse a small smile as I stand up to send the doctor out. I give him a polite nod before he gets going. I try to follow his retreating figure with my eyes until he turns to the next hall and I couldn't see him anymore. It's a miserable excuse to buy time. I bite my bottom lip as I breathe out of my nose, closing the door slowly.

I cross my arms over my chest. My dad turned his head to my direction, looking at me as if he wanted me to say something. What was he expecting me to say? To ask if he was okay? If he's feeling better? Funny. I was expecting him to ask the same questions when I got here, but like the last ten years, there was none.

I momentarily look away, biting the inside of my cheek as I take slow steps closer. Letting out a slow breath, I look at him.

"I guess you heard the doctor. I'll stay until you get discharged, and then I'll sort my flight back."

I pretend to fuss around the mess on the desk, trying to clear it up and then messing it up again. I purse my lips at the growing tension filling my room. I let out a breath.

"Stay."

My body stilled, my throat suddenly going dry.

"I need you to take over the team. You heard the doctor, I can't work for a few months."

I flick my tongue against the side of my mouth, shaking my head once. I bite my lip as I sighed, turning around to look at him.

"Don't you have other people to do that? Surely, you do?"

"No. I want you to do it. I trained you myself since you were a kid, you're the only one who can do the job."

I take a step closer, trying my best to keep my rising anger under control.

"I have a job too, dad."

My brows furrow when he scoffs.

"You write silly children's stories, that's not a job."

I clenched my jaw, looking away as I let out an irritated breath. I close my eyes, fisting my hands. I could start to feel my blood boiling, my heart aching and my eyes starting to well up. But I wasn't about to explode, not break apart.

"Wow, dad. If you think insulting my job would make me want to take over yours, then you're wrong. It makes me not want to do it more. I'm leaving."

I was about to move when he continues to speak.

"Well, you don't have a choice. You're taking over my position. That's not a request, it's an order. I'm still your father."

I scoff, shaking my head in disappointment.

"My father? Sure hasn't felt that way in years." I spat at him bitterly.

I grab my purse from the nearby desk and storm towards the door, not even stealing a glance at him. I can feel my blood boiling already, and I hate how my tears were starting pool over my eyes.

As I was about to reach for the doorknob, he speaks.

"If you don't do it, I'll have no choice but to sell the house."