[EDITING]
It's been four years since we broke up, since I last saw him.
I am no longer the person I used to be. I have gained a reputation as the most formidable businesswoman, feared by many, devoid of smiles, and often labeled as ruthless and arr...
Family is like branches on a tree, we all grow in different directions, yet our roots remains as one.
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I made my way to the kitchen, retrieving a cold can of beer from the refrigerator. I took a sip while gazing out at the bustling city below. As I admired the lights illuminating the neighboring condominium, I wished that the resident of that apartment wouldn't notice me observing from my own house, as my lights were still on.
Amidst the serenity that filled the house, I couldn't help but appreciate the peacefulness it brought. However, just as I was reveling in the tranquility, my phone's ringtone abruptly shattered the silence. Glancing at the caller ID, I answered the call, saying, "Good evening, Mom."
"Hey, sweetheart. How are you?" my mother's voice greeted me, soothing and familiar.
"I'm doing well. How about you and everyone else?" I asked, fidgeting and shifting my weight from one leg to another.
"Everyone's doing well. Chelsea is excelling in school, and your father is enjoying a game of golf with Devilon McCoy," she responded. There was a brief pause, followed by a sigh. "But... we're missing you." Her voice shifted from enthusiasm to a tinge of sadness in mere moments.
I let out a sigh, realizing that whenever my mother calls, it serves as a reminder that I have a family who cares about me. I can't place the blame on them, though, because it was my own choice to distance myself from my family during my difficult phase of depression. I didn't want anyone to experience unnecessary suffering due to my own struggles.
It was a decision I made out of reason and consideration.
"Honey, we understand that you needed space, but this separation has lasted for quite a while," my mother's voice gently pleaded. "Chelsea misses her elder sister, and I miss my daughter dearly. Please consider coming over for Thanksgiving this year. It would mean the world to us."
Her words resonated with a mix of longing and love. Deep down, I knew they were right. Perhaps it was time to bridge the gap, to reconnect with the family that had always been there for me.
It's been a year and a half since I last saw my family. I made the decision to separate myself, acknowledging that I might never fully recover from the pain that had consumed me. The realization that it had indeed broken me forever, just as I had feared, weighed heavily on my heart.
"Ok mother I'll come over if my schedule is clear."
"Thank you dear. I love you."
After ending the call, I quietly whispered, "I love you too. Good night," and took a final gulp of the beer, finishing off what remained. Over the past year and a half, my holidays had been devoid of the warmth of family, with most of my time spent either at the office or at home, drowning my sorrows and observing the joyous holiday statuses of others.
