chapter 2
650 Words
The Confrontation
“You’ve been distant,” he said gently.
She let out a dry breath. “I wonder why.
“I deserve that,” he admitted. “But avoiding me won’t solve anything.”
She turned to face him now, her eyes tired but sharp. “And talking has solved so much, hasn’t it? We’ve talked enough to fill a library, and yet here we are, still stuck in the prologue.”
“Not yet,” he said. “But it can… if you let it.”
She shook her head slightly. “You always say the right things when everything is already falling apart. You should have been a crisis manager, not a father.”
“And you always listen,” he replied quietly. “Which makes you my favorite captive audience.
The Decision
“I’m going back because of the children,” she added firmly. “They need structure. They need attention. They need a mother who is present—and frankly, they need someone to tell them that cereal isn’t a balanced dinner.”
He grinned, stepping closer. “Ah… my woman. I love you, you know. Thank you… for everything. Our labour will not be in vain.”
She arched an eyebrow, smiling softly. “You always know how to flatter me when you're in trouble, don’t you? It’s a very annoying gift.”
“I try,” he said, chuckling. “I’ve had years of practice being wrong; I had to get good at something.”
“Amen,” she said quietly, her eyes softening. “Now don’t get used to me being this easy. Next time, I'm taking the the Netflix password.”
He laughed, relief and affection mingling in his voice. "Never."
The Family Meeting
Ted cleared his throat, shifting in his seat. For once, he didn’t look like the man who always had control of the room.
“I know I’ve made mistakes,” he began, his voice lower than usual.
Vivian’s gaze stayed fixed on him, searching. “Mistakes? That’s a polite way of putting it. you stole Grandma's money, Ted you made away with her whole savings and you gambled everything away, oh no! you don't know the gravity of what you have done .”
“I’m not proud of how I’ve handled things,” he continued, ignoring the sting. “But I want to make it right. I will do better… I promise.”
There was a pause—long enough to make his words feel uncertain.
Her mother folded her arms slightly. “We’ve heard promises before, Ted. Usually right before the next disaster.”
“I know,” he replied quickly. “But this time is different.”
Vivian finally spoke, her voice calm but careful. “Different how? Did you finally read one of those ‘How to be a Human’ books I left on the nightstand?”
Ted hesitated, then sighed. “Are those books meant for human beings?” Vivian gave him a soft glare
Vivian paused, then said softly, “I want things to work… I really do and I really hope my brother will change for the best"
Her mother walked closer, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder. “So do I. But we’ll take it one step at a time. And if he trips, we’ll just leave him there for a little while to think about it.”
Vivian nodded, a genuine laugh escaping her.
Before they left, she made her way to her grandmother. “Grandma,” Vivian said, kneeling beside her, “I’ll be going back home.” I am going to miss you" she whined
Her grandmother smiled gently. “I am missing you already my child.”
Vivian swallowed lightly. “I’ll come see you. I promise.”
“You don’t have to promise,” her grandmother replied softly. “I know you will.
- Writer
