Elite's Shadows

A New Leaf

Amy

I got to my parents' house. It’s still as it was when I left five years ago. My dad returned from the river his catch was large as usual. I rushed to him.

“Welcome, Dad,” I said as I rushed to greet him. His face was full of shock as he answered calmly.

“When did you arrive dear” he asked reluctantly.

“Aren’t you glad to see me? Stop acting indifferent, Dad. It hurts me,” I said, pouting my lips. As I ran to hug him.

“I’m as surprised as the prodigal son’s father. What brought you to this rural settlement as you termed it?” he asked. I could see pain all over his face. I had to surrender. I quietly knelt tears streaming from my eyes.

“ Forgive me, Father, I just realized how foolish I was, I just realized how much of a pain I was to you and Mom, I just realized how much of a heartache I was to you and Mom, I just realized how much time I’ve wasted due to the deaf ears I turned to you and mom’s advice. A friend once told me ‘Everything can’t turn out perfect. We aren’t immortals. The fact we are imperfect is what makes us human’ please, Dad, forgive me,” I said as he freed himself from what he was carrying and pulled me closer into a tight hug.

“My dear, a father's love is indescribable. A lot of things we deprived ourselves of just to make sure our kids lived comfortable lives. Even when our kids think of threading the wrong path, we correct them, and if they refuse to heed the correction, we keep praying in our hearts that they retrace their steps. I forgive you. Amy whatever reason that made you change your mind must be a tedious one. Come inside, let’s talk,” Dad said as I helped him carry his stuff inside the house.

“you know what dad. Go have a shower while I prepare something for you to eat” I said as I headed straight to the kitchen. Not minding my dad’s puzzled look. Humming music to myself while cooking, I felt a sharp gaze piercing through me, then I turned only to see my Mom’s glare.

“Hey, Mom, how was the market today?” I greeted her while smiling. Her face was surprised; she stood short of words. I know it’s because of my stupid life.

“Amy Ben, I’ve not set my eyes on you for the past five years. What prompted you to come home if I remember correctly, our last conversation was me persuading you to come home, and it didn’t end properly. So what prompted you? Not only did you come home you decided to prepare dinner. Are you okay?” Mom asked as she walked closer to me.

“Mom, I’m okay. And I’ll explain everything after dinner. For now, you and Dad need to rest. I know you both had a long day,” I said as I continued cooking.

We’re done eating dinner. I told them everything that befell me and Erica’s death.

“I’m glad you’re alive and your drive to change. I’ve always known you to be a brave person so I know embracing this change wouldn’t be difficult for you. Ever since what you did the day we both went fishing 10 years ago.

“Dad, look, someone is being pushed by the tide. Let’s help him,” I said, pointing at a boy struggling to swim.

“Amy, we can’t paddle in his direction. It’s against the tide, and we’ll get over and turn into the water,” my dad tried to explain to me, but I didn’t let him finish. I dived into the water and swam in the direction of the boy. His eyes were swollen, and he was already getting weak. I struggled and swam towards him and gave him a hand. I carried him to my father’s boat and lent him my blanket so he could wrap himself because he was shivering.

“You’ll be okay,” I said as I kept rubbing his back.

“We have to hurry home, so he’ll drink a hot soup. He’s cold, and I’m ending my fishing here,” Dad said as he turned the boat towards the shore direction.

“Even if the world sees you as a bad person. That boy you saved, I, your mom, and your younger sister know that you’re a good person. One person's opinion about you can change the world’s view of you. I’m proud of you, dear,” Dad said.

“Dear, I’m proud of you. I’m ready to support you in your new decision, notwithstanding the challenges. We’ll sail through this storm together and I’m sorry for your friend. May her soul rest in perfect peace” Mom said

“Thanks, mom and dad. I didn’t know you guys would accept me regardless,” I said, wiping my tears away.

That night, I arranged my documents and started writing down the CVs that I’d like to submit. I’m grateful to the guy who helped me and the attorney. Luckily for me, I recorded that call that day, and that was enough evidence as government officials didn’t want him to rot in jail as he was their gunman. No matter how he tried denying the evidence when the line was tracked, it went down to the address where he was caught. And the two ladies that survived were good pieces of evidence. He delivered organs to many government officials. Organs of unsuspecting girls. Justice came upon the defaulting government officials as they were stripped of their titles and were to serve jail terms with death sentences due to the gravity of their crimes. My conscience has indeed been cleared. I’m sure Erica would be happy after seeking her justice even if she’s dead. I wish her peace. All thanks to Attorney John, who helped a lot, and Tim, the pervert, after what he did, he’s begging me. He said he thought I was lying that day. Like why would I lie about my friend’s life? Monday I’m a brand new person.