Bounded by Duty

The News

Amaya dropped her phone on the chair, thinking she had finally escaped her father’s control, where he expected her to do everything he wanted, while leaving his favourite child to live as she pleased. This infuriated her—she was forced to obey her father’s every command, regardless of how it affected her.

“What do I do?” she asked herself as she peeled off her clothes and stepped into the bathtub, a glass of wine she had poured earlier in hand.

She couldn’t keep living her life under her father’s direction; it was starting to wear on her emotionally. She had only three more days to enjoy her stay here before returning to the difficult life she had left behind in the U.S.

Stepping out of the shower, still dripping with water, she picked up her phone to book a late-weekend flight, just to avoid speaking to her father until the next day.

Putting her phone down, she made her way into her room, plopped onto her bed, and allowed sleep to take over. The house felt safe—a stark contrast to her life in the U.S., surrounded by security and maids.

Waking up the next morning, she took a quick bath and got dressed, but she had nowhere to go and nothing to do. She was about to turn on the TV to watch a movie when her doorbell rang. Puzzled by who could be visiting this early, she walked over and casually opened the door to find a package on the floor.

“Who could this be from?” she wondered aloud. Amaya had a habit of speaking her thoughts out loud. Picking up the small package, she walked back inside and sat comfortably to inspect it.

She was about to open it when the doorbell rang again. Quickly standing up, she answered the door to see her friends.

“Heyyyy!!” they hollered as she hugged them and let them in, setting aside the envelope she had been about to open.

After catching up with them, she asked, “So, what brought you guys here? Elena, you didn’t tell me you’d be coming over today!”

“Sorry, we wanted to surprise you! We’ve got this dance event this weekend, so we decided to come early and invite you!”

Amaya’s happy expression faltered at the invitation, but she wasn’t sure how to tell them she was leaving by the weekend. They noticed her hesitation.

“Don’t tell me you’re leaving us so soon?” they asked.

“I’m sorry, but my dad called. I have to go back this weekend. I’ll miss you guys so much!”

They were disappointed, but Elena, the liveliest of the group, jumped up. “Come on, guys! Let’s not sit here moping. Why don’t we party through her last few days here?”

“That’s a great idea! Go get dressed, let’s get you moving!” they all laughed, partying throughout the week.

Today was her last day in Morocco. Her bags were packed and ready to go. As she stepped into the living area, she noticed the package she had set aside. Walking to the table, she picked it up and sat down to finally open it.

Inside was something that looked like an invitation to a wedding or an important event. “Who could this be for?” she asked herself, admiring the colour. She remembered printing a few wedding invitations for her own wedding, which was supposed to happen in a few months. But when she read the names on it—Edward Waters to wed Chloe Lopez—her heart shattered.

Tears fell as she wondered if this was why her father had insisted she return home. She hated herself for even existing, convinced that her father loathed her because she resembled their mother.

Wiping her tears, she resolved not to show any weakness. Her sister would relish in her misery if she did. Picking up her bag, she looked around the house one last time before stepping outside. The cab she had ordered that morning arrived, leaving her no choice but to head to the airport.

The flight was long, and just as she had expected, she arrived late at night. Her father had sent a car to pick her up, which felt strange. She mentally prepared herself for whatever awaited her at home, determined not to break down.

“Guess who decided to show up after all this time?” her sister Chloe sneered, not even waiting for Amaya to settle in.

“And I didn’t know I’d be greeted by the face of betrayal as soon as I landed. Are you that desperate to see me?” Amaya shot back, her eyes filled with disgust. Chloe was taken aback by her sister’s sharp retort.

“Is that how you greet your sister?”

“I don’t want to see you, much less talk to you. Excuse me,” Amaya said, brushing past her and heading to her room, where she stayed until the next morning when she was called down for breakfast.

“I hope you know your sister is getting married in a few months,” her father said, as Chloe raised her hand to flaunt her engagement ring. But Amaya didn’t look up or acknowledge her.

“That’s good for her. Who’s the unlucky guy?” Amaya asked, keeping her eyes on her plate. Her father stopped eating mid-bite.

“Do you have to sound so unhappy for your sister?” he asked.

“Are you happy?” she asked, locking eyes with him. He didn’t reply. “Why wouldn’t I be happy to give my daughter’s hand in marriage?”

“To the man who was supposed to marry me, but your ‘darling’ went behind my back and slept with him like the slut she is?”

“Enough! I’m happy to give her hand in marriage, just as I’ll be happy to give yours in a few months!” her father declared.

Amaya was stunned. “What did you say?”