DRIFTING EMOTIONS

In the quiet confines of his room, Mr. Leo Rodriguez picks up his phone and dials his son's number. The phone rings for sometime before it's answered. With a large smile on his face, Leo places the phone on his left ear while quickly taking a seat on the sofa in his room. Tyler answered the phone with a cheerful "Hey Dad!". Leo's response was a mix of concern and sadness. Leo expressed his feeling about being avoided by Tyler and extended an invitation to Tyler asking him to come over to his house for dinner and for an important discussion. Tyler obliged, promising to be there. The call ended with Leo saying "Alright, I'll be waiting". Tyler nervously knocked on the door, his heart pounding with anticipation. The door swung open, revealing a warm smile on his father's face. "Tyler, it's so good to see you," he exclaimed, pulling him into a tight hug. "Welcome home." Tyler's tension melted away as he stepped inside, the air filled with a mix of familiarity and newfound connection. They both took seats in the dinning room as they started catching up on old times over dinner. "Dad,you said you wanted to talk about something.." Tyler said relaxing more into the sofa. His father sighed, leading him towards his study room,“Yes, I just felt like I should remind you that I was your age when I and your mother had you, and I was already married to your mother two years before we had you”. "Dad this marriage talk again?" Tyler asked rhetorically, pain evident in his voice. "Well it's just a reminder, you know the rule son and your inheritance lies on your decision and how soon you make it" His father joked. "Yes, I know the rule about not getting my inheritance and taking over the company until I'm married, and even though I wonder why you've made such a rule, I feel like there's more to it that you're not telling me" Tyler explained... His father, engrossed in his work, looked up, his gaze unwavering. "Tyler, there are things in this family that have been passed down through generations. Rules, expectations, responsibilities. It's part of our legacy". Tyler furrowed his brow, pressing for clarity. "But what does that mean? I feel like there's something you're not telling me, something beyond the usual family expectations". His father sighed, closing the thick tome in front of him. "Tyler, there are complexities that come with our history. The rule I mentioned is a guideline, a tradition that has kept our family intact for years. It's about loyalty, duty, and sometimes making difficult choices for the greater good". Tyler's eyes narrowed, a mix of frustration and curiosity. "Greater good? Dad, you're being cryptic. I need to understand what's going on". His father leaned back on his chair, regarding Tyler with a seriousness that sent shivers down his spine. "Son, there are forces at play beyond what you can see. Our family has a role to play in maintaining balance, ensuring that certain things remain protected and preserved. The rule is about upholding that responsibility, even if it means sacrificing personal desires". Tyler shook his head, grappling with the weight of his father's words. "I can't just accept vague explanations, Dad. I need to know the truth. What is it you're not telling me?" His father's gaze softened, a mix of regret and paternal concern in his eyes. "Tyler, some knowledge is best revealed gradually. There are some secrets that, once known, change everything. I promise, in time you'll understand. But for now, trust that what we do is for the sake of something much larger than ourselves". So I advise you to do the needful in the meantime and let things be" Tyler left the study room with a sense of unease, the unanswered question lingering in the air. As he navigated the intricate corridors of his family's history, he couldn't shake the feeling that he was on the brink of uncovering a truth that would redefine everything he thought he knew. Tyler walked into the coffee shop he usually visited, not in the best frame of mind. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped him. As he approached the counter, he noticed Grace, the new staff member arranging pastries with a warm smile. Though it seemed like their first meeting, he recalled a previous encounter when she was on a different shift. Tyler approached her with a faint smile, "Hey, Grace right? We've met before, but I think you were on a different shift that day" Grace looked thoughtful for a moment before breaking into a smile. "Oh yes! I remember now, sorry about that. What can I get you today?" "Just a black coffee please" Tyler replied, his mood visibly low. "How has your experience been here so far?" Grace began preparing his order, "It's been great, I'm still getting used to the different shifts though. What about you, anything new?" Tyler sighed, "Just one of those days, you know? Work has been a hassle" Grace poured a cup of coffee, carefully placing it in front of Tyler. She noticed the distant look in his eyes and decided to gently probe. "Hey Tyler, you seem a bit off today. Is everything okay?" Grace asked, her concern evident in her voice. Tyler looked up, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, Just a rough day you know?" Grace nodded, understanding. "Well if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. coffee's not only for drinking, it's for sharing too" Tyler's gaze softened, appreciating Grace's sincerity. "Thanks, Grace. It's just... work's been a bit overwhelming, and I can't seem to catch a break" She leaned against the counter, offering a sympathetic ear. "I get it, sometimes life throws a lot at us. Anything specifically bothering you?" "I just needed to share this with someone who understands," Tyler admitted, meeting Grace's gaze. She nodded, a reassuring smile on her lips. "I'm here for you, Tyler. Sometimes, talking about it is the first step to finding your path". Encouraged by her support, Tyler felt a renewed sense of resolve. Maybe opening up to others, especially Grace, would help him navigate the complexities of his journey. "What's on your mind?" Grace asked. Tyler let out a sigh. "It's my dad. Lately, he's been relentless about me getting married". Grace raised an eyebrow, concern evident in her eyes. "Pressure from the paternal unit huh?" Tyler nodded, looking down at his coffee. "It's not just that. In our last conversation, he made this statement "You know the rule son". Grace tilted her head, curious. "The rule? What does that mean?" Tyler sighed again, running a hand through his hair. "It's this outdated family tradition, all the men in our family are expected to be married by a certain age and well, that age is looming over me now" Grace's expression shifted from curiosity to empathy. "That sounds like a lot to handle. Have you talked to your dad about how you feel?" Tyler chuckled bitterly. "I tried but he's stuck in his ways. Thinks it's for my good, but it feels more like a noose tightening around my neck" Grace placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I'm sorry to hear that, Tyler. Relationships shouldn't be forced. You need to decide what's right for you" Tyler hesitated, grappling with how to articulate his unease."I've always known that my family had certain expectations, but lately, I can't shake the feeling that there's more to it. Like a hidden layer I'm missing". Grace pulled her chair closer, giving Tyler her full attention. "Are you saying that there is something your dad isn't telling you? Something beyond the obvious rules?" Nodding, Tyler sighed. "Exactly! It's as if there's a whole other side to our family's history and I'm stuck in the dark. I need to find out what he means." Grace rubbed his back reassuringly. "Tyler, we'll figure it out together. Sometimes, secrets can't stay hidden forever. Especially if they affect you. I'm sure you'll unravel this mystery, just give it time".