TEARS AND TRUTH
1414 Words
It had been two days since Elsa got fired. She spent her mornings at home, helping her mother in the bakery, moving through the motions but feeling heavier with every task. Today, she helped pack her father’s lunch into his bag, avoiding his gaze as if it could reveal all the guilt and frustration she carried.
Before he could speak, she muttered, “I’m going to help Mom bake for the shop.”
Her father held her hands gently, guiding her outside so her mother wouldn’t hear. “Elsa, listen,” he said, his voice serious but soft. “I know your mother needs a helping hand in the bakery… but you are not the helping hand she needs right now. You need to take care of yourself too. Look for another job. Build your life, your independence. We’ll support you, always, but our help has limits—there are bills, responsibilities… things you’ll need to manage on your own.”
Elsa forced a small smile. “I know, Dad. I’m twenty-five. I won’t be needing much from you.”
Her father’s eyes didn’t soften. “Elsa, it’s not just about money. I want you to see yourself as capable. You are stronger than you think. And don’t let your mind tell you otherwise.”
She shook her head, a weak laugh escaping. “Dad, it’s not easy finding a good-paying job with a third-class upper. I failed… I failed you, Mum… and now I’m here—unemployed.”
He cupped her face, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead like he always did when she was little. “Elsa,” he began, pausing to measure his words, “you didn’t get a third-class upper because you weren’t smart or capable. You… you missed lectures, missed tests… because you got distracted by things no child should ever face.”
Elsa flinched, her hands tightening into fists. “Dad… please, don’t say it. I don’t want to hear it.” Her voice cracked, and for the first time in many months, tears slid down her cheeks.
He pulled her close, hugging her with all the love he could muster. “I’m sorry,” he said, voice thick. “I shouldn’t remind you of the past. I shouldn’t make you relive it. But know this… none of it defined you. You are not the shadow you think you are. You’re still my daughter, my strong girl. And whatever you’ve gone through… it’s in the past.”
Elsa’s shoulders shook. She had carried that weight alone for so long, letting it twist her joy into anger, into trouble, into constant fighting with the world. Only a few years had she found faith in Christ, a fragile anchor that helped her piece herself back together. But even that day, the memories clawed at her.
She wiped her tears, attempting a shaky laugh. “Well… I guess I’ll just marry a rich man, Dad. That way, I won’t have to walk around with a third-class upper cleaning toilets.”
Her father shook his head, a small, exasperated smile tugging at his lips. “Elsa, that’s not how life works,” he said. “You don’t run from your past by chasing wealth. You face it, you grow from it, and you make your own way. Rich men don’t fix your soul. Only you can do that.”
She looked down at her hands, feeling the truth in his words and the weight of the secrets she hadn’t told. He was right, but some things… some things couldn’t be undone with words or effort.
Her father finally climbed into the school bus, and she watched as it drove out of sight. She leaned against the wall, breathing heavily, memories flashing violently through her mind. “No… no… no… it isn’t real… it isn’t real!” she screamed, clutching her head, shutting her eyes tightly, trying to block the world out.
Her mother was quick, rushing to her side, shaking her gently. “Elsa… Elsa, it’s me. It’s okay. I’m here. I’m here.”
“I… I…” Elsa sobbed, pressing herself against her mother. “Mom…”
Her mother hugged her tightly, whispering into her ear, “It’s in the past, Elsa. You are safe now. You’re safe here.”
And in that moment, surrounded by the warm scent of flour and love, Elsa let herself shiver and cry, feeling the past press against her but knowing—finally—that she wasn’t facing it alone.
_______________________________________
Daniel had been standing in Prince Adams’ office for a solid five minutes, arms crossed, watching him type as if his laptop held the secrets of the universe. Every now and then, Daniel cleared his throat, hoping to get a reaction.
Prince’s secretary walked in with a steaming cup of coffee, smiled at Daniel, and left without a word. Prince didn’t even glance up. Daniel’s patience wore thin. Another cough.
“So, someone finally decided to cough,” Prince muttered without looking up. “I was starting to think you were a statue, Daniel.”
Daniel didn’t budge. Prince let out an exaggerated sigh, still glued to the screen. “Alright,” he said finally, fingers hovering over the keyboard. “What is it now? Spit it out.”
Daniel leaned on the doorframe. “It’s been two weeks, Prince. Two weeks of nothing but work. I don’t hear a single word about women. Do you even remember how to talk to a woman? You need someone by your side, brother—a partner, not just a calendar of deadlines.”
Prince rubbed his temples and let out a slow exhale. “Daniel… I haven’t found the woman I’m looking for yet. Every lady Emmy set me up with on a blind date? Gold diggers. I thought they would have some class. Where does she even find these women?”
Daniel smirked. “You mean the ones who size you up like a walking wallet? Yeah, I can see why that didn’t work. But still… work all the time? That’s your solution?”
Prince leaned back. “For now, I’m fine. I’m busy. See? I’m fine.”
Daniel raised an eyebrow. “Fine? You’ll be fine… for a week or two. Then reality’s going to bite, and you’ll need a woman. A wife. Someone to challenge you, annoy you, love you… all at the same time.”
Prince gave a small shrug. “I’m aware. But I’m not ready. Not today.”
Daniel sipped his coffee and grinned. “You know, I drove across the city during my lunch break just to lecture you about this. Emmy guilt-tripped me into it, of course.”
Prince’s eyes flicked up. “Wait… she sent you here?”
Daniel tossed a small book at him. “Guilty. And don’t look so shocked! I’m an obedient fiancé—sometimes.”
Prince rubbed his forehead and then slowly stood, walking toward the glass window that overlooked the city. Hands in his pockets, he tilted his head up and whispered under his breath, “Granny… are you watching?” A weak, wistful smile softened his lips.
Daniel leaned casually against the desk, eyes on him. “So… wedding prep is next week. Guest list, speeches, seating. Have you thought about any of that yet, or is work still king?”
Prince turned back to the laptop, a faint smile lingering. “I’ve started making notes. I want it perfect. Intimate, but meaningful. I can’t just let this day pass without thought.”
Daniel shook his head, smirking. “Good. Stay on top of it, Prince. And if you need assistance—you know I’m your guy, even if it is my wedding. Thank you so much, brother.”
They bantered back and forth, teasing and planning, until the clock reminded them that lunch was over. Daniel finally stretched. “Alright, I’m leaving. But don’t forget what I said. Ignore it too long, and I’ll camp outside your office every day.”
Prince’s lips curved into a small, amused smile. “I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks for checking on me… seriously.”
Daniel pushed the door open, giving one last grin. “Don’t make me do this again—I don't want to camp in front of your office. Get a woman.”
Prince watched him go, then leaned back in his chair, staring out at the city below. For a moment, he let himself feel… a little lighter.
- Writer
