Chapter 1
’Thanks for the last minute checkup Jess!’
‘Yeah, yeah all the time.’
I finally finished my last minute project just in the nick of time. I stretched my arms as the feeling of exhaustion crept in. Eventually I got up, closed my laptop and fall back to my bed. I guess that’s one of the perks about working from home. I get to lie down on my bed or sofa after work right away.
Just when I was about to close my eyes, I heard a notification beep from my phone. When I looked through it, I saw an email from my office.
‘Just a quick reminder that starting next week all new employees who are currently working from home are required to work physically at our new office building until further notice. I expect to meet all of you on Monday morning.’
“Arghhh….why??” I muttered as I read through that email at least five times in a row. It was a total nightmare. Before I could say anything else though, more notification sounds echoed through my room nonstop. I quickly logged onto my group chat where I saw a bunch of people saying things like ‘This is so cool.’ and ‘can’t wait to see you guys out there.’
‘Well then, why work remotely in the first place?’
My eyes shut closed instantly, knowing that was a bit of a harsh thought. I can’t help being irritated though. I was perfectly comfortable being here in a routine right at home with my dad, who went to the grocery store and will probably arrive in 3, 2….
“Jewel, I’m back.”
‘Like clockwork.’
I quickly pulled my hair up to a bun and walked out of the room towards the front door. “Hey Dad...! I’ll take these inside.” I said as I took the bags from my dad’s hands. Only for him to walk on to the couch and collapse like he had just ran a marathon.
“Well, that was an exhausting trip.”
I rolled my eyes. “Dad, it was only 5-10 minutes of walking.”
“Hmm…try walking all the way here while carrying all of this stuff. They were much heavier than you think.” I simply shrugged at his remark and assembled all the groceries, placing them inside the almost empty cabinets while dad was just simply being dad.
“How was work?” he asked. I replied it was fine as usual. But felt his stare from behind making me sigh out loud, which he noticed.
“Honey you know what I am going to ask.” He said. “Don’t you ever want to get out of the house?”
“Wow dad, are you kicking me out already?” I teased, hoping to change the subject. But when I saw the serious look on his face I knew that attempt failed, miserably.
“Not funny Jewel.” He mumbled as he stood up from his seat and began walking towards me.
“I’m sorry, but I’m really fine.” Which I hoped was true myself. “And besides, I go out to the store, library and that café down the block many times.”
“I’m serious. Why don’t you go hang out with some of your co-workers? Or maybe even your old school friends or something?” He asked as he stood in front of me, towering above my relatively small figure. So, I simply did what always calms him down.
I wrapped my arms around him and gave him a hug.
It literally took five seconds for him to give in and hug me back tightly. Dad always tried to be stern and he was very much so, but at times like this, he was a giant teddy bear for me.
“You know I love you right?” he asked.
“I know that all the time dad.”
“Then you should know I’m worried about you. You have been working from home for the last few months, never leaving the house and even when you do, you always go alone….Also…”
I waited, knowing what he was going to say next.
“…You haven’t ...smiled or laughed for the longest time or you simply try not to.” He pulled apart to look at me. “You know you’re not at fault to anything right? Don’t feel guilty to be happy because…”
“Dad!” I muttered, prompting him to stop. “I’m fine. Now you go change and I’ll start making dinner.” I walked towards the kitchen as my dad still stayed at the spot looking down at me with a sad expression. I didn’t want to him to worry so, I finally said it.
“And starting next week, I have to go work from the office itself.” Now that got his attention as his eyes grew wide in shock. “I don’t know why exactly but it’s happening.” I could literally feel the tension disappearing and excitement building.
“That’s great news Honey!” he exclaimed. “Why didn’t you say that in the first place?”
I was about to answer, but he didn’t let me.
“I’m gonna text your mom about this. She’ll be excited too.” Before I could even object, he went inside, leaving me alone.
‘Well, at least it made him happy.’
***
‘You haven’t ...smiled for the longest time or you simply try not to.’
Dad’s words from before continue to invade my thoughts. No matter what I do to avoid them. I guess I couldn’t help but notice how right he was.
It had been….quite a few years since I last smiled or laughed. And the ironic thing about it was that…I forgot what I was missing or maybe I just lost the will to care. I guess life got in the way real hard. Nevertheless, my dad and I were doing just fine living on our own after the divorce. Mom and Dad still remained close friends and she always make time to talk with me regularly, so I should feel like everything was normal, right?
Yet both my parents think that something was bothering me since they rarely see me smiling, especially my dad. I love him so much, but I don’t know how to make him less worried. I mean we talk a lot every day, especially after he comes home from work on weekdays. My dad was always a joker and we would sometimes have scary movie nights. I do smile faintly at him once in a while to ease any stress on his mind.
However, a full, genuine smile…I’m not sure. I don’t need any more flashbacks.
“Honey, your phone is ringing.” Dad nudged at my shoulder, pulling me away from my thoughts. I checked the caller id and realized it was mom. “I’ll wash the dishes, you go ahead and talk.” Dad insisted as I nodded and took the call.
(Later that night)
I lay down on my bed after wishing dad good night. But the problem was that I keep tossing and turning. I couldn’t sleep thinking about the following week.
‘Why?’
As I finally made myself comfortable under my blanket, I shut my eyes, finally feeling drowsy.
‘Oh well, can’t wait I guess.’
