Farewells and Reflections

The atmosphere in the VIP area of San José International Airport was calm, almost surreal. The large windows let in sunlight, casting soft shadows on the leather seats. The low murmur of conversations blended with the distant sound of planes taking off and landing. Lindsay, Olivia, and I were seated around a small table, enjoying coffee and snacks before our respective goodbyes.

Olivia, as always, was a whirlwind of energy. Between bites, she kept talking about how excited she was to return home.

"I can't wait to get there," she said while chewing on a croissant. "My room misses me, my pianos miss me, and, of course, my bed misses me the most. I'm going to sleep for three days straight, I swear."

Lindsay smiled, amused by our friend's enthusiasm.

"Just make sure you don't sleep so much that you lose track of time. We'll see you in a week, remember?"

"Of course I remember!" Olivia replied with a mischievous smile. "Besides, I already have everything planned for when you guys arrive. There will be an epic party, obviously. And if there's no party, at least there'll be a dinner fit for kings. You know, something that matches my extravagant personality."

We all laughed together, though I knew the farewell would be brief. A few minutes later, Olivia stood up, adjusting her backpack on her shoulder.

"Well, guys, this is my moment. See you in a week. Don't do anything crazy while I'm gone… or at least not without me."

I raised an eyebrow, pretending to be indignant.

"Crazy? Us? Never."

Olivia gave me a skeptical look before hugging us both.

"Take care, okay? And remember: whatever unexpected thing happens, just take it easy. In the end, everything will work out."

With that, she walked away toward her boarding gate, leaving us alone. The silence between Lindsay and me was comfortable but also heavy with thoughts. I knew we were both reflecting on what awaited us in the coming days.

"Do you think something unexpected will happen?" Lindsay asked, absentmindedly playing with her coffee cup.

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant.

"With our families involved, who knows? But whatever it is, we'll face it together."

She nodded, though I could see a flicker of concern in her eyes. We didn't say much more until it was time to board our flight.

Once on the plane, the constant hum of the engine created a kind of relaxing melody. Lindsay snuggled up next to me, resting her head on my shoulder. After a few minutes of silence, she broke the thread of my thoughts with a soft question.

"Sack… do you want me to be there when you talk to your father?"

I slowly shook my head, looking at her with a half-smile.

"No, I think it's better if I do it alone. I need to face this on my own."

She frowned slightly but didn't push further. Instead, she took my hand and squeezed it gently.

"Okay. But remember, I'll always be here if you need me."

I nodded, grateful for her support. However, my thoughts soon drifted elsewhere. I looked out the plane window, watching the clouds float beneath us. An image of my mother crossed my mind, as it often did during difficult moments. I remembered her last letter, the one I had read recently, which had changed my perspective on many things.

"I also want to ask you something important: accept your father. I know it's been hard for you to understand him, but beneath that cold and strict mask is a good person. Once, many years ago, I fell in love with him precisely because of his strength and capacity for sacrifice. Though he didn't always know how to express it, he loves you more than you can imagine. Give him a chance, Sack. Please, don't let pain or misunderstandings come between you. He needs you as much as you need him."

Her words echoed in my mind. For years, I had harbored resentment toward my father for his rigidity and lack of empathy. But now, with the revelation that my mother had secretly been battling cancer, I understood better why he had made certain decisions. It didn't excuse his behavior, but at least I could see it from another perspective.

As I thought about all this, I felt Lindsay fall asleep on my shoulder. Her calm breathing brought me back to the present. For a moment, I allowed myself to simply be there, enjoying the calm before the storm.

When we arrived at the airport, Amelia Grove, Lindsay's mother, was waiting for us at the exit. Her warm smile and comforting hug were exactly what we needed after a long flight.

"Welcome back," she said, looking at us affectionately. "Are you hungry? We could go have lunch together."

I looked at Lindsay, who nodded enthusiastically. However, I knew I had other plans.

"Thank you, Mrs. Grove, but my father sent a car for me. I need to go."

Amelia gave me an understanding look.

"I understand, Sack. But remember, you'll always be welcome in our home. Don't hesitate to call us if you need anything."

I thanked her for her kindness before saying goodbye to Lindsay with a quick hug.

"See you soon," I whispered.

I got into the car my father had sent, feeling a mix of nervousness and determination. I asked the driver about my father's whereabouts.

"Mr. Steele is in a meeting in Washington, sir. He'll be back tonight."

I nodded, processing the information. When I arrived home, the place was silent, as if it were waiting for my return. I went straight to my room, where I sat on the edge of the bed, staring into space.

A few minutes later, Olivia initiated a group video call. From her room, she appeared with Lord Whiskers, her chubby cat, curled up in her lap.

"Hello, team! How are my future medical geniuses doing?"

From her room, Lindsay responded with a smile.

"Olivia, how about you? Though Lord Whiskers is definitely stealing all the attention."

Olivia pretended to be offended.

"Haha, very funny, Lindsay! But let me tell you something: this feline is a natural model. He just needs advertising contracts."

"Lord Whiskers really has more presence than any of us," I interjected.

Olivia nodded dramatically.

"Exactly. Now, tell me how you're all doing. Sack, how's everything going with your father?"

I sighed.

"Everything's fine for now. I'll talk to him in a few hours."

Olivia made one of her classic jokes to break the tension.

"Remember, Sack, if things get ugly, you can always come live with me. I have plenty of space, and Lord Whiskers would be delighted to adopt you as his personal servant."

We all laughed, and though the tension eased, the weight of what lay ahead remained.