WHY, NOT YOU?
By: Salix.H
In their quaint family home, Mrs Wilson voiced her concerns to her husband, "Honey, do you think I'm being a bit too hard on Asher"? Her eyes were filled with worry for their son.
Mr Wilson, reclining back on his chair, asked, "Why do you think so, dear?" His voice was calm, despite the worry etched on his face.
"Because Asher already puts so much pressure on himself to improve our situation, and today I unknowingly reminded him yet again about our financial issues. I'm worried he might take on too much and it could affect his health. And I don't want that. There was a time when we had more than enough, but now... It's gone, all gone...".
Mrs Wilson's voice trailed off, lost in their shared memories of better days.
The Wilson family might not be as financially stable as they used to be, but there was a time when Mr Ralph Wilson was counted amongst the most prominent and successful businessmen in Michigan.
Mr Ralph Wilson, a self-made man, had created Wilson's Textile Company from scratch at a very young age.
Even then, Mrs Wilson had been by his side, providing emotional support and practical advice. They were already betrothed at that time.
Their life had been a whirlwind of business meetings and social events, and amidst all of that, they found time to get married.
Their company continued to flourish, and so did their love. The arrival of Asher brought even more joy to their lives. Everything was going smoothly.
However, life has a way of throwing curveballs when you least expect them.
Increasing competition led to a gradual decline in the fortunes of Wilson's Textile. The situation worsened to such an extent that bankruptcy loomed large over their heads.
Mr Ralph Wilson, once a successful businessman, found himself in the throes of a deep depression. It was then that Mrs Wilson stepped in, suggesting they sell the company to avoid bankruptcy.
The company was sold for a significant sum.
The money they got from the sale was used to pay back their investors, and the remaining amount was invested in a small cafe near their home, at the suggestion of Mrs Wilson.
All they had left was the cafe and their house. While owning a house and a cafe in Michigan was no small feat, it was not enough to meet all their needs.
Their life continued in this manner, but as Asher grew older, his needs grew as well.
This added to Mrs Wilson's worries. Asher, despite his young age, was a sensible boy from his preadolescence. He never asked for more than what he needed, but his parents couldn't shake off the guilt of not being competent enough to provide him with everything they felt he deserved.
Mrs Wilson's heart ached every time Asher suppressed his desires and settled for less, unlike other kids.
---
"Dear, you're ponding things too much. Asher is a sapient, he knows how to handle things. We need to give him some space to learn how to navigate the world on his own," Mr Wilson said, gently stroking Mrs Wilson's hand.
Reluctantly, Mrs Wilson agreed, "I understand your perspective and will respect it. However, I believe it's important that we continue to keep a watchful eye on his well-being. We must ensure he doesn't place excessive pressure on himself in his pursuit of success. We should encourage him to take time for himself, to indulge in activities that he enjoys, and to find a healthy balance in his life. After all, life is not just about work and achievement, but also about enjoyment and personal fulfilment".
"Whatever you decide to express and do, my dear, I am here to listen attentively. Your thoughts and feelings are of utmost importance to me, and I will do as you say for the well-being of our child". Mr Wilson addressed his thoughts and understanding towards this matter.
Seeing his wife's distress, Mr Wilson thought of diverting her attention. Suddenly, he remembered something,
"And, do you remember, this is the day when we are going on a date for the whole day? Today's our day off from work".
Mrs Wilson's face lit up,
"Yes yes, I remember. That's why I am sitting so prepared early in the morning". She chuckled.
Mr Wilson looked surprised, "Ohh! That's why you are so dressed up early in the morning".
Mrs Wilson teased him,
"Hmm..So, you had forgotten about our date today".
Mr Wilson defended himself, "No, I remembered it till yesterday evening and was preparing for it. But in the morning, I forgot about it. I promise to make it up to you, darling".
Mrs Wilson laughed, "Well, I was kidding. But if you want to make it up to me, that's great". She teased him with a sweet peck on his lips.
They both laughed and continued with their meal.
---
Elsewhere, Asher was walking down the pathway some distance away from his home when he felt his mobile phone vibrating incessantly in his pocket.
As he picked up the call, a voice screamed from the other end, "You bastard, where the hell are you? I've been waiting for you like an absurd lunatic here," exclaimed Luke, Asher's friend from high school.
They were both pursuing their bachelor's degrees in Automobile engineering at one of the top Universities of Michigan, The University of Ferris State.
Asher rolled his eyes, "Why are you screaming so much, Luke? If I hadn't pulled the phone away from my ear, my eardrums would have burst".
Luke yelled back, "You dare to say that, have you looked at your watch? Do you even know what time it is? You jerk, We're going to be late for the lecture. Where the hell are you".
Asher tried to calm him down, "Oh my goodness! Luke, So many questions at the same time. Dude, chill. First of all, I'm not in any hell, I'm good. And yes, We still have 10 minutes to go. And even if we get late, it's not like it's a regular occurrence".
Luke replied, exasperated, "My dear idiot, today's the lecture of that feral professor. He won't let us in if we're late. Don't you know him"?
Asher groaned, "Oh shit, then why were you beating around the bush, you lunatic. You should have told me earlier why didn't you say that earlier? I'm near the bus stand. Hurry up and come get me"!
Typically, Asher would ride his motorbike to university, but today they had planned to take the bus so they could relax a bit before their lectures.
However, their plan was foiled as Asher slept late working on his designs and Luke overslept.
"You turn 180 degree, literally. And Woh! The pot calling the kettle black. Splendid! I'll come fast, you stay there, YOUR MAJESTY". Luke said and hung up the phone.
Asher was left standing there, hoping they wouldn't be too late for class.