In the recent stretch of time, Georgia found herself confined to the familiar walls of her bedroom, where life had become an unvarying cycle of basic routines: eating, and visiting the restroom. Rarely did she venture beyond the threshold, yet an underlying sense of apprehension persisted, gnawing at her like an insistent whisper in her mind.
One evening, she made the conscious decision to remove her earphones, signaling her departure from this self-imposed isolation. As she settled onto the sofa, she was met with the discerning gazes of her parents, Ms. Liu and Professor Ruan, who had been keenly observant of her recent behavior.
"Dad, mom, what's been weighing on your minds?" Georgia inquired in a measured tone, her eyes flickering with curiosity.
After a prolonged pause, Professor Ruan, his countenance etched with concern, finally broached the sensitive topic that had been haunting their thoughts. "Georgia, we've noticed something amiss in your relationship with Jack these days…"
Throughout the preceding days, Ms. Liu had attempted, albeit cautiously, to glean information regarding the state of affairs between the couple. However, each mention of Jack's name had invoked a peculiar response from Georgia, causing them to hesitate before broaching the subject again.
Yet, the passage of time had rendered their restraint futile. After several days of silent contemplation, it became abundantly clear that Georgia's silence wasn't leading them to any answers. Consequently, they collectively decided that a candid conversation was in order.
Summoning her inner strength, Georgia inhaled deeply, maintaining her composure. Her eyes momentarily lowered as she skewered a slice of apple onto her fork, her voice a soft, almost melancholic undertone. "I've initiated divorce proceedings."
"What?" The simultaneous exclamation from Ms. Liu and Professor Ruan hung in the air, their mutual disbelief palpable as their gazes locked in mutual astonishment.
Georgia, her gaze still averted, continued to speak softly, her words laden with determination. "It's for the sake of the children, and, truthfully, we've realized our incompatibility."
Ms. Liu, her emotions now unfurling, couldn't help but interject, her voice tinged with concern and anxiety. "But how could such a significant decision be made without discussing it with us…"
At this juncture, Professor Ruan's expression darkened, and he reached out to gently grasp Ms. Liu's hand, casting her a stern yet cautionary look.
Ms. Liu faltered, her voice trailing off under the weight of his gaze.
With another deep breath, Georgia set aside her fork and raised her eyes to meet her parents', her resolve unwavering. "Mom, dad, I've considered this carefully. There's no turning back for me."
This decision was irrevocable, and she was resolute in her determination to extricate herself from a marriage that had grown untenable.
Observing their daughter's unwavering determination, Ms. Liu and Professor Ruan restrained their objections, silently acknowledging her autonomy in this matter.
Georgia looked up and offered them a reassuring smile, seeking to alleviate their concerns. "But don't worry; I'll be fine."
Listening to her words, Ms. Liu and Professor Ruan shared a furtive sigh of relief, grateful for their daughter's strength and fortitude.
After indulging in a few slices of fruit, Georgia retreated to her room, once more immersing herself in the cocoon of her headphones and the pages of her book. Time flowed by unheeded until an unexpected disturbance shattered her solitude.
Removing her earphones, Georgia approached the door and pushed it open, revealing Ms. Liu engrossed in a conversation with someone outside.
"Xiao Liu, please let me see Georgia."
Recognizing the familiar voice, Georgia stood rooted in astonishment, hastening to join the conversation.
Liu responded earnestly, her tone resolute. "Aunt, it's not that I won't allow you to see her. It's just that Georgia isn't in the best state right now…"
"Mom?"
Georgia peered around the doorframe and was taken aback to see her grandmother standing outside.
The moment the elderly woman's eyes met Georgia's, they lit up with delight. "My dear Georgia!"
Overwhelmed by her grandmother's unexpected visit, Georgia asked, "Grandma, what brings you here?"
"I heard about your divorce with Jack, and I'm furious. How could he have concealed this from me..." The elderly woman thumped her thigh in exasperation, her emotions palpable.
Understanding her grandmother's agitation, Georgia took a deep breath and quickly ushered her inside. "Grandma, please come in, and we can discuss this."
Despite her divorce from Jack, there was no reason to exclude her grandmother from her life.
Ms. Liu, observing her daughter's decisive actions, chose not to intervene, and instead turned her attention to preparing tea, allowing the family to navigate this sensitive conversation with care and consideration.