The rain finally relented early in the evening, capping off a tumultuous day. Mary arrived home, having received a lift from her friends. After a cheerful goodbye wave to her friends, she entered the house, only to be greeted by a dark and empty foyer.
"Mom? Dad?" she called out but there was no reply.
A cool breeze blew down the corridor, embracing her with an eerie chill. Nervously, she called out again, hoping for a response. Just as her anxiety started to grow, a door creaked open down the corridor, and her father, Paul, emerged from the darkness like a ghost, calling out her name.
Startled, Mary let out a blood curdling scream, her heart pounding in her chest. Paul quickly turned on the lights and rushed over to calm her down, apologizing for the fright he caused.
"Sorry, honey, I fell asleep in my study." he explained, his voice laced with exhaustion. As they made their way to the kitchen, Mary couldn't help but feel a sense of unease.
"Way to give me a heart attack dad! Where's mom? Why isn't she getting dinner ready?"
Paul hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting, before finally saying, "Your mom went out shopping, sweetheart."
Mary frowned, her worry growing. "But it's almost seven. It's really strange that Mom isn't home yet," her voice filled with a mix of fear and confusion. She pulled out her phone, intending to call her mom to check if everything was alright.
Paul gently reached out and placed a hand on Mary's shoulder, his touch meant to reassure her.
"Just let her be, honey. Your mom is probably busy," he said, his tone tinged with underlying sadness. Mary couldn't understand what her mom could be busy with at this hour, growing more suspicious by the minute. Dinner was usually prepared and served promptly on time.
Just then, the headlights of a car outside illuminated the house as it pulled into the driveway. Paul let out a breath of relief and gestured toward the window.
"See, your mother is home," he said, trying to mask his earlier concerns. The front door swung open, and Maggie entered, still wearing her thick raincoat and carrying bags of takeaway food from the Chinese restaurant.
Mary rushed to greet her mom, her worry instantly forgotten.
"Hi, Mom!" she exclaimed, taking the bags from her. Maggie managed a tired smile, her eyes reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and relief.
"How was your day out honey?" her voice carried a hint of weariness.
Mary eagerly shared her fun-filled afternoon with friends, her words spilling out with youthful excitement. "We went bowling and then got our nails done at the salon. Look, Mom, see how cute they look?" Mary said, thrusting her hands forward to show off her freshly painted nails. Maggie's tired eyes softened as she listened, a genuine smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"I'm so glad you had a good time, sweetheart," Maggie said, her voice filled with love and warmth. She followed Mary back into the kitchen, where Paul had already set out plates in anticipation of the food. As Maggie and Paul locked eyes, a deep understanding passed between them, unspoken words echoing in their hearts.
Paul's concerned gaze revealed his worry, the weight of their recent arguments pressing heavily on his shoulders. He wanted to apologize, to reach out to Maggie and make things right, but the words remained trapped within him. Instead, he silently offered her a plate, his eyes pleading for forgiveness.
Maggie met Paul's gaze, her exhaustion giving way to a flicker of understanding and compassion. She recognized the hint of concern on his face, a departure from his usual emotional detachment. With a small nod, she accepted the plate, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
As Mary eagerly tucked into her soy noodles, declaring their deliciousness, the tension in the room began to dissipate. The aroma of the food filled the air, mingling with a sense of bittersweet hope. Paul reached for a bottle of wine sitting on the table, pouring a glass for Maggie. He handed it to her, his eyes searching hers, hoping she could see the unspoken apology he longed to express.
Maggie accepted the glass, her weary smile mixed with gratitude and vulnerability. She wiped a stray tear from her eye, a testament to the emotions she had been holding back. After taking a decent sip, she offered it back to Paul, her voice soft and tender.
"It's good, isn't it?" she asked, her words carrying something a little extra.
Paul took his sip and nodded, his gaze filled with a mixture of remorse and love. "It's the best," he replied, his voice barely above a whisper. As they shared that moment, the heaviness in their hearts began to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope for a brighter future.