Dante checked his phone and frowned. It was his mother... Usually, she didn't call, and when she did, it was either to ask for favors or criticize the management of the companies he had acquired over the years. Dante looked at his phone again, unsure whether to answer or not, with a question mark written on his forehead.
— Go ahead, you can answer it," Kyra said.
— I don't know if I want to answer. I really don't feel like talking to her.
— Is it urgent?
— No, it's probably just criticism or neglect.
— Wow, I understand why you wouldn't want to answer then. I thought you didn't want to answer because of me.
— No, it's just that my mother is terrible and not at all affectionate or kind. So, I usually avoid contact with her.
— Are you not going to answer? She's your mother.
— You know, Kyra, usually you would have a connection, love, and contact with family, but my parents, in particular, were never present. As I told you before, I lived with Liza, our housekeeper. I spend more time talking to her than with my real parents. At most, I spend one Christmas or Mother's Day with my biological mother, but it's unbearable. I see Mrs. Julia once a year, and that's it.
— It's really sad because every child needs love and affection, especially from their parents.
— Yes, but that wasn't the case for me. I believe my parents married out of convenience, not because they loved each other. They were hardly ever home, each going their separate ways, and when they were home, they barely noticed me. They only knew how to attend parties together to maintain appearances, but they both had lovers. I don't judge them for not loving each other, but I feel sorry that they were never present. Now they are separated, and each has moved on with their respective partners, but they make time for their own families.
— And you're left out?
— Yes, I'm the casualty of their failed marriage. So, I don't really care about the calls I receive from them, especially from my mother because she'll only complain about my management, my appearance, or the person I'm dating.
— Do you think she called to talk about our relationship?
— I have no doubt. But don't worry, I don't let them meddle in things they weren't invited to. My personal life is quite complicated, but I feel lighter when I'm with you. Thank you for taking care of me.
— No problem, I really didn't want to leave you alone with a fever. That would be terrible.
— I've been in that situation before, but the only one who took care of me and my sister was Liza. Finally, my mother gave up after three attempts.
— I don't even know what to say right now. As you know, I don't know where my mother is, and my father remarried... I've been living alone for several years now.
— I still have occasional contact with my father, but my mother left when I was still a child, and I don't have many memories of her.
— Do you have any other relatives you keep in touch with?
— Not really, just the lady who owns the apartment and always helps me when she can and brings me little cakes. It's a grandmotherly kind of affection, which I confess I never had. I was lucky to find her; she lives on the floor below, and whenever possible, I go have chamomile tea with her," I said with a somewhat sad smile.
Dante noticed my sadness, approached me, and hugged me. I was surprised and speechless; I didn't expect him to notice my feelings.
— I understand you," Dante said. "It's lonely, isn't it? We don't know where to turn when life takes a wrong turn. You're a wonderful person and don't deserve to be alone. I never imagined that you were living a similar reality to mine, just from different angles. In my case, I still had money to ease the absence of my parents a bit.
— In these situations, I have friends who help me a little, but I don't like being dependent all the time. So, I have my own space, my books, and my laptop for college, and I'm pursuing my dreams.
— I'm sure you've faced many rejections so far, right?
— Yes, that's called life. If it were easy, it wouldn't be fun, right?" I smiled and stepped away.
— Absolutely. The more difficult it is, the greater the credit and experience.
— Exactly," I said, gathering the dishes from the table and preparing the sink to wash them.
— Do you want help? I can dry them.
— Are you sure? I think you should rest.
— I feel a little better because of the medication you brought me, so I think I can handle drying a few dishes, especially since there aren't many. Where are the dish towels?
— Let me get one for you.
I went to the cabinet, the second drawer, and grabbed a clean towel for him to dry the dishes. I cleared the table, wiped it down, and started washing the dishes. After we finished the dishes, I collapsed on the couch, tired. I checked the clock, and it was about three hours until it was time for Dante's medication.
— What should we do now?" Dante asked.
— We can watch a movie until it's time for your medication, what do you think?" I said, resting my head against the back of the couch.
— I agree. What genre do you like?
— What genre do you like?" I wanted to gauge his taste a little.
— At the moment, I'm terrible at giving an opinion on any genre because I'm quite out of touch.
— So you mean you don't take the time to watch movies and series? How is that possible?" I said horrified.
— It's not that bad, is it?
— It's terrible because you never have fun! How do you survive, or should I say, how do you live?
— I do have fun, okay?
— Then what do you usually do for fun?
— I drink cognac with a friend at a pub or read articles, theses, and master's papers on management.
— Wow, you're such a fun person..." I said, making a face.
— Okay, Kyra Knightley, what would you recommend for me to have fun? A romantic comedy?
— Exactly!
— Then choose the movie and surprise me.
— I know! Let's watch this one.