Where Our Closure Begins by Alex M. Nájera

Author:Alex M. Nájera
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Where Our Closure Begins, Alex M. Nájera, Women’s Fiction
Publisher: Alex M. Nájera
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

JOSEPHINE'S DOE EYES are the first thing I notice when I open the door. Next is my father’s small frame, which seems to shrink with time and the progression of his illness. I hang my coat and bag in an attempt to break this reality.

Something’s going on. First of all, Jo’s wearing a dress; there was something important going on in that dinner invitation and I’m a bit anxious to find out what. Jo twists a bit on her seat, her hands holding Dad’s. While he looks glowy, his serene face somehow eases the knot in my chest. A really contrasting view to witness.

“Good evening. Is there a family gathering tonight?” I try to ease the tension. Jo lets her lips form a half-smile while my dad gives me a full grin.

“I guess we haven’t had one in a long time.” He grabs my hand when I approach him. “I mean, just the three of us.”

“Ben has been very active lately, hasn’t he?” Jo points out as she brushes some wrinkles from her dress. “I think it's been good for him.”

“And for me too.” My dad used to stroke my hand when I was little, something that soothed me when bad things happen. He’s doing it now.

“Well, it was about time. Don’t you think so?” I let out. Josephine’s scolding stare takes me by surprise. “What?”

“Don’t be so harsh on your brother, dear,” my dad begs and I have to hold back a sigh. I don’t want to upset him. “He’s been through a lot.”

They make way for me to sit between them, and I hide my annoyance for the moment. I should move the conversation in another direction. Ben is hiding something about his situation. I know it’s about money but he’s been clear he wants me out of his business.

“So, Ben had to look for me and my beautiful wife almost sent me to sleep on the couch. I’d like to know why.” I let Jo hug my arm and pinch me. I’m still holding my dad’s hand. They exchange wary glances. “What’s going on?”

“Well…” Jo’s voice sounds as sweet as usual, no trace of what happened on the phone. “Ben has been talking with Sonia lately and since it’s obvious that he and his family will spend Christmas with us—”

“He asked Sonia to come,” my dad chimes in. “And she said yes.”

The first thing that comes to my mind is Mum’s funeral. It sends my heart racing. It’s normal to feel contrasting emotions in situations of high stress, but I feel pretty much nothing apart from the pressure in my chest. It’s been a long time. I don’t even remember where we left off and don’t have any idea how we can pick up again.

More often than not, I believe Sonia hates me. She hates that I look like Mum, that I talk like her, and I get it. Sonia's relationship with Mum was nothing like mine. But I want my dad to see her, and in the end, I want to see her too.

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