98
That evening, Dad’s phone rang again. He picked it up and said almost reflexively.
“Emily, you’re an adult, why are you still playing these childish disappearing acts? Let me tell you, I have no patience for your antics; they just make me sick!”
A stranger’s voice came through, “Hello, are you Emily Harper’s relative? She hasn’t collected the health products she ordered from us. She put down your number and address for delivery. Could you let us know when we can deliver them?“}
Dad glanced at the phone, confirming the number wasn’t mine.”
He smirked dismissively, “What’s with the health products? Who needs them? She’s not some old lady. Just send them back!”
Shortly after hanging up, the phone rang again.”
The store owner stressed, “We really can’t reach Ms. Harper, and she used to come by our store often, but we haven’t seen her recently. Could you please check with her again?“}
Dad scratched his head, visibly annoyed.”
He finally decided to call me back, only to hear a message that the phone was turned off.”
Fed up, he opened our chat and started typing furiously.
“Emily Harper, stop playing these pointless games! Just come and get your health products, stop bothering me all day!“”
“And call Tony back. Don’t think I don’t see through your little ploys, thinking I’d accept the flowers if you send him. But he genuinely cares about you. If you have any decency, you wouldn’t let him worry!”
I sat next to Dad, watching him send such a long message.
My hand passed through his as he continued to tap the screen.
hem through
I wanted to tell him that there was no need for such anger or harsh words because I would never be able to respond to Su
texts again./
When Sophie returned and noticed Dad’s mood, she immediately cuddled up to him to cheer him up.
“Is Dad feeling too much pressure? Why the long face?”
Sophie gently poked Dad’s cheek, which softened his expression. He found an excuse, “There are just too many cases at work lately, it’s giving me a headache.”
“Voila!” Sophie proudly pulled out a plastic box from behind her back, “I know you’ve been stressed, so I bought you your favorite stewed dishes!”
Dad’s eyes brightened, he tousled Sophie’s hair and said, “Sophie really gets me. You’re my little lifesaver. Without you, I’d surely freeze this winter.”
Sophie leaned into Dad’s embrace, acting playfully, “How could I ever let Dad freeze? I’ll keep you warm for life.”
I just sat in front of them, silently observing.
My heart was numb, the pain not as sharp anymore.
S
This scene had repeated itself too many times since childhood, especially after Mom’s death. Dad couldn’t spare me even a glance.”
All his affection was reserved for Sophie.[
Perhaps in his heart, he had decided long ago that Sophie was his only daughter.
