Wanda agreed. “And his cooking is great. Everyone at the factory says his food’s amazing. Where else can we find such a cheap and skilled cook?”
“That’s why we should keep him happy and make sure he stays. Once business gets better, we can deal with the rest later.”
So, their apology and concern were all an act. They weren’t really sorry.
They just didn’t want to lose their free labor.
Back in my room, I unlocked my phone and bought a ticket for the earliest train home. The payment went through and the departure time showed as 6:30 a.m. tomorrow.
At 4:30, it was still dark outside.
I picked up my travel bag and quietly opened the door. The hallway was silent since everyone else was still asleep.
When I got on the train, I sat by the window and watched the fields rush past. For the first time in a long while, my heart felt completely calm.
Three hours later, the train arrived at the station.
I turned on my phone and found dozens of missed calls and messages pop up. Some were from Daniel, some from Wanda and a few from relatives.
I ignored them all and dialed a friend instead. “Luke, I’m back. I’ll stop by this afternoon to finish the travel group paperwork, if it’s still possible to rejoin.”
My friend laughed on the other end. “I told you before, your kids have their own lives. Stop worrying so much. Come on back, everyone’s been waiting for you.”
When I stepped out of the station, the sunlight felt warm. I took a deep breath, feeling the weight in my chest finally lift.
Back in my hometown, the neighbors looked surprised to see me. “Damien, you’re back already? Weren’t you planning to stay with your son for a while?”
I smiled. “Home is still the most comfortable place to be.”
That afternoon, I went straight to the travel agency and signed up again. The staff said there was one last spot left for next week’s trip.
That night, I cooked two small dishes and opened a bottle of wine. At that moment, Daniel called.
I didn’t want to answer, but he kept calling again and again. The ringtone wouldn’t stop ringing, so I finally picked up.
“Dad, where are you?” he shouted, his voice full of anger and frustration.
I calmly replied, “I went home.”
He didn’t expect that. He went silent for a second, then suddenly raised his voice. “Home? Who told you to go home?”
“You promised yesterday you would stay! You’re not keeping your own words!”