Tense conversation
The initial conversation was tense and awkward, with polite but forced cordiality. ‘How have you been?’ my father asked, breaking the ice.
‘Fine,’ I replied, my tone clipped. Silence followed, thick and uncomfortable. My mother fidgeted with her napkin, as if searching for the right words.
‘We heard you started a business,’ she finally said. I nodded, not ready to delve into my achievements just yet.
The tension was palpable, a chasm of years and hurt between us.