47

47
Sarah Thompson.
I walked to my parents; I was excited today. When I approached them, they were standing, waiting for me. The two, with eyes full of affection and pride, extended their arms to me; I stood between them. I felt the warm embrace, comforting, as I was a child... I felt even better, feeling this hug.
So happy... complete.
I smiled.
I hugged them back.
When they let go of me, I heard one of them speak.
"Sarah, that was wonderful!" exclaimed my mother, her lips trembling with emotion. "You've always been so shy, my love, but today... I saw you there on stage, speaking with such energy! I was so happy I almost cried." She said, sniffing.
I smiled and moved.
My mother always showered me with affection, but that public display of affection was special.
My father approached me, putting his hand on my head, caressing.
"Our daughter is growing up; you make me prouder every day, Sarah," he said, moved.
I was always more closed; I never liked crowds and felt suffocated.
But when I saw everyone in silence, I did not hear agitation nor voices... It helped me to take steps to the stage. I concentrated and managed...
I showed them a smile, saying.
"Thank you so much for coming, Dad and Mom. This day was very important to me, really.''
They exchanged glances and suggested:
"No need to thank you, child. Well... what do you think about dinner now, hmm?" asked my father, smiling. "Let’s celebrate this special day.''
It was perfect, and well... I was hungry, had only drunk tea.
"It’s a great idea," I replied, smiling. "I need to say goodbye to the authors and Sam."
They nodded and walked to the exit.
I grabbed my bag and went to the others.
I kissed the editor and the colleagues I had made that day on the cheek, hugged them, and thanked them.
Sam complimented me again, saying that my talent only increased her confidence in my career. It was a moment of pure affection.
I thanked them deeply and waved goodbye.
When I finally walked away, I saw Edgar getting up to leave as well. I waved at him, and he responded with a soft smile.
My heart raced so fast that I had to take a deep breath, but I told him, to calm down, I would see him later.
Smiled once more to Edgar and went to the door.
As I was leaving... I saw Pietro; he was smiling at me.
"Leaving already?" I confirmed it.
"I'm going to have dinner with my parents."
He nodded.
"Well... have a nice dinner; we can go out next time, right? I'm proud of you." He said, smiling at me.
"Sure, we'll go out another day; I have to go now, thank you, Pietro." I said goodbye with a smile and headed for the exit.
\---
We arrived at the restaurant that my parents had booked earlier; it was a beautiful place in the middle of the City of London, a very refined place with several charming details.
As far as I remember, I never went there; maybe when I was younger, well... I don’t remember.
We were guided by an attendant to a central table. We sat on the seats upholstered in brown color and I settled in the seat, looking at the table all arranged.
When I looked at the menu, my parents had already started ordering the dishes.
Beef Wellington—filet mignon wrapped in puff pastry, accompanied by mashed potatoes with truffles and grilled asparagus.
For dessert, I ordered crème brûlée and a red fruit pie.
My parents also wanted the same.
When I saw the value of the plates, my eyes jumped... it was too expensive.
I swallowed hard:
"Can we order something else... It's a little expensive," I muttered, embarrassed.
My parents smiled warmly and shook their heads:
"You deserve it today," said my father. "Let's celebrate."
"Hmm. Thank you," I replied, touched.
I ordered a fresh apple and mint juice, while my parents toasted with a glass of red wine.
The food arrived, and I did not wait another minute. My parents also took the cutlery, and we started to eat.
The Wellington was right; the mashed potatoes were creamy, and the asparagus was crunchy. It was a delight.
We ate in silence, enjoying this family moment, which was difficult to have.
I away from writing, and they away from work.
Now was our time.
When we finished, we went for dessert.
The caramelized crème brûlée was very delicious, a soft cream; the cake was raspberries and blackberries.
That family dinner was a gift I had not received for a long time. I was so happy, I wanted to repeat it more often.
When I finished the dessert, I cleaned my mouth and told them.
"Everything was tasty; I loved it," I said, holding hands with the two. "I was missing eating together; there was a time we did not do that,'' I confessed.
My mother squeezed my hand, agreeing with her head.
'' It’s true, my love; we’re sorry for that, we’re happy you liked it, and we promise we’ll do it more times, okay? We will be together more often."
"We always support you," added my father. "And we love you very much."
I understood.
I knew about their responsibilities, the long hours at the office. Still, I missed that family time. I thanked them again; my heart warmed.
They paid the bill without letting me offer. When they asked if I wanted anything else, I shook my head.
"No, you don’t. I think I’m going home now." My mother smiled at me, saying.
"All right, have a good night, daughter.
''See you soon,'' said my father.
They then turned around, waved to me, and walked hand in hand...
Their smiles were proof that every effort was worth it.
I took a deep breath and let my own smile appear—that moment had been special.
I wish it would happen more often.
Because this moment was important to me.
Took my phone and saw the hours: eight and a half of the night. I walked to the exit and noticed the weather; the sky was dark, it seemed that it was going to rain, and it was a little.
I went to my car, got into it, and looked up Edgar’s name on my phone, started typing.
\-Hi Edgar, I had dinner with my parents. I’m thinking of going to the mall; I’ll go to the bookstore. What do you think of meeting me there? - sent.
I was anxious and wanted to see him.
His response came quickly; he agreed. He said he was already on the way.
That made me fall even more in love… I am keen to know more about his life.
I accelerated and drove carefully; I would arrive in a few minutes. As I advanced, my thoughts went towards him... Edgar.
He and I liked to read... We could read some books, buy new books, have coffee at the bookstore, and end the night together, just like I wanted...
That night would be one of the best for me... smiled.