Sarah sat on the couch of her mothers parlor. The parlor is beige in color screaming maturity and elegance. The couches were style in an L shaped where Sarah stretched her legs, relaxing. Beside the second corner of the four cornered parlor, stood the dining table with its chairs. Sarahs eyes involuntarily fell on them and wondered why her mother had always like having dining table which she hardly uses while eating. It was just there for the decor of it perhaps.

Sarah hissed, bored of pressing her phone. As if to negate her boredom, she heard the screeching of the tires followed by a horn, alerting her that her father is back from work. She jumped off the couch in sheer happiness and sped to the door, screaming.

Welcome home Papa! She bellowed, like she always did whenever her father is back home. To say he is the joy of her life is an understatement. Her father is her best friend and her mentor second to none.

She walked out, jumping in between her strides and hugged her father. Her father welcomed her with a huge smile and held her hand as they walked in while her mother just stared at the scene from her window with a proud smile. Her little daughter will never grow up, she sighed.

Good evening papa, she greeted, dropping his bag on the couch. Her fathers heart swelled with love. He cupped her cheeks. Sarah looked at him with so much adoration. Her father, although getting old is still looking so youthful. His eyes, still bright.

Evening, my little one.  He answered, while the last word of his statement made Sarah pout. She furrowed her brows and intertwined her arms around her chest in a playful anger.

But Papa Im no longer young! Im seventeen for Gods sake! She whined, throwing her hands in the air in protest. Her fathers silence broke into a laughter. He just cant see her as the adult she claims to be. Sarah would forever be young before his eyes. He still remembers the first day he held her in her shawl. He still remembers her first cry, the fragility of her fingers. He still remembers her first word. She is still that baby he fell in love with since she was in her mothers womb.

First, they had her after a long time of trying to conceive. Second, she came with a face like his. Third, shes his blood. No, his and her mothers blood mixed with love to have her. And she is the only child he has ever had in his life. Shes so precious to him. No one can compete with Sarah in his heart aside her mother.

Im sorry darling. He apologized playfully seeing what his laughter had done. Even though he still has the urge to laugh out loud.

Okay Papa. She shook her head, easing the feigned tension on her face.

They sat together just the moment Sarahs mother walked in. She was dressed in a gown that add beauty to her already beautiful body. Her mother still looks young. Her round face is free of wrinkles, her lips always shining with lip gloss, her finger circled with a ring while below her scarf, her long hair dangles out.

Welcome sweetheart. She whispers yelled, announcing her presence even though the scent of her perfume introduced her first. Sarahs father answered with a smile before she disappeared.

Papa whats latest? I have been bored all day. Tell me something new! Sarah requested, placing her arm on her fathers shoulder.

She sat in anticipation as her father removed his cap and tuned the television. From all indications, hes planning something which Sarah has zero idea on.

Okay I have a well-cooked news but guess what? Its not for free! He pointed with his index finger in the same manner Sarah does. Sarah smiled first, thanking God for her father who is always there to uplift her spirit.

Bbbbbut... papa... iiiii... she struggled to get the words out, slapping her laps but no avail. She looked at her father in disappointment of her situation. She hates it when the words get stuck and refuse to come out. When her nonsense of a mouth refuses to grasp the words out of her brain. Her father looked at her encouragingly.

Come on Sarah, you can do it! Tell me!

She swallowed a lump of anger and frustration. If theres any negative in her life, then this is it. It ruins her mood all the time.

But Ppaapaa! She stammers, her voice full of emotions.

Come here Sarah. He pulled her close in a hug.

Try again my baby. Youre above this and it doesnt define you. Youre golden and unique.

Instead of saying anything, she remained quiet until her anger subsided. When she looked better, her father began to tickle her.

Papa ssstopp! She laughed, running away from his reach. He laughed with her.

Your news is still waiting for a pizza to come out!

Sarah slapped her forehead. Oh papa you want a bribe! Just order the pizza and save me the stress... she dramatically said, expressing with her hand as she paced around.

Her father also stood. Okay since Sarah doesnt want any news, I will go tell my lovely wife and then order the pizza for just two of us. Me and my lovely wife!

Sarah narrowed her eyes at him. Oh no! Thats cheating Papa! I will make the papa but youre gonna pay in cash if the news isnt worth it! She warned.

Her father laughed.

With a serious look she marched to him. Deal?

Deal! He shook her hand before she sprinted off.

Mr. Sameer, Sarahs father sighed the moment Sarahs shadow disappeared. He marched off to his wifes room and found her sitting by the periphery of her bed. The way she sat limply, showed that she is just waiting for him to finish with his daughter. She stood up, walked to where he stood staring at her. He is so lost that, she herself came back from her reverie and saw his gaze fixed on her.

Without a word, she gave him a welcome hug which made them both sigh.

Hows my husband doing? She asked, releasing him as she unbuttoned his shirt as she has already prepared all he would need for a change.

Im fine. You must have been waiting for me. Your daughter trapped me with her usuals.

Mrs. Sameer smiled. I have been hearing you two faintly. Go and shower while I set the table. With that, she opened the door to leave.

I love you so much my lovely wife. Youre always caring. He praised.

I love you too. She answered and sashayed away.

Once alone, Mr. Sameer held his head which just pounded hard. This few days are just hard for him because of this headache and some discomfort he feels in his body. Even though he can feel that his wife knows hes not feeling too well, he cant directly tell her. He doesnt want either her or Sarah disturbed because of something small like this. His lips stretched to an emotionless smile. He will go to see a doctor and take his medication silently without bothering the lovers of his life.

With that thought, he showered.

****

Seated at the dining, about to eat, he yelled out Sarahs name.

Im almost done Papa! She yelled back.

Mrs. Sameer looked at her husband and felt that something is wrong with him even though he has been pretending to be okay. He cant just hide anything no matter what because she will get it. Its been twenty-six years since their marriage hence she intimately knows him even when he doesnt speak.

Youre not eating... she points out.

I am waiting for Sarah to bring her pizza because i have news for her. You know...

But papa thats breaching of trust! I told you not to tell Mama anything... Sarah barged into the parlor carrying the tray of their pizza. The aroma is so inviting.

I didnt say anything! He raised his hands in surrender as they all laughed.

Pay before service, tell me before you taste it. Price increases in relation to how boring the news is! She warned, rubbing her hands together with an evil look.

Mr. Sameer shook his head. I announce at the count of three!

Mrs. Sameer started the count while Sarah just stared uninterested. Which type of news is this?

Two...

Three...

You passed your exams! He broke the news which made Sarahs eyes grow big as saucers.

She is still in oblivion when she replied, wait what? Papa?

Yes dear, you got the admission into Royal college!

Sarah jumped. Seriously papa? She asked hugging her mother.

They nodded at her. Oh my goodness! Oh lord, thank you! Adams will hear this first... she zoomed away to her room.