16 Chapter 15 : never late to grow up

In the heart of a quiet evening, as the sun painted the sky with its final hues of orange and gold, a father and his child sat on the porch, sharing a moment of reflection. with a deep sigh, the father began, "You know, life is like a vast garden, waiting for you to nurture it."

I didn't reply, just listened to him while looking at the beautiful sun set .

He leaned back, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon. "Well, life is a journey . Just like a tiny seed that you plant with care, responsibility is the soil that helps you grow. Water it with honesty, and watch as integrity blooms."

"mistakes," he said as raised his index finger. "They are the rainstorms that sometimes drench your garden. They may bend your young saplings, but remember, it's in the process of straightening them that they gain strength."

"And Strength comes from shouldering your duties son . you must learn to carry your responsibilities with grace. And remember, growth is not a race; it's a gradual ascent."

A gentle breeze ruffled our hair, and he continued, "As you tend to your garden, you'll meet fellow travelers. Some may be like the sun, warming your heart with kindness, while others might be like the wind, testing your roots. Embrace both, for they teach you about the world and yourself."

I look at his face who was looking at the now forming twilight and for the first time get surprised that he could let out some wise words.  'Imposter ? ' i thought narrowing my eyes while he continued .

" your values and principles will light your path. And when doubt clouds your sky, look within yourself. That's where your compass resides."

he pauses before continuing "Hehe you see, i was the same as you when i was your age " i look at him confused .

" I was so mischievous, energetic, going after girls pant...."

" OH HELL NO !! we are nothing alike you old perv . Don't compare me with your sorry ass ! " i shout spitting all over his face .

" but i thought you were like that too tho ! " he said while looking as if i betrayed him .

" sighh, can't you just continue whatever you were trying to say please " i replied not really having the energy to argue .

" tch, boring " he mutters under his breath while i glare at him .

"start by nurturing your mind, son " he said . " i know you are still a kid and see life differently from us adults and tend to do some stupid shi... "

" what was that ?! " i cut him before he finishes.

He smiled warmly ignoring me as he continued. "Stumbles are not signs of failure, but reminders that you're moving forward. Just as the river shapes the stones it encounters "

"Appreciation is a melody sung with gratitude. When you improve yourself, you pay tribute to the love and sacrifices we've brought into your life. Each step you take towards growth is a testament to the foundation we've built together."

" can you stop the bull please ! I don't understand whatever shit you are trying to imply, so speak a language this peasant gets it " i impatiently said to him because we are going nowhere with this higher level conversation language .

" Your mother was crying " he instantly replied .

" What ?! Why ?! "I turn to look at him real fast opening my eyes wide while ask in bewilderment .

" you really ask that ? " he asked back as he raised an eyebrow .

" JUST tell me old man " i said while gritting my teeth .

" Son, i am a ninja and i know how important secrets are so i won't ask about those weird moves you were making when you fought sakumo or ... " he paused to glance at me for a moment then continue " or how you could go into a suicidal state that only broken ninjas in war could have but nevertheless you made us really worried you know, especially your mother " 

I look at him while feeling very confused . Suicide ?  Broken ? Me ? Since when ? .

He sat there for a while longer, before he slowly stood up without saying anything more and go back to our compound leaving me to contemplate alone .

I then look at my hands for a moment thinking about what my father said .

' There have been times when I've acted immaturely, and it's hard to deny it. The moments when I let frustration get the best of me, when I chose pride over understanding. It's as if my adult self is in a tug-of-war with my inner child, both trying to assert dominance.'

I chuckle softly . ' Perhaps it's time to forgive myself for those moments of immaturity and embrace them as opportunities for growth. After all, it's through acknowledging our flaws that we truly evolve. '

' And i should really appreciate my parents more . They were the ones who were cleaning my shit, fed me, put me in clothes, gave me a warm home, unconditional love...etc . i really worried them this time '

I thought about this for an hour straight before sighing and stand up, pat my clothes to lift the dust of myself and slowly made my way back to home.

As I slowly got near my home until i was in front of my house's front door. Before i opened the door i thought about something a little then proceed to go inside .

* slide *

" I am home " i said in a low voice, looking around a little, then take off my sandals and go through the corridor in search of my parents .

I look around the rooms until i see that our living room's lights are still on .

I get in front of the door again raising my hand to open it . I hesitate for a little, i breath in and breath out, ' it's time to be my real self for a little too ' i thought and open the door to see my mother sitting on the couch with a dazed look  .

My whole body hurt while looking at that look more than any kind of pain i received while i fought with sakumo .

I slowly made my way through the room until i was in front of her but her eyes still looked dazed .

I stood there with my head lowered before slowly approaching a cushion on the mat, knelt down, and leaned forward, hands on thighs and head lowered. I slowly bow down lower until my forehead touched the floor .

The room was quiet , the gesture spoke louder than words .

The End .

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Guys. The activity of this novel is shit so do something about it ma G , it's really boring for me when i see no reaction so throw some stones at me or i don't know like, come onnn do something .