Return Home

After months of absence, I stand at the front door of my family's home, feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety wash over me. Childhood memories flood in, mixed with the anticipation of finding my parents. But this time something is different.

I am not alone.

At my side stands Sheng Xing, the one with whom I recently sealed our commitment in a silent promise, far from prying eyes. We chose to keep our relationship a secret, for various reasons, but today, faced with the prospect of confronting my parents, fear wells up inside me.

Sheng Xing squeezes my hand gently, a gesture of comfort that reminds me that I am not alone in this ordeal. Together, we cross the threshold of the house, our hearts racing.

-It's going to be okay, he reassures me

-Yeah, you're right, I replied, smiling at him, fortunately I explained to them the fact that I wasn't really missing.

-Yeah at least they were more worried, Sheng Xuan told me

-Okay, let me knock, I said to him

My parents greet us with warm smiles, but I can feel the tension in the air as they notice Sheng Xing's presence. The silent questions in their eyes make me understand that they are aware of the importance of his presence by my side.

-Come in, my parents told us

-Thank you, they replied.

Dinner passes in tense silence, each bite accompanied by the weight of uncertainty. Finally, as dessert is served, I gather my courage and take a deep breath.

-Dad and mom...There is something I have to tell you, I confessed to them

Their eyes turn to me, a mixture of expectation and apprehension.

-Sheng Xing and I... We got engaged

The silence that follows is deafening, broken only by the ticking of the clock. Then, slowly, a smile lights up my mother's face, followed by my father's.

-Congratulations, he said, his voice laced with emotion

My father's words instantly lift the weight off my shoulders, and I feel overwhelmed with a mixture of relief and gratitude.

-Aren't you angry?, I asked them in surprise

-Why do you want us to get angry?, my mother asked me

-Because I haven't known Sheng Xing for a long time, I told them, and I'm telling you late about our engagement

-Don't worry about that, my father reassured me, Sheng Xing's parents came to ask for your hand

-We had several long conversations with them, added my mother, and we understood that Sheng Xing was a wonderful person.

-Thank you, Sheng Xing said gratefully, I will take care of Ruby, I promise.

-It's in your interest, my parents smiled at him

-You know Ruby we were waiting for you to tell us the good news, my mother laughed

-I should have said that from the start, I laughed too

After the announcement of our engagement and the little chat with the parents the atmosphere at home became more relaxed, filled with smiles and congratulations. But there are two family members who are particularly excited by Sheng Xing's presence: my little sister, Mady, and my little brother.

They swirl around Sheng Xing like curious butterflies, asking questions about our relationship and how we met. Their innocence and enthusiasm bring a welcome lightness to the evening, and I realize how precious my family is.

-So how did you meet? Mady asks, her big eyes sparkling with anticipation.

-Yeah, I want to know too!, said my curious little brother

Sheng Xing and I exchange a knowing smile.

-I think it will be a story to tell next time, smiled Sheng Xing tenderly

As the evening continues in a whirlwind of laughter and happy chatter, I am grateful for every moment spent with those I love.