She gently stroked Tom, her cat – but her mood was anything but gentle. She was mad – the kind of anger every teen has when their parents just don’t understand how hard it is to be a teenager in this day and age.
Her anger was focused on her dad. He had just reminded her that she needed to do more to help out around the house since both her Mom and Dad had to work to make ends meet.
“Tom, Dad just doesn’t get it,” she began confiding in her ‘best friend.’ “Doesn’t he know how much homework I have. That, alone, limits my social life. I barely have time to text my friends and keep my Facebook and Instagram accounts current. And then there is Twitter. Nobody can be popular if they don’t stay current.”
Tom purred and moved closer so she could scratch his ears. “How can I possibly help with the dishes and fold laundry? He’s just trying to ruin my life. Next thing you know, he’ll want me to start cooking. I know he has been hinting.”
Tom looked at her and she just knew he was the only one who truly ‘got’ her. “I bet if he knew I liked Bobby he wouldn’t let me out of the house until I become an old maid. I just hate him!”
She picked Tom up and held him close – still feeling the softness of his fur as she petted his head. The longer she sat there in the silence, the more angry she became.
Then she heard her phone. A text – finally – something that will make her happy. She sets Tom on the floor and picks up her connection to the only people she feels she can care about since they don’t nag her about ridiculous responsibilities.
It was her best friend, Sally. She opened the text – excited for the first time all night.
“Cop shot during armed robbery. Your dad ok?”
She was amazed at how quickly all her anger disappeared. Now all she could do is reread those words over and over. Her hands were shaking when she dialed her Dad.
“Hey, Kiddo. Everything okay?”
She could feel her heart slowing down, “Yeah. I just needed to hear your voice.”
“That’s sweet but it’s kind of crazy out here right now. I will explain later. Give your mom my love. Love you, Kiddo.”
The phone went dead. As she laid the phone down, she whispered, “Love you, too.”
Len, Just lovely. All of us need to be reminded of what is most important. Thank you for this!💖
Darlene – Even in storytelling, an important lesson can be conveyed and that is always my goal. Thank you for letting me know that the lesson comes through.
You are most welcome Len! It came through loud and clear within the delightful story you wove.💖
You hit the nail on its head without even mentioning the word love in the story. Very, very, good writing. Love your work brother! JJ
Johnny – Thank you for your kind words – so glad you enjoyed this story.
You hit the nail on its head without even mentioning the word love. Very, very, good writing. Love your work brother! JJ
Len, I must profusely apologize to you as I am seeing this masterpiece article for the first time. You have a very distinct and gentle way with words that is engaging to read time and again.
Joel – Thank you for your kind words. We all can relate to this story because of the universal theme of parent/teenage conflict. So, it reminds us that in the end, maybe our parents weren’t so bad after all.
No, our parents weren’t so bad after all. We didn’t know what events changed their lives that changed. This was a theme we can all sink our teeth into. Thank you, Len
Joel – Always a pleasure. Thanks.
I love this Len. You are raising the bar high. Well done
Thanks, Larry. The angst between parents and teens is a universal emotion we have all experienced. So I hope this touches many hearts.
I am sure a great story
Thanks. I truly appreciate your feedback. ?