27

Zee walked into the living room where her parents were still glued to the TV on a history channel. Israel was seated between them. When he saw her, he held on tightly to her father.

“Why was Israel crying?” her father asked.

“I think he was not in the mood for tickling.” Zee replied lightly.

“Oh.” He said and her mother just smiled.

“I’m off.”

“Okay.” Her father said.

“Have fun.” Said her mother.

“Thanks, you both.” She responded before waving them off and exiting the house.

It was amazing how she was always able to mask her true feelings when she was with her parents. She was so scared of facing