Ultimate Conclusion

Evelyn

"Yes, Dad, I've boarded the flight," I reassured, sinking into the seat, the hum of the plane a comforting backdrop. "Don't worry about me—I'm fine."

The quiet on the other end spoke volumes. Dad had a thousand words bottled up, I could tell. But he held back, reserving them for our reunion, whenever that might be. His reluctant response was a single, "Okay."

God. I wish I could just give him a hug.

"I'll hang up now, Dad, alright?" I offered, understanding his concern all too well. I knew the weight of his worry, the whispers from Clara beside him urging him to ask more, to probe deeper. They were both anxious beyond measure. And I didn’t like it—I hated watching them concerned.

But, I didn’t know what to do.

I wanted desperately to offer reassurance, to ease their worry, but the words eluded me. To claim 'I am not in pain' or 'I am totally fine' would be a falsehood, transparent to them given how well they knew me—they’d catch my lie in a single blink. Therefore….Dishonesty w