Some Reunion

Williams stood in front of the door, his hand hovering mid-air as he breathed in and out, trying to steady himself. He hadn’t even knocked yet when the door flung open. “Brother!” Paula stood there, a baby in her arms and joy on her face. “I could hug you right now but..” “Yeah, yeah, I know.” Williams gave her a gentle side hug anyway, careful not to disturb the baby. “Mom didn’t tell me you’d be coming over. What is this? Some surprise family reunion?” He stepped inside, shrugging off his jacket and slinging it lazily over the back of a chair.

“Maybe,” Paula said with a grin. “She’s in the kitchen. Let me go let her know you’re here.” She rushed off down the hallway, her voice fading as she disappeared into the house. The family house was small but filled with so much security on the outside. If it detects anyone that’s not family, the alarm goes off and directly calls the private cops his dad has.

Williams didn’t ask about Dad. He never did. The man was a walking fortress of tight expectations, always barking about legacy, investments, and how Williams needed to “straighten up” if he was going to inherit the empire. Half of Williams’s life had already been swallowed by his father’s business, and the other half, molded by it. He wasn’t even sure if his father was home. He didn’t really care.

The scent of spices and baked goods floated out from the kitchen just as the kitchen door pushed open. “My baby boy!” His mom rushed in, apron tied tightly around her waist, oven gloves still on her hands. Without hesitation, she wrapped him in a warm, big hug. “I missed you so much,” she murmured into his shoulder. “I missed you too. But you gotta let go,” Williams said with a small laugh, patting her back as she clung tightly. She pulled away, eyes shining as she looked him over. “You’ve gotten thinner again. Are you eating well? Don’t lie to me.” Williams raised both hands like he was surrendering. “I’m eating, I swear. Just… work’s been a lot.” “Work,” she echoed with a shake of her head. “You always say that. That’s your father talking. You are beginning to sound like him.”

Williams looked away. He didn’t want to talk about his father. The truth was, he never really wanted to sound like the man. But when you’ve spent your life being groomed for something you never asked for, it’s hard not to wear a bit of that voice.“How long are you staying?” his mother asked. “Just tonight,” he replied. “I have to head back in the morning.” Her face fell slightly, but she nodded. “Alright. Dinner’s almost ready. Go freshen up and come join us.” Williams gave a small nod and turned toward the hallway that used to lead to his old room. It looked the same. Same wooden frames on the wall. Same smell of lavender and something faintly nostalgic. But it didn’t feel like home. Not anymore. Home was just a memory now.

Williams’s footsteps barely made a sound on the stairs as he climbed to the upper floor, his hand grazing the polished wooden rail that felt colder than he remembered. Just as he turned the corner, he halted. His father stood there, dressed in a dark-blue suit, speaking very low into his phone. His posture was stiff, his tone direct. “No. I said sign the paperwork. If he hesitates, remind him who gave him his first contract.”

Williams started moving towards his room door, praying not to be noticed. The man finally turned, clearly aware he had an audience. “I’ll call you back.” He ended the call and tucked the phone into his pocket, then looked at Williams like he hadn’t seen him in years, though they’d spoken just last week.

“You’re here,” his father said. “I am,” Williams stopped and faced him.. A long pause settled between them. Awkward, but familiar. “I assume you’re still handling the new branch very well” his father added, tone already veering into business mode. Williams didn’t answer that. “I came to visit mom.” “She’s always happy when you show up. You should do it more.” Williams gave a dry chuckle. “You could say the same about yourself.” His father’s jaw tightened for a moment, he stared at him like he was trying to see someone else inside him. Someone more obedient. More willing. But Williams turned away first. “I’m tired. I’ll be in my room.”

Without waiting for a reply, he walked away, entered his room that remained untouched and always clean. He shut the door, and tossed his phone aside, screen down. He didn’t want to see messages, calls, emails, or even the time. Not now. He lay down on the bed and let sleep carry him, like a welcome escape.

When he woke up, he heard faint voices and the clatter of dishes echoed from downstairs. The scent of fried chicken and pancakes filled the air, pulling him from under the covers.

He washed his face, ran his fingers through his hair, and headed down to the dining room. Everyone was there. He refused to let his eyes dart to his father’s direction, his mom sat at the head of the table, beaming. Paula sat beside her husband, Daniel. The same man Williams’s father had once tried to force her to marry to seal a business deal. Williams pulled out a chair and sat quietly. He glanced at the way Daniel looked at her, hands occasionally brushing hers, small smiles passed between them. Back then, Paula had cried to Williams about the arrangement. Called it a prison in a tuxedo. Getting married to Daniel was a chess move, nothing more. But then, Paula got lucky. Daniel turned out to be kind. Gentle. Loving. The deal worked and so did the marriage. Williams often wondered what would’ve happened if she hadn’t fallen in love. What if he hadn’t turned out to be good? Would she still be smiling like this? He watched as she laughed at something Daniel whispered to her. Sometimes, the prison becomes the palace. But not everyone’s so fortunate.

Williams quietly picked at his food, half-listening to the conversation, half-lost in his thoughts. He was still the pawn on the board. And he hadn’t yet figured out how to play the game without losing himself. Praying to eat in peace, spend some time with his mom and retire early to bed didn’t work so well. “Williams, tell me more about the branch I posted you in,” “The Orlen Hotel. Nothing new. Just organising and working.” That’s why I hate a gathering like this. “Hmm” his father said, darting his eyes to Daniel. He would have said more crazy things if Daniel wasn’t present.

Mum looked at Williams like she was sorry. Williams spent some time in the kitchen with his mum helping her wash the dishes after dinner. “You know he’s not always like that” “you know, that’s not true” Williams answered. “But he’s your father” “mom, can we change the topic?” “Sure” she gave a small smile. “So anyone special in your life? Girlfriend? Boyfriend?” “Not that I think of”. They talked for hours and after that Williams left for his room. And dad.. went “to deal with something concerning business.”