After I was finally allowed home, Mom let me spend the entire day in bed. I just slept.
Now, as I stumble down the stairs to get some dinner, I yawn widely.
I know I probably wont sleep well tonight, but I just couldnt be bothered with the world.
"Mom? What did you order? It smells fantastic..." I say through the rest of my yawn and stretch.
I can hear mom in the kitchen rattling away with the eating utensils.
As I round the corner and emerge in the kitchen, I'm pleasantly surprised to find Dad there aswell.
"Hey honey..." Dad says, smiling at me as he raises an arm. I step into his side and graciously accept his hug.
"What are you doing here?" I question, not at all complaining.
He chuckles, "Im having dinner... Do you mind if this old bean eats with you?" He says, rubbing his hand over my arm.
I shake my head vigorously. "No way! You can definitely stay!"
Mom does her hearty laugh and the sound is soothing.
"What did you order?" I turn to her and lean over the counter to see what she has.
Chinese.
YUM.
I snatch up a small white box and open the lid to reveal a dish of Buttery Chicken.
Placing it back where I found it, I grab another box.
This one is my favourite! Fried Rice!
I snatch up a fork and grin at daddy. Chopsticks are for smart people. I slip onto the stool beside my dad and look across at mom.
Its been a while since we ate dinner together.
"I miss you guys..." I mumble at them.
We all share a look and although nobody speaks, a thousand different words are being said.
Its exactly how I remember the old days with my family.
I look away from the eyes of my mom and dad and dig my fork into the box of Fried Rice.
Forkfuls of goodness are devoured and I finish with a desert of Honey Chicken.
Dad glowers at me, "yuck, Lauren. Slow down!"
I look up at him with big innocent bug eyes. "Whaaarrrttt?" I whine with a full mouth.
Mom and dad groan and look away quickly, causing me to grin. Im so lady-like...
After dinner, Mom, Dad and I sit in the loungeroom and watch a DVD together.
Last time we did this I was in Primary School still.
Dad and I snuggle on the sofa and mom sprawls out on the throw-rug on the floor.
Half-way through the movie, I start to doze off again.
Dad shakes me awake later on in the evening as he lifts me off of him. "I've got to head off, love."
I groan, "Awh, but dad, wont you please stay?" I mumble groggily.
Dad sighs, "Sorry baby, but I cant. I've got to get back and feed the pooches." He explains and Mom helps me stand as I climb from the couch.
My eyes are sore and I find myself rubbing them.
My chest feels heavy and I search around in the dimly lit room for a clear path around the sofa to hug dad again.
"Its dark now, Lauren. Let your mother take you upstairs..." Dad says as he hugs me quickly once.
