In Between Us

Untitled Part 24

Under Work: 15/09/2024

Zhan sat cross-legged on his bed, focused on the screen of his laptop, fingers tapping steadily on the keys. His expression was intense, brows slightly furrowed, clearly immersed in whatever work he was doing. A report deadline loomed, and he was determined to finish it tonight. The gentle hum of the room was abruptly interrupted by a voice—his mother's, carrying that all-too-familiar note of insistence.

Zhan took a sharp breath, his temple pinched. He clearly remembered mentioning that he was busy with some urgent work and no one should disturb him but here it goes again.

Her mother stood at the edge of his bed, clutching a bright red sweater, her expression equal parts hopeful and determined. "Zhan, just try it on for a second! Your aunt picked this out especially for you. I asked her to wait downstairs, she would love to see you wear it," she urged, her voice almost pleading.

Zhan barely looked up. "Mom, please, I've got a lot of work to do. I told you all not to bother me right now."

His mother ignored his response, holding out the garment even closer to him. "Zhan, don't be so difficult. She's family, and she'll feel bad if she doesn't see you in it."

Zhan sighed, patience wavering but attempting to keep his tone steady. "I appreciate her thoughtfulness, but mom, I can not wear it now. I am busy, keep it, I will check later." Zhan's eyes darted to the screen, scanning through documents.

But she continued to press, her voice becoming more persistent. "Don't act like we never being with work. Wearing it once won't make you lose anything big, is it? How much time it will take you to wear it and show it to her?, We taught you to be thoughtful to others. Come on Zhan, not for her then at least for me....wear it son, please!!!"

The comment, meant to be light, only added to Zhan's growing irritation. He had always felt the weight of being the eldest child, making sacrifices and adjustments to avoid disappointing anyone. It was tiring, the continuous conflicts and interventions of his day-to-day life by his parents were dreading. He wanted the freedom to make his own choices, however trivial they seemed and so he shifted into his own space as soon as fulfilled his priorities.....his siblings were all settled, his parents enjoying retirement life, their family business taken care of by his first sister and youngest brother, all major debts were clear, the family was grounded and stable in every way. It was also a reason why Zhan took so long to get married even after being the eldest. He didn't want his spouse to feel the same burden that he carried out. When he expressed this decision of moving out years ago, It was like a hell of arguments broke inside the house but Zhan was determined. He was always a man of planning, and he never failed.

Currently, he straightened, finally placing his laptop aside, his patience wearing thin.

"Mom, I don't want to wear it, and that's final. I am genuinely busy so please let me work " he replied, a trace of irritation slipping into his voice, he was done enough of 'just putting up with it' for the sake of family. He was not going to keep doing that again. 

Despite his steady response, his mother wasn't one to give up easily. She added, with a faint hint of exasperation, "It's just a sweater, Zhan! Why are you making such a fuss?"