Chapter 2 Family Matters

The weekend dawned bright and clear, casting a warm glow over the quaint neighborhood where Enora's parents lived. As she stepped through the front door of their cozy family home, she was greeted by the comforting aroma of her mother's home-cooked meals.

"Enora, darling, you're just in time for lunch.", her mother called out from the kitchen. A smile lit up her face as she bustled about, starting to set the table with an array of delicious dishes.

Enora smiled in return. She had aimed on purpose to be in time for lunch, in dire need of some real, home-cooked food. She already felt the stress of the week melting away. Enora kicked off her shoes and made her way to the kitchen, enveloped in the warmth of her childhood home. She took a seat on a bar stool and watched her mom finish her cooking.

The kitchen was a place of comfort and familiarity for Enora, a sanctuary where she had spent countless hours as a child, watching her mom work her culinary magic. She had sat in this very same place almost every day as she worked on her homework while her mom was cooking. The rhythmic clatter of pots and pans, the sizzle of food cooking on the stove, the fragrant aroma of spices and herbs. It all filled her with a sense of nostalgia and contentment. It also settled her soul a bit after the confusing week she had. Here was everything as she knew it.

"So, how's work been, darling?", her mother asked, breaking the comfortable silence as she stirred a bubbling pot on the stove.

Enora sighed deeply, remembering the last event and the stress it caused her.

"It is challenging, to say the least.", she admitted, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "The last event was a huge success, but it was also stressful with client demands and endless deadlines. There is never enough time to get everything done."

Her mother nodded sympathetically, her expression filled with worry.

"I know, dear.", she said gently. "Just remember, it's important to take care of yourself. You can't pour from an empty cup."

Enora smiled gratefully. "You're right, mom. It also gives me a huge kick when I manage to pull it off, and when I get compliments from the clients."

As they sat down to eat, Enora's parents exchanged knowing glances, a silent understanding passing between them. There was a heaviness in the air.

"Enora, darling, there's something we need to talk to you about.", her father began, his voice serious as he met her eyes across the table. "Your mother and I have been worried about you alone in the city."

Enora glanced up from her meal, a furrow forming between her brows as she studied her parents' somber expressions.

"What do you mean, dad?", Enora asked her dad.

"Well, in light of recent events, we believe it's important for you to be prepared to defend yourself.", he answered. "We've heard whispers of criminal activity on the rise in the city.", he explained carefully.

Enora rolled her eyes. This was typical behavior for her mom and dad. They were always extremely worried about her living alone in the big city.

"Dad...", Enora started to say, but her mother spoke at the same time.

"I'm sure it is nothing to worry about, dear. It probably is just the usual petty crimes that tend to crop up in big cities. But it never hurts to be prepared, now does it? It would simply put our minds to rest knowing that you can defend yourself. You know we don't like the idea of you living there all by yourself...", her mom said soothingly.

Enora nodded slowly, but she was already waiting for the next comment to come. The topic that they have been at odds over for the longest time.

"You know that we think it's time for you to find a partner.", her dad said, his gaze intense as he met Enora's eyes.

"Dad...", Enora's tone was warning her dad not to go there.

"Darling, we know that you want to focus on your career and building a life for yourself. We know that, but a partner can also give you someone to lean on. Someone to support you through thick and thin. Like your dad and I.", her mom spoke softly.

Enora felt annoyed that her parents didn't seem to understand that in this day and age a woman didn't need a man by her side to live a fulfilling life. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the frustration bubbling within her.

She loved her parents dearly, but their constant hovering and insistence on her finding a partner grated on her nerves. She had always been fiercely independent, determined to carve out her own path in life, and she resented them for the implication that she needed a man to complete her.

"I appreciate your concern, mom, dad, but I'm really not interested in finding a boyfriend right now.", Enora said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "I'm focused on my career, on building a life for myself. I don't need a partner to feel fulfilled."

Her parents exchanged a worried glance, their expressions filled with concern.

"Enora, sweetheart, we just want what's best for you.", her mother said gently. "We want you to be happy, to have someone by your side who loves and supports you."

"I know.", Enora replied, her voice softening with affection. "And I appreciate you looking out for me. But I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I don't need a man to make me happy."

Her father sighed deeply, his gaze searching hers for a moment before he spoke.

"We understand, Enora. But please, just think about what we've said. It's a dangerous world out there, and we worry about you being alone. At your age, we already had you!"

Enora nodded slowly, her heart heavy with guilt. She knew her parents only wanted what was best for her, but she couldn't shake the feeling of frustration and resentment that simmered beneath the surface. She hated the idea of disappointing them, of not living up to their expectations, but she also knew that she had to stay true to herself.

"I'll think about it, dad.", Enora said finally, rolling her eyes and her voice tinged with reluctance.

Her dad nodded understandingly, a small smile playing at the corners of his lips.

"That's all we ask, darling.", he said gently. "Just promise me that you'll be careful out there. Promise me that you'll take care of yourself."

Enora's heart clenched at the concern in her father's eyes, and she reached out to squeeze his hand reassuringly.

"I promise, dad.", she said softly. "I'll always be careful."

With that, the conversation turned to lighter topics, and the rest of the meal passed in a blur of laughter and chatter. Enora felt a sense of warmth and contentment settle over her as she sat at the table with her parents, surrounded by love and acceptance.

As the afternoon wore on, Enora found herself lost in the familiar rhythms of her childhood home. She helped her mother with the dishes, the comforting routine of washing and drying soothing her frayed nerves. She wandered through the familiar rooms of the house, pausing to admire the family photos that adorned the walls.

As the sun began to set on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the neighborhood, Enora's parents gathered her in a tight embrace.

"Thank you for coming, darling.", her mother said, her voice filled with love. "It means the world to us to have you here."

Enora smiled tearfully, her heart overflowing with gratitude.

"Thank you for having me, mom, dad.", she said softly. "I love you both so much."

With one final hug, Enora bid her parents farewell and made her way back to the city, her heart light and her spirits buoyed by the love and support of her family. As she drove through the bustling streets surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the city, she couldn't help but feel a sense of peace settle over her.

However, she vowed to herself to join a self-defense class to sooth her parents' minds. If anything, it would give her the chance to kick out some frustrations from work. It was the least she could do, because finding a boyfriend was not on her mind just yet.