Chapter 41: Memories

**Michelle**

I opened the door to the house, luckily it was closed this time around.

I almost screamed my head out when the first thing I saw was my father's face. It looked like his face was pressed against the door when I pushed it.

“What are you doing?" I asked with my hand on my chest, the grocery bag in my hand almost fell off.

“It's a different boy today." He started as he walked away from me. My mother was nowhere in sight, I thought she was in their room sleeping when I looked down to see her passed out on the floor.

Even though my father was reeking of alcohol, the only thing was that his words weren't slurred which meant that he was partly sober.

“I don't even know him.” I said and tried to sidestep him.
"Not so quick girl, I have a question I've been meaning to ask you." He said.

He didn't wait for my response before he continued, "How do you always pull men. I mean, how do they even find you attractive? You're bland and you bring bad luck everywhere you go.”

The plastic bag I held in my hand was about to tear off completely with how hard I was squeezing it with my nails going through it.

“All you do is sleep around with them, get money from them and spend it on food which just looks like the only thing you came here to do.” She said,

“I'm not sleeping around with anyone.” I replied to him through gritted teeth.

"Really? Then explain what else they all want from you. You know what? That's not even my problem, all I know is that you take good money from them and spend them on this house.”

"I'm not a wh*re!" I yelled when I couldn't keep in the anger anymore.

Anger flashed through his own eyes and the next thing I heard was a snack, it took me a moment to realize that I was the one that was hit.

I held my cheeks, staring at him with fury. Angry tears threatened to roll down my face.

“You're the worst father ever and i hope you rot in h*ll!" I yelled at him and ran up the stairs with tears falling down my face.

The moment I got into my room, I threw away my bag and grocery bag then jumped on the bed with the tears falling off my face like a waterfall.

I was absorbed in the collection of stickers, concentration evident on my face as my tiny hands meticulously peeled off a shiny unicorn sticker.

My grandmother was tinkering with the GPS next to me, muttering something about the best way to get to the zoo.

This trip had been planned for weeks, ever since my teacher brought up the recently opened exhibit of newborn pandas.

With the sun shining brightly, a pleasant departure from the typical weekend precipitation, My grandmother merged onto the highway with ease.

"Are we getting close now?" I asked from beside her, my voice was mixed with enthusiasm and excitement.

Nearly there, my love,” She answered, glancing at the dashboard clock. "Just a bit more time."

After a while, My grandmother turned to look at me, content with the instructions. "We ought to arrive there in roughly twenty minutes.”

“Mama, look at my new stickers, they're so beautiful." I laughed as I almost put the stickers into her eyes.

With much anticipation, I bent forward, extending my small arms as far as my car seat would permit.

“Yeah, baby, that unicorn is really lovely. Did you purchase that yesterday at the store?”

I nodded, my red cheeks showing her pride. She outstretched her hand and cupped my cheeks affectionately.

"Excellent decision, Michelle,"She remarked as our eyes locked in a mutual appreciation of the little pleasures in life.

Even if things weren't always simple and mightn't last for long again, times like these made the occasional sleepless night and tantrum worthwhile.

Soon later, we arrived at the zoo, where families and excited kids were crammed into the parking lot. We all piled out of the car as My grandmother steered it into a position close to the entrance, and the sounds of distant animal calls and animated conversation filled the air.

I grasped her hand as I jumped out of the car excitedly and turned around to meet her. We both walked towards the entrance with her other hand entwined with hers.

Every bend in the zoo's labyrinthine walkways and displays unveiled a fresh, breathtaking realm.

The aviary was the first stop, where vibrant parrots and small finches swooped around in a riot of color.

I began to explain the distinction between venomous and non-venomous snakes, and My grandmother added some fascinating information about the different species.

We took our time, stopping often to allow me to take in everything, as We strolled through the exhibits, soaking in the sights and sounds.

At last, we arrived at the trip's high point—the panda exhibit.

Around the enclosure, a throng had assembled, eager to witness the tiny panda who had won over everyone's hearts.

She raised me up onto her shoulders so I could see more well. The newborn panda was making adorable, clumsy gestures as it played clumsily with a ball.

"Observe, Mama! It's really adorable." I said, beaming with smiles all over my face.

I let out a squeal and clapped her hands with joy. I grinned at her, a wave of satisfaction washing over me.

We watched the antics of the infant panda for a long while at the panda exhibit. I experienced a profound sense of connection with my surroundings as well as My grandmother and I.

Viewing the world through I's eyes has a certain something special about it; her wonder and innocence served as a reminder of the beauty even in the most basic things.

We made the decision to pause and eat lunch after seeing the pandas. We set up a blanket on the grass in a picnic place we discovered. I had made sandwiches, fruit, and juice boxes that morning, and I opened them.

With everything bathed in a warm glow from the afternoon sun, we dined in convivial stillness. My grandmother and I watched with our hands entwined as I chased butterflies, her laughter resonating like a song.

“Days such as these are what make everything worthwhile.” I whispered quietly as I leaned my head on My grandmother's shoulder.

With his eyes tracking I's movements, My grandmother nodded. “Without a doubt.” She smiled in reply.

Observing her immense happiness is everything. We continued to explore more exhibits as the afternoon went on, including the magnificent lions, the energetic otters, and the enormous giraffes.