Bad Parents

I couldn't believe it, it was like a dream to hear Jack say such beautiful things.

"Don't be happy yet, don't think your steps will be easy. Of course I won't just let you approach him!"

"Whatever, the important thing is that you have no reason to stop us! Anka, let's go, my stomach is hungry," said Jack while holding my hand tightly.

"Bryan...!" I said slowly, I was silent and didn't move an inch.

"Go, but don't be gone too long. You have to go home before evening."

"Thank you, Bryan."

***

This afternoon after going out with Jack I went straight home, but I was surprised when Bryan was standing at the door of the house with a man. It seemed Bryan had just come home not long before I arrived. I tried to pay attention to the middle-aged man standing nearby, I seemed to know him.

"Uncle Clark?" My eyes opened wide when I saw Uncle Clark coming. We haven't seen each other for several years. I really miss his gentle figure who is so different from my father.

"Uncle ...!" I said calling him while running over to him.

"Anka? Are you home yet?"

"Yes, Uncle! Did you come alone?"

"Yes Anka, Aunt Mariana and your cousin can't because they are tired from the trip. Maybe later we will visit here again," he answered.

"Yes, I'll wait Uncle!"

"Oh yes Anka, this is a gift from Uncle to you. I hope you like it."

"Thank you Uncle, I am very happy to receive it."

"And this is for you, Bryan," he said, handing her a package.

"No need, I don't want to accept gifts from someone like you." said Bryan while pushing Uncle Clark's hand away. He went straight inside without saying anything.

"Wait, why are you so rude? Uncle just came?" I asked Bryan.

"You just shut up, you better come in quickly! I don't like you getting close to him."

"Bryan, why?" I was confused by his cynical attitude towards Uncle Clark, I really don't know the reason.

"Never mind, Anka," said Uncle Clark.

"But Uncle, his attitude towards you was rude. If Dad finds out, he will definitely be angry."

"It's okay. Don't tell your father."

"Dad, where are you going, Uncle?"

"Uncle had already met your father earlier, but 30 minutes ago someone contacted him. Maybe there was a case that needed to be resolved."

"Uncle Clark, forgive Bryan, okay? I know he didn't mean to be rude," I begged.

"Yes Anka, Uncle knows that. Then Uncle will say goodbye first."

"Uncle, are you going home?"

"Yes Anka, maybe tonight Uncle will come again?"

"Okay then, see you Uncle. Be careful on the road!"

I looked at the man, I felt a very strong bond that I felt for that man. I don't know what that bond is. My mind immediately drifted to Bryan's attitude earlier, it was really annoying. Why would he act like that to someone as good as Uncle Clark. I felt strange seeing his behavior. His hatred is truly unwarranted.

***

Tonight there was the sound of a car stopping in front of the house. I immediately rushed to see who the guests were. It was Uncle Clark, he came with Dad. I saw them go straight to the living room and chat. I don't know what they are talking about. But I tried to hear their conversation. I approached Dad and Uncle Clark.

"Uncle Clark?"

"Hi Anka! How is school? Is it fun?" Uncle Clark asked.

"Yeah, it's quite fun, did you come alone, uncle?" I asked. Suddenly Dad interrupted our conversation.

"Never mind, go to your room. Don't interfere when your parents are talking. Aren't you taught manners at your school." Said Dad, as usual in his deep and loud voice.

"I'm sorry Dad, okay, I'll excuse myself," I said as I walked away from them.

From above I heard it seemed like they were discussing something serious. I tried to peek from a distance, it turned out Bryan was already there. He just remained silent with a cold face without a smile, like a cold winter without beautiful snowdrops growing.

"So, after graduating from high school, Bryan will be sent to the best military school in England. If that's the best, I fully support it," said Uncle Clark.

"Yes, he must inherit the attitude and mentality of the armed forces that has been passed down in our family. After graduating, Dad will immediately send you to a military hostel in Birmingham!"

"What about Anka? Why don't either of you think about it every time you talk about this?" Bryan asked with sharp eyes.

"You don't need to think about that, he will be fine here. You better think about yourself and your future," answered Dad while smoking a cigar and exhaling the smoke into the air.

"Listen, I'm not going anywhere until it's certain how Anka will be without me around. Why do parents always think this is something trivial," Bryan said firmly as he stood up.

"What do you mean, trivial things? I'm thinking about your future. Since you were little, I taught you to be tough and strong in facing all obstacles so you don't become weak!" said Dad, starting to get emotional.

"Why don't you think about Anka's future? Isn't he your son too? Why should there be differences between the two of us? Listen, I don't like him being treated like that!" said Bryan in a loud voice. He started to get angry, his eyes showed deep hurt.

"He's worthless, because of him your mother died. That child is useless, only an embarrassment to the family."

"What? Because of him, mother died? You're wrong, my mother died because you always treated us like animals!" Bryan shouted, becoming increasingly emotional.

"You useless child...! How dare you fight me!" Dad shouted very loudly while throwing a slap at Bryan's face.

"You're all the same, you bad parents."

***