C13 Strange Expressions

When I get home, my parents were waiting for me with strange expressions on their faces. Concern. Unease. Something they were clearly trying to hide.

“What’s going on?” I asked immediately. “Why do you both look like that?” My mother quickly forced a smile. “How was work? Are your colleagues treating you well?”

I was tired, so I answered briefly, letting the question slide. Whatever they were hiding, I didn’t have the energy to push further.

We had dinner like normal that night but the silence felt heavier than usual. Afterwards, I went to my room, unable to shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

The next morning, I woke up feeling unusually refreshed. I was ready for work.

Before I left, my mother looked at me with concern. “Son,” she said softly, “don’t mind anything around you. Keep your head focused and be strong.” I smiled. “Don’t worry, Mom. I’ll work hard.”

I left the house but her words stayed in my mind. So did the strange expressions from both my parents the night before.

I had forgotten to ask them about it. I told myself I would ask them later that night.