Private A Home I Left Behind

So Zoraida was helping father with the company. . . good, good. Meena held no interest for business and money. Once could kindly call her too much of a free spirit but the honest truth was that she found it boring. Perhaps she may run into Jeremiah at the school, if she does not meet him formally before then.

"She was always a smart one," Meena said, "Even when she was young. Her mother would be proud." Meena closed her eyes for a moment, and imagined her sister's face. Every detail, the way she smiled, Meena could still picture it. 'I watch over your daughter and grandchild, Azu.' Meena vowed. 'I will keep them safe. Rest easy, dearest sister.'

"May I stay for dinner?" Meena asked. "So we may talk and I can learn all that has happened in your life these last thirty years?"

Meena smiled, pleased by her father's response. She only hoped he would not pry too deeply into the last thirty years of her life as she was not sure if she could speak intimately of that time just yet. What she wanted and hoped for was to hear of father's life, and all the joy within it.

"I have made arrangements with the school." Meena said, her tone apologetic. "In addition to teaching there, I have agreed to a position as a dorm parent." It was clear what father wanted, but Meena could compromise. "However, I do believe my accommodations are not yet set up. I would be happy to stay here until my room is established." In all likelyhood the school had her room ready, but a little white lie to please her father would do not harm.

"That would be wonderful," Meena said to his suggestion of setting a private room for her at the house. Though she wasn't sure if she would ever be able to use it, as she would have the responsibility to stay with her dorm kids. Knowing that there would be a room for her in her father's house warmed her.

She has a home again. "Thank you, father. This is more than I could ever hope for. I will visit on the weekends. Most definitely."