100: UNSPOKEN BURDEN

LISA’S POV

"But it’s a little too late to offer understanding or pity, sir," I say, trying my best to keep my tone calm and respectful, though it’s hard to suppress the wave of emotions building inside me.

"There’s something your father always said when we were younger. It’s never too late to try and make things right," he begins, his voice carrying a weight of regret that almost makes me want to soften.

"Until you’re dead," I finish for him, my voice flat, betraying none of the rage beneath the surface. I may not remember all of the wise things my father used to tell me when I was young, but that is one thing I will never forget. Whenever I made a mistake or had an issue with my mom and stayed out too long, my father would always say that exact phrase when I refuse to appologise to my mom.

Back then, I didn’t understand why he would talk about death to a child, especially over something as small as breaking a plate or messing up the house. It seemed too heavy a lesson for a little g