Minnie POV
It was Sunday, just like Dad promised. A one-day family outing.
I woke up to the sound of Mom in the kitchen and Dad humming while packing snacks. It felt strange... but nice. Like old times.
Dad knocked on my door. Dad: "Good morning, madam! Get ready fast. Today you are kidnapped for a family trip."
I laughed. Me: "Kidnapped? At least give me breakfast first."
Mom came with a smile and said, Mom: "No arguments. Eat first, then we go."
We reached a small breakfast place near the highway. Dad ordered too much food as usual.
Mom: "Why did you order so much? Only three of us are here."
Dad: "Because today is special. My daughter is smiling after many days. That needs celebration."
I felt my heart warm.
Me: "Dad, you are becoming emotional suddenly."
Dad: "What? I can't love my daughter now?"
Mom laughed.
Mom: "Eat properly, both of you."
I nodded.
Me: "Yes mom... today feels like a real family day."
After breakfast, we went to the zoo. Dad behaved like a child, pointing at every animal.
Dad: "Look Minnie, that monkey is exactly like you when you steal snacks."
Me: "Dad! I don't steal snacks."
Mom: "You steal my patience every day."
We all laughed.
Near the deer section, Dad suddenly became quiet. Dad: "You know... I missed these moments. I missed being with you both.'
Mom looked at him softly. Mom: "What matters is now. We are together."
I walked between them and held both their hands. Me: "This is enough for me"
In the afternoon, we went to the movie. Dad bought popcorn and finished half before the movie even started.
Me: "Dad, you are watching popcorn or movie?"
Dad: "Popcorn is more interesting."
Mom whispered,
Mom: "He never changed."
I smiled. Watching a movie with them felt safe... like my childhood again.
In the evening, we went to the same park we used to visit every day long ago.
It had been years since we came here as a family. Every tree, every bench, every path carried memories of my childhood.
I saw Mom and Dad sitting together on a bench, talking softly.
I didn't want to disturb them, so I slowly walked away, giving them some space.
I walked around the park alone, watching children play, couples laugh, and old people sit quietly under the trees.
From a distance, I could see them-sitting close, their hands resting on their laps, their faces filled with emotions.
Thomas POV
I looked at Princy and let out a long sigh.
"It's been so many years, Princy... and today feels like the first peaceful day of my life. I wasted so much time away from you and Minnie. I still regret it every single day."
She looked at me quietly, listening.
Thomas: "Do you remember this park? Every evening after Minnie came back from school, we used to bring her here. She would run all over the place... and after playing, she would cry for ice cream." I smiled sadly
"She always wanted the biggest cone. And if we bought a small one, she would argue with me like a lawyer."
Princy smiled through her tears.
Princy: "Yes... she would say, 'Dad, I played a lot, I need extra energy."
We both laughed softly, then fell silent again.
Princy POV
"This park has seen our whole life, Thomas. Our fights, our silence, and now... our healing."
She turned to me.
"But our Minnie is not that little girl anymore. She has grown up. Soon she will need to build her own life... her own future... maybe even choose her life partner."
Her voice trembled slightly.
Thomas: "Yes... she has grown beautifully. And you are the reason for that, Princy. You raised her alone when I failed as a husband and as a father." I lowered my head and said "I lost these years because of my mistakes. I lost your smiles... Minnie's childhood... our family moments. I can never get them back."
I placed my hand over his and said
"We cannot go back, Thomas. But we can stay here... today... together."
Thomas: "I am ashamed of myself. I was blind. I didn't see the treasure I had at home. I don't want to lose even one more day with you and Minnie."
His eyes filled with tears.
Thomas: "Let me be the father Minnie deserves now. Let me be the husband you waited for all these years."
Princy's eyes became wet.
Princy: "I didn't wait for promises, Thomas. I waited for this man sitting in front of me today."
She squeezed his hand gently.
Minnie POV
I stood near a tree, pretending to look at my phone, but my eyes were fixed only on them.
Mom and Dad were sitting on the old bench-the same bench where they used to sit years ago while I ran around the park with an ice cream in my hand.
I saw Dad holding Mom's hand gently, like he was afraid she might disappear if he let go.
I felt something warm and painful at the same time inside my chest.
So this is what a family looks like...
Not broken.
Not shouting.
Not crying.
Just sitting together in silence.
My eyes filled with tears without warning.
I remembered the days when Mom used to sit alone on that bench, waiting for me while Dad was never there.
And now... he was here.
I whispered to myself,
"Please don't break her heart again, Dad."
I didn't want to interrupt their moment.
So I turned away and walked slowly around the park path.
Children were laughing.
Parents were calling their kids. Couples were walking hand in hand.
And suddenly I realized... One day, I might not be here with them like this anymore.
The thought scared me.
If I leave Chennai... will this happiness disappear again?
My heart felt heauy.
Later that night, we went to a small restaurant for dinner.
It was simple and quiet.
Soft music played in the background.
Dad ordered all my favorite dishes, just like old times.
Mom smiled at him.
Princy: "Why are you ordering so much, Thomas? She won't eat everything."
Thomas (smiling): "She didn't eat properly for months. Today she must eat well."
I tried to smile, but my mind was somewhere else.
We started eating.
For a few minutes, there was only the sound of spoons and plates.
Then I finally gathered courage.
Minnie (softly): "Mom... Dad... I want to tell you something."
Both of them looked at me at the same time.
Thomas: "What is it, Minnie?"
I took a deep breath.
Minnie: "I started applying for jobs."
Mom smiled proudly.
Princy: "That's good, dear."
But I wasn't finished.
I was hesitating "I may not get a job in Chennai."
They both became silent.
Minnie: "It's not confirmed yet... I haven't got any offer. But if I get a chance outside Chennai... I want to go."
My spoon trembled in my hand.
Minnie: "I don't want to stay in Chennai anymore."
Mom's smile slowly faded.
Princy: "Why, Minnie? You just got your family back... now you want to leave?"
My chest tightened.
Minnie: "I love you both. But... this city reminds me of everything. Hospital... fights... pain... him"
I stopped before saying Will's name.
"I need a new place. New start. New air to breathe."
Dad looked at me seriously. And said "Is this because of your career... or because you are running away from your pain?"
I looked down. And whispered "Both."
Mom reached across the table and held my hand.
Princy: "You don't have to run, Minnie. We are here now."
Tears filled my eyes.
"I know, Mom. But if I stay here, I will keep looking back. If I go... maybe I can learn to move forward."
Dad was silent for a long moment.
Then he spoke softly "If your job is confirmed... and if that place gives you a a future... we will not stop you."
I looked up in shock.
Thomas: "But promise me one thing."
Minnie: "What, Dad?"
Thomas: "Don't go because you are broken. Go because you are brave."
Mom nodded with wet eyes.
Princy: "Wherever you go, Minnie... you will always have a home here."
I couldn't control my tears anymore. I stood up and hugged them both across the table.
Minnie: "I don't know where my job will be... but I know I will always come back to you."
They hugged me tightly, like they were afraid to let me go. And in that small restaurant, between unfinished plates and quiet music, my future slowly began to change.
After dinner that night, I sent my resume to Akil like he said.
A few hours later, he called me.
Akil: "Minnie, I shared your resume with my friend."
My heart skipped a beat.
Minnie: " What did he say?"
Akil: "He said their HR team will contact you soon. It will be an online interview."
I held my phone tightly.
Minnie: "Thank you, Akil... seriously."
Akil (laughing): "Don't thank me now. Thank me after you get selected."
The next morning, I heard my phone notification.
Unknown Number - HR Team
My hands started shaking.
I opened the mail slowly.
"Dear Minnie. We reviewed your resume and would like to conduct an online interview today at 4:00 PM."
I stared at the screen for a long time.
Paris... a new city... a new life...
My heart was beating fast.
I ran to the kitchen.
Minnie: "Mom... I got an interview call!"
Mom dropped the spoon from her hand.
Princy: "Today itself?"
Minnie: "Yes... online.'
She hugged me tightly.
Princy: "You will do well, dear. Just be confident."
Dad came from the hall.
Thomas: "What happened?"
Minnie: "I have an interview, Dad."
He smiled proudly.
Thomas: "See? Life is opening doors for you."
At 3:45 PM, I sat in my room with my laptop.
My palms were sweating.
My heart was racing.
I looked at myself in the mirror.
Minnie (to herself): "You are not broken. You are brave."
Then my phone buzzed.
It was Sara.
Sara: "Madam CEO, are you ready?"
Minnie : I nervous laugh and s "I feel like fainting."
Sara: "Don't think about Chennai... don't think about Will... think about your future."
I took a deep breath and turned on the screen for the interview. My heart was beating fast because everything happened so suddenly. I didn't have much time to prepare. I only revised a few basic interview questions and quickly went through the company detai ls without analyzing them deeply. just took a quick look and hoped it would be enough.
When the screen turned on, I forced a small smile.
Three people appeared on the screen.
HR: "Hello Minnie, can you hear us?"
Minnie: "Yes, ma'am. Good evening."
HR: "Tell us about yourself."
I swallowed my fear and took another deep breath before speaking. I introduced myself and tried my best to sound confident. They started asking me basic questions about the assistant role-what my responsibilities would be and how I would manage my work.
The interview continued for almost one hour. Most of their questions were about whether I was willing to move to Paris, if I was comfortable staying there alone, and what salary I expected. My mind was racing, but I answered honestly.
Then I gathered my courage and asked them a question too.
Minnie: "If I am selected, will there be accommodation provided?"
They smiled and replied that the company would arrange everything-accommodation, basic facilities, and support for my stay in Paris.
Hearing that made me feel a little relieved.
At the end of the interview, they said, HR: "If you are selected, we will contact you soon."
I thanked them politely and ended the meeting.
When the screen went blank, I slowly closed my laptop and leaned back on my chair. A long sigh escaped my lips.
Minnie : "I hope I get this job."
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Author Note
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