A dream and a night hike

I quickly drifted off after laying on my bed. During my nap, I had a dream. I was walking alongside Mom and Nadia, Mom holding my arm.

"Mom, do you really have to hold me like this? People are gonna assume things." I complained, trying to break free.

Mom pouted. "What, are you now too old for me to hold you close to me?"

Nadia meanwhile simply giggled, amused by Mom's antics.

I looked away, blushing slightly. "No... It's just that... You still look really young...”

Mom’s smile became more teasing. "Hehe, I see~ Afraid of people thinking I'm your girlfriend? Don't worry, I won't steal you from Sophie."

"Mom…" I turned my head to try to hide my embarrassment...

Nadia just smiled. "Come on, Anya, leave him alone. See how bashful you're making him. He's a teenager now, you know how they are at that age."

Mom laughed. "I know, I know. But he's so adorable when he's acting all shy. I'm just excited because my little boy is finally becoming a man!"

"Mom, I just entered high school, I'm still far from being a man." I awkwardly said, scratching my red hair.

She just smiled warmly at me. "You're the spitting image of your father at your age."

"He does look a lot like his father, but he took a lot from you as well." Nadia commented.

"He's really becoming a handsome man, right?" Mother chirped.

It was really embarassing to hear them talk about me like this, but I kept quiet, because I knew speaking would only make things worse.

Nadia chuckled. "Considering that you're the one with the good genetics, it's not a surprise. You look like you haven't aged a day since meeting Sam. You're older than me and yet you could easily pass off as one of my students. I'm honestly jealous."

Mom approached Nadia and caressed her cheek, a grin on her face. "I'd be willing to trade. I always thought you were far more beautiful than me, Nadia."

Nadia just blushed and pushed my mother's hand away. "Ah, stop being weird..."

"We all need some weirdness in our lives. It makes things more interesting." Mom said before looking in the distance. “Let's move, I don't want to make Jane and Sophie wait."

"Y-yeah."

When I opened my eyes, I was in my room, staring at the ceiling. A tear was rolling down my cheek. I shook my head as I got up, letting out a sigh.

Why did I have to remember this now?

Of course, the answer was obvious. I had looked at the picture, I reminisced about the events of that day before going to sleep. The sound that my stomach made reminded me that I still hadn't eaten either.

Maybe I'll just buy something in a bakery. I don't feel like cooking with Nadia around, today...

I quickly got rid of my school uniform and dressed in something more comfortable before leaving. As I crossed the living room, I saw Nadia passed out on the couch, the stench being even worse than when I got home.

Why did you become such a drunkard?

I ignored her and went to the convenience store. I bought a sandwich and walked towards the forest. I liked to hike there to relax during the evening, far away from Nadia. After a while, I found a rock and sat on it to catch my breath.

"Walking here always helps me feel better…" I muttered, taking a bite of my sandwich.

Ever since I was a kid, I've been going on hikes alongside my parents. Mainly with my father, considering that my mother was often too busy or tired with work. Being surrounded by nature was relaxing. Hearing the small noises animals make, the wind blowing through the leaves of trees… It helped me forget my problems for a moment.

Thanks, Dad, for making me love this…