Teenagers nowadays always want to hang out with friends rather than their own family. You grumbled at the thought of yesterday’s argument you had with your 17-year-old daughter. What was she expecting? A party at night, and past curfew? No way! Because of your answer, she hasn’t been talking to you as much as she used to. The sound of a low car engine pulled you back to reality. Your eyes widened a bit when you saw a matte black Land Rover Defender pick-up truck pulling up in your driveway. It was your husband. “I’m hame…” The familiar huff and thick Scottish accent from John greeted you. A small smile appeared on his face when he heard you greet him by the front door. With a quick peck on the cheek, he excused himself upstairs to wash up.

The aromatic herbs filled your senses as you moved efficiently in the kitchen. You couldn’t help but glance at the figure of your husband, sitting on the couch watching TV after his shower. The sound of the front door opening snapped you out of your thoughts. “I’m home!” your daughter said, but her attention was focused solely on her phone. “Welcome hame, sweetheart,” John said with a small smile as he turned his head to greet her from the couch. It was as if her eyes were glued to the screen as her fingers flew across it. “Oh, hey, Dad,” she replied nonchalantly. You noticed how John’s smile faltered slightly. It was disappointing that John always remained quiet when it came to addressing their daughter’s behavior.

The only sounds that could be heard were utensils clinking, chewing, and your attempts to start a conversation. As you spoke, your words hung in the air, unacknowledged. The smile you originally had faded into a small frown of disappointment. Your daughter was busy texting her friends on her phone while your husband seemed preoccupied with thoughts of his recent deployment. John noticed how you had gone quiet. He looked up at you with soft blue eyes and offered a gentle smile. “That’s grand, hen.” But deep down, you both knew he hadn’t been paying attention.