by Writing Shark
You go down for breakfast
Your wife knows exactly what her household duties are and has made sure, as she does every morning, that you have a good start to your workday. She prepared breakfast while you were still asleep and after you sprayed your juices down her throat, you freshened up in the bathroom while Hellen scurried downstairs and finished her preparations for you.
Now you come sharply dressed and clean into the dining room and draw the smell of more coffee, fresh toast, orange juice, bacon and eggs into your nose. You’re living the good life, and after proving your love to your spouse, you’re now doing the same to the rest of the family.
“Good morning family” you greet, unlike other fathers fresh, rested and in a good mood every morning. While elsewhere your deeds and sacrifices would remain unappreciated, you have done a great job in your family and are rewarded for it. Where other families live side by side, you have worked hard for it. And your reward you get as every morning as three heads joyfully beaming around to you.
“Hi Dad!” a soft voice rings out and Gemma is the first to jump up from her chair where she and the others have been waiting for you.
Just turned 18, Gemma is rather introverted, shy, quiet and polite. She is your mother’s favorite and you see many of her qualities in your youngest daughter. Her dainty smile, her small stature, her big eyes looking up at you for guidance, her shy movements and the determination with which she listens to your every word are as much a part of Gemma as of Hellen and you never have any trouble with your youngest daughter.
Every parent, including you and Hellen, have your darlings in the family and even if other families would never talk about it, everyone can see that Hellen has taken her little princess under her wings. Maybe that’s why Gemma dyed her hair with your permission, you think. She is shy but incredibly smart and you are immensely proud of her and her ability to recognize who the important parent is. You can see this in the fact that she always wants to hug you longer than you would allow and even today you have to push her away from you with gentle but firm force. A father has to set boundaries. A father must have a plan. And most importantly, a father has to make his family function. And Gemma knows that. Without a murmur, she separates from you and gives her sister the space she deserves, even as she watches the two of you from lowered eyes.
“Dad!” Where Gemma is shy, Alice is wild. Where her sister holds back, she’s demanding. Alice is your favorite and everyone sees the kinship, your genes in her body. At 20 years old, Alice has already learned how to handle you and where Gemma seeks touch, Alice squeezes as much of your affection out of you as she can. You lift your daughter up, hug her, and turn in a circle while her bright, happy laughter reaches your ears. Then you set her down, too, and sit down at the set table with your daughters and wife.
Your eyes wander over the offer and Alice, Gemma and Hellen wait patiently until you have supplied yourself with scrambled eggs and bacon. A quick nod and you have to stifle a laugh as your daughters pounce on the food your wife has prepared like two hyenas.
In your family there are few but clear rules and it is easy for each of you to follow them. It was hard work but together with Hellen you raised your daughters to be exactly the people you wanted in your family. Like you, the two girls are full of energy and eager for the day. Of course, this is not always the case, but Hellen, under your guidance, does the best she can to support you, and her daughters thank her more openly than you would do while you know more than your daughters what Hellen really needs.
Tired and with her head slightly bowed, she sits at the kitchen table, nibbling on her toast while your girls fuel themselves for school, you for work. As a good mother, Hellen stays home and keeps things running smoothly while you earn the money and take charge of the family. On top of that, raising your daughters is never really finished for a father, especially one as ambitious as you.
“So my girls,” you begin and they both look up from their breakfast. “What are you guys up to today?” It’s important to show interest but also indicate that you have the final say in their day.
“I have training today” Alice interrupts her sister who needs a little more courage to speak. “Afterwards I plan to go to meet Elise if that’s okay.” You nod and Alice beams. As a father you know of course what people your daughter surrounds herself with but Elise is no problem and the rest goes as you planned.
“And you?” you ask Gemma.
“Not much,” the girl mumbles. “Just have to study for school.” She looks at you expectantly. Again, you know exactly what your daughter wants. Her mother is in charge of school while you work, as it should be, but of course Gemma wants your help her too.
“Tell you what,” you suggest, guiding your youngest in the right direction. “You and your mother do your chores and tonight we’ll do something nice together. Game night or watch something on TV? You get to pick.” With that, Gemma is satisfied too and her smile lights up the room. But Alice looks at you.
“And you want to spend the night at Elise,” you state, pretending to be exhausted by the thought.
“Yeah?” Her smile is really sweet and you appreciate the gesture. None of your girls would ever think of trying to manipulate you, but the fact that your eldest pretends to try is the reason you allow her.
“You know what I want from you in return?” you smile and Alice nods eagerly.
You spend the rest of breakfast in silence, listening to your wonderful family. Hellen lists all the things she has to do, Gemma promises to help her after she finishes her homework, and Alice tells you about her plans and all the things she’s going to do at school.
You have a good, happy family where everyone knows exactly where their place is in life. You couldn’t love your three girls more and even if you try hard, you can’t manage not to be proud of them. Three wonderful women by your side. That’s what makes you the man you’ve always wanted to be.
Writing Shark 