The next morning, Mehrin was busy in the kitchen, preparing breakfast with her usual care. The smell of toasted bread and brewing coffee filled the house, but the peace was short-lived. Owen stormed through the door, his face flushed with anger.
"Mom!" he shouted, slamming the door behind him.
Mehrin turned, concern knitting her brows. "What happened, Owen?"
"Did you see the story you posted on Instagram? My school friends follow you too… and they saw it," he said, his voice trembling with frustration.
Mehrin looked at him, puzzled. "What's wrong with the picture? You looked so cute sleeping, that's all!"
"They're leaving mean comments… making fun of me!" Owen's words spilled out in irritation.
Mehrin placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "They must be jealous of you. Don't let it get to you."
"Shut up!" Owen snapped, storming upstairs, slamming his bedroom door behind him.
"Hey, at least eat some breakfast!" Mehrin called after him, but there was no response. Sighing, she set about finishing her cooking, the clatter of pans filling the otherwise quiet house.
Soon, her phone rang. It was Ariana, Sarah's mother. Mehrin picked up, smiling.
"Hello! How are you?" she asked.
"I'm fine. And you?" Ariana replied warmly.
"I'm good too," Mehrin said.
"We've moved to England," Ariana said cheerfully.
Mehrin's eyes widened. "Wow! That's amazing news! I'm so happy for you."
"Jonathan quit his job in Italy and decided to start a business here," Ariana explained.
"Oh wow, congratulations!" Mehrin said sincerely.
"And Sarah came by your house yesterday. Didn't Owen tell you?"
Mehrin hesitated. "No… he must have forgotten."
"Maybe. I'll plan a visit to your house in a few days," Ariana said.
"Yes, please! You're most welcome," Mehrin replied.
"Goodbye!" Ariana said.
"Goodbye," Mehrin said, ending the call. She set her phone down and returned to her work, thoughts of Owen swirling in her mind.
That evening, Mehrin and Owen sat together at the dinner table. The aroma of her cooking made the house feel warm, but the silence between them was heavy.
"How's your studying going?" Mehrin asked, trying to break the tension.
"It's going well," Owen replied.
"When does school start again?" she continued.
"In fifteen days," he said quietly.
"I'm glad you started studying before school even begins," Mehrin said, smiling.
"I'm glad too," Owen admitted.
Mehrin hesitated for a moment. "By the way, why didn't you tell me that Sarah came yesterday?"
Owen suddenly stood up, anger flashing in his eyes. "Do I have to tell you everything? Are there rules for every little thing?"
"That's enough, Owen," Mehrin said firmly, trying to remain calm.
"I've eaten. I'm going to sleep," he said, walking away, leaving Mehrin staring after him. She knew that some battles were better left for another time.