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<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In our house, Dad was the king, and Mom was his servant. My brother Josh and I were practically invisible. My name is Irene, and this is how we decided to teach our workaholic father a lesson.<\/p>\n
It was a typical Tuesday evening. I was doing math homework at the kitchen table while Josh lay on the living room floor with his comic book. The clock ticked towards 6 p.m., and I braced for Dad\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n
At 6 p.m., the front door swung open, and Dad trudged in, his briefcase in hand. He barely looked at us, instead calling out, \u201cMariam! Where\u2019s my dinner?\u201d<\/p>\n
Mom, looking frazzled, appeared from the laundry room. \u201cComing, Carl. Just finishing up the laundry.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dad grunted and plopped down on the couch, immediately immersing himself in his PlayStation game. The familiar sounds of racing cars filled the room, drowning out everything else.<\/p>\n
Josh and I exchanged frustrated glances. This was our routine: Dad was absorbed in work and games, while Mom handled everything else, and we were invisible.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cEnough,\u201d I muttered, storming into the kitchen where Josh was grabbing a snack. \u201cWe need to show Dad how he\u2019s been treating us and Mom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Josh\u2019s eyes sparkled with mischief. \u201cWhat\u2019s the plan?\u201d<\/p>\n
We hatched a plan. The next day, we convinced Mom to take a spa day, promising to handle everything at home. She agreed, clearly needing a break.<\/p>\n
As 6 p.m. approached, Josh and I raided Dad\u2019s closet for his shirts and ties. We dressed up in his oversized clothes, adding a touch of comedy to our act.<\/p>\n
When Dad came home, he froze at the sight of us. \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
I mimicked his usual demanding tone. \u201cI need my dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n
Josh, engrossed in a magazine, added, \u201cAnd don\u2019t forget to clean up the PlayStation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dad\u2019s confusion turned to realization as he watched us. \u201cIs this how you see me?\u201d he asked softly.<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, Dad. You ignore us and treat Mom like a servant,\u201d I said.<\/p>\n
Josh chimed in, \u201cMom works hard too and takes care of everything. You only complain and demand.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dad\u2019s shoulders slumped. Just then, Mom walked in, looking relaxed. She took in the scene and asked, \u201cWhat\u2019s going on?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dad, tears in his eyes, said, \u201cI\u2019ve been a terrible husband and father. I\u2019m sorry.\u201d<\/p>\n
He walked to the kitchen, and we watched as he began cooking. \u201cMaking dinner! Flatbread, anyone?\u201d he called out.<\/p>\n
Josh and I exchanged stunned looks but joined Mom at the table. As Dad served us, he apologized again. \u201cI\u2019ll do better,\u201d he promised.<\/p>\n
During dinner, Dad engaged with us, asking about our day and listening. It felt strange but wonderful.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo, how\u2019s school?\u201d Dad asked.<\/p>\n
I mentioned a big test coming up. \u201cMaybe I could help you study?\u201d Dad offered.<\/p>\n
Surprised, I agreed. As we finished dinner, Dad smiled genuinely. \u201cThank you for showing me how I was acting.\u201d<\/p>\n
I felt a warm glow. \u201cWe\u2019re just glad you listened.\u201d<\/p>\n
Josh grinned. \u201cAnd maybe you\u2019ll join us for games?\u201d<\/p>\n
Dad laughed. \u201cDeal. But first, let\u2019s clean up together.\u201d<\/p>\n
As we cleared the table and washed dishes, I felt hopeful. It was just one night, but it was a start. For the first time in years, we felt like a family again.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In our house, Dad was the king, and Mom was his servant. My brother Josh and I were practically invisible. My name is Irene, and this is… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9592,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9591","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n