The tension in the air was palpable, and rage arose in my heart like a tsunami. I couldn’t understand why he had to say no at this last moment. I picked up my phone and called my cousin, who was a few years older than me.
"Hello, bro James,” I said.
"Hello Tomi, what's up?" he questioned.
“It is Dad again!" He just told me now, as I was about to leave, not to go to my hostel roommate's sister’s wedding. Even though I have told him about it in advance and I have also promised my roommate that I will be there,” I replied as calmly as I could, trying not to sound too angry over the phone line.
“Really! What reasons did he give for you not to go?"
“He didn’t give enough reasons; some reasons he gave were that he didn’t know this was my roommate and that the wedding location is a bit far from home,” I replied while pacing about in my room.
“Hmm,” James sighed and then asked, "So, what are you planning to do?"
“I don’t know,” I honestly answered.
I continued, “That’s why I called you. You know he told me I could go, but I shouldn't count on him to unlock the door for me when I return. Being an adult, I truly feel like challenging him.”
James immediately gave me the following advice after sensing my rage: "First, I need you to calm down and not do or say anything irrational or out of anger to him. Even though his approach might have been incorrect, particularly telling you at the last minute not to go. Actually, he was acting in your best interests and out of love for you. You should be aware of how bad the country's security situation is right now."
But he should have said it days ago, not right before I was going to leave, I said, simmering with rage.
"Yes, you are correct. But as long as you continue to reside under his roof, you will have to put up with these inconveniences. You'll be living independently very soon." James said assuredly.
Without hesitation, James added, “I know you must have been heartbroken by his refusal to let you go to the wedding. Don't let it bother you.”
“Thank you for the advice.”
“Also, give your friend a call and explain why you won't be able to attend the wedding. He would comprehend, I'm sure. Insisted James.”
I said, "Ok, I will," and then ended the conversation.
Some minutes later, I called my roommate and told him why I wouldn't be coming to his sister’s wedding. Unexpectedly, he laughed it off and urged me not to worry, claiming to understand my dad's concern. I was happy he did understand, and my heart burden was relieved after hearing those words. I did reconcile with my dad, and I didn’t take the incident to heart anymore.
