Sunlight was hitting me right in the face, and that's what finally dragged me out of sleep. I checked the time. Nine a.m.
I sat up, leaned against the wall, and—surprise, surprise—couldn't remember a single dream. Again.
Maybe I didn't dream at all. Yeah, sure. Let's go with that.I muttered, "If science hadn't proven humans have souls, I'd swear I'm the one person who doesn't. God, seriously—where does my soul go every night?"
Right then, Mom suddenly opened the door. She scanned the room like she expected to catch someone hiding in a corner."Who were you talking to?" she asked."Uh… myself."Mom: "You sure?"
"Yeah. Were you standing behind the door or something?"
Mom: "No. I was coming to wake you up, then I saw you were already awake. If you want, come eat breakfast."
"Okay."
Before closing the door, she gave the room another suspicious once‑over, then left.
I was getting used to this. It used to annoy me, but now it was just… whatever.I folded my bedding and stepped out of the room. The moment I did, I ran straight into Shirin.
Great. First bad luck of the day.Shirin: "Hi! Aren't you gonna eat breakfast?"
"I'm going to the bathroom. No idea why everyone suddenly cares about my breakfast today."Shirin: "Because you're sooo important! Haven't you learned to say good morning?"
"What morning? We literally saw each other last night. Now if you'll excuse me, my patience is dying."
Shirin: "You're unbelievably rude!"I honestly had no idea why she loved arguing with me. She was five years younger, but always acted like she was my boss.After washing up, I went to the living room. Mom always served breakfast there because Dad liked eating in front of the TV.And even though I thought morning greetings were pointless, there was no way I could skip saying hi to Dad. He was just as picky about morning greetings as I was—except he actually got mad if someone didn't say it.I sat down at the table and said good morning.
Shirin said in her usual sarcastic tone, "Didn't you see Dad last night?""It's none of your business," I said. "Mom, can you pour me some tea? I need to leave soon."Mom: "Where?!"
"Got stuff to do."
Mom: "You're going to the university?"
"No, I don't have class today."Dad, still glued to the TV, said, "He's probably going to hang out with those useless friends of his."I didn't bother responding. Honestly, it wasn't surprising. If Dad didn't pick on me at least once a day, he couldn't sleep at night.
Dad asked Mom, "Why isn't my other daughter coming to eat breakfast?"Mom: "She was studying late last night." Then she raised her voice.
"Shabnam, honey, come eat breakfast!"Shabnam was three years younger than me, studying medicine, and one of the main reasons I was basically invisible to my parents.
Not that I needed more bad luck in life. Most parents wished their kid had been a boy, but of course my family had to be part of the rare girl‑obsessed minority.A moment later, Shabnam walked in looking messy and half-asleep. First thing she did was greet Dad.Dad smiled warmly. "Good morning, sweetheart! Come sit next to me."
I was reaching my limit. I didn't have the patience for their little family‑favorite routine. I finished my tea as fast as I could and stood up.Shabnam: "Where are you going?"
"I've been sitting here forever. I need to go."I rushed back to my room to get ready. The older I got, the harder it was to tolerate Mom and Dad's behavior.
Especially Dad—every night he found a new excuse to start a fight. My major (painting), my friends, my clothes… anything he could complain about, he did.I changed clothes and stepped out of my room. I was putting on my shoes in the hallway when Mom showed up.Mom: "You still haven't told me where you're going."
"I didn't."
Mom: "Well, tell me now."
"I'm going to Shayan's."Mom lowered her voice. "Shh! Don't tell your father. You know how he gets. He'll get angry.""Why would I tell him? So he can yell at me? I'm not stupid. And besides, Dad's always angry. Don't blame that on me."Mom: "Don't talk about your father like that!"
"Fine. Anyway, I might not come back for lunch. Bye."Mom: "Take care."