Chapter 1 (1/1)

-Jan Di's pov-"Jan Di-ah, can you set the table for me?" You looked up at your mother as she asked the favour and sighed. "Umma I only just got home.. Wasn't it Kiri's turn to set the table today?" You asked her and hang up your coat. Your mother sighed and you saw the wrinkles form on her forehead. She was getting very tired lately. You felt a bit guilty for not paying as much attention to her. You had been very busy with school and exams that you hadn't been able to spend a lot of time with your family. "She's up in her room. Appa's trying to talk to her." You tilted your head at those words. Kiri? Really? That didn't sound like Kiri at all. As far as you knew Kiri was usually a good kid, why would she be needing a talk with appa? You didn't question it though and went to set the table. "That smells great umma." You complimented on her cooking skills as you smelled from the pots when she carried them in. She still looked very tired and you felt sorry for her. You turned to her and gave her a questioning look but before either one of you could say anything your father came down the stairs looking very upset. You said nothing as he gripped one of the plates from the table together with the cutlery and put it back in the closet. Then he sat down, motioning for everyone to do so as well even though he didn't speak. You shared a glance with your mother and just sat down. "Kiri won't be joining us." Your father finally spoke in a down manner and started eating in silence. You didn't dare to look at your mother in fear that she might be begging you for support. You didn't say anything and just started eating. Throughout dinner there was a tense atmosphere and you finished as quickly as you could. Your father went to his chair to read a newspaper but you were painfully aware of the looks he was sending you and your mother not to go upstairs and bring dinner to Kiri. You couldn't take the tension after a while anymore and took your shoulderbag as you walked to the door. "I'm going to cram school now, I'll see you tonight." You told them. Your father nodded and even gave you a small eyesmile which was unusual for him when he was in a bad mood like now, but he was very proud of you for studying as hard you knew. Your father loved you a lot and you were closer to him than to your mother. Kiri had always been a mommy's girl and you had been a father's girl. Not on purpose but it had just grown like that. You tied the scarf around your neck while you walked to the bus for cram school. When had Kiri become such a problem at home? You knew she and appa didn't get along but you didn't know it had gotten to this extend. You made a small mental note to go talk to her when you got back from cram school and sat at the bus station reading your book while you waited. You were working hard to get into college next year and with a few more weeks of good preperation you were sure you'd be able to pass the entrance exams. You yawned but didn't give up on reading. You wanted to make you family proud. As soon as the bus stopped in front of you and you entered it you met a friend who was also going to cram school and you studied together on the way there. When you finally came back from cram school you were really tired and actually really wanted to go to bed but you remembered you had told yourself to talk to Kiri and see what was wrong. Surprisingly the lights were still on inside. You yawned as you locked the door. You froze when you heard a door slam closed. That didn't sound at all like appa and umma had made up. You walked to the living room and stood in the corner as you watched the horror unfold. "This is all your fault!" Appa screamed as he walked across the room, picking up pillows and tossing them around, "you always let her do anything she wanted and now she's out of control!" He stopped and turned to you when he saw you. "Jan Di-ah.. How was cram school? Did it go well?" You nodded quickly, noticing your mother in tears closeby. "Neh it went well.. I'm going to bed soon. I have to get up early." He seemed to calm down a bit and motioned you to come over. When you did he kissed your forehead and patted your head. "I'm really proud of you Jan Di.." He said, "you make appa happy. Go to sleep so you can study well tomorrow, arasso?" You nodded and smiled at him. "I will appa. Good night." You walked up the stairs to your room, wishing your mother a good night as you passed her. You didn't hear them continue their fight so you assumed they went to sleep too. You hadn't heard them fighting like this before and it concerned you. You sighed and remembered to talk to Kiri but assumed she was already asleep. "Kiri, are you asleep?" You asked. No answer. The light in her room was on though. You opened the door and looked around. Kiri was settled behind her computer at her desk and didn't even look up when you entered the room. "Kiri why are you still awake?" You asked her, "you should have gone to bed half an hour ago." She turned to look at you and you were surprised by the way she looked. She actually looked mad at you for saying that. "Unnie just a little bit more!" She called out. You were shocked that she had actually raised her voice at you. Kiri never did that. Maybe she was just really tired. You sighed and ran a hand through your already messy hair. "I just came to say goodnight." You told her and left her room. You were concerned about her but knew it wouldn't help if you started talking to her like appa had. She would only get mad at you and tell umma on you. You were too tired to try it either way. You yawned and walked into your bedroom, almost too tired to change before you went to sleep.