A MAFIA FATHER'S JOURNEY

orning began with the familiar routine of getting ready for the day ahead. Akashi, now a university student im

at the dining table with a cup of steaming coffee. Amira and Khadija, already dresse

his shoulders heavier than usual. Stepping into the house, he glanced at the mailbox and saw a stack of b

iling up, from light bills to water bills, rent reminders, and more, only added to his mounting stres

sat back down and went through the bills one by one. The financial strain felt suffocating, and he couldn't help but think how different things w

es to ease the burden. He opened his laptop and began searching for part-time

ndoned. As he lit it and took a drag, the smoke felt foreign and harsh in his lungs. Coughing, he real

Akashi took of his shoes and entered the roo

imi cooed from

headed towards him. Why are you ba

light headache but

earlier because of

seems

hat is that smell? I smell cigare

d nervously. I don't

pression changed. I thought we've talked about this and you ag

p. It's just the stress is becoming ove

't solve any of th

cket from his pocket and tossed it in the trash ca

his shoulder."Look Dad, there's this coffee shop that opened three days ago, I'll go over th

ur effort Kashi, but you should focus more on your studies, out there in the medic

and that. But you sh

t you must show me semester results and if they turn out to

of love for the responsible young man before him. He held Akashi's hand and pulled him into a hug, the warmt

he couch, the weight of their situation still heavy on his mind. He drifted

....

. Jumping up from the couch, he rushed to the kitchen, grabbing his coat and keys from

dijat called, their voi

h his fatigue. "You're home? How? you came back by y

hool hours ago," Amira reassured him,

and responsible" Hakimi said with relief,

he found his children setting the table for dinner. The aroma of their meal filled the air. He stood by the side and watched them. Hakimi fel

Hakimi said with a smile,

im with side dishes and dinner. They laid everything out on the t

he's welcome to join us, as she would have the smallest portio

s not fun

a bit, then patted Amira's head lightly."Don't wor

aid and stuck out her

t yours and let D

as you don't give

ll.

ed at her. She placed a hand in her belly and was clutching her spoon tig

kashi suggested, and they all joined hands, expressing

sech you bless this me

....

, and shared memories, making Hakimi feel grateful for th