Nathan is really having problems. His father has remarried, and his step-siblings have moved in and destroyed some of his most treasured possessions. At home, Nathan feels abandoned and confined. Weary of it all, he secretly arranges a poignant retaliation. Will Nathan, however, be able to achieve the tranquility he desire?
It was difficult to live with my step-siblings. William, 10, Penny, 16, and Peter, 11, were incapable of understanding limits. They constantly rummaged through my belongings, even smashing my Xbox!
The problem is that my dad got married to my stepmother two months ago, and nothing has gone well since. Our home has three bedrooms.
Dad used to have a study in the smaller room, and I had a room with a bathroom.
Penny is currently residing in my room, so Peter and William and I are forced to share a little space. There’s not enough room for everything, so my books, telescope, and other belongings are all stored up in the basement.
I discovered my watch was missing one day. It was my mother’s present to me prior to her cancerous death, so it wasn’t just any watch. To me, that watch held immense meaning.
I looked everywhere in our small space. I looked in the closet as well as under the dresser and beneath the mattresses. Nothing. As my irritation mounted, I made the decision to check the basement one day, weeks later. Perhaps, just possibly, the lads had brought it there whilst having fun.
With only one bulb lighting the basement, I descended the rickety steps. As I shifted boxes and old toys about, my heart was racing. Then I caught sight of it.
Although my watch was on the ground, it had changed. The hands were frozen, and the glass was fractured. I took it up, my throat constricting.
How could they be that irresponsible? All I had left of Mom was this.
I hurried upstairs in search of Penny, clenching the shattered watch in my palm.
She was using her phone to browse through apps in the living room.
I firmly stated, “Penny, I need to talk to you.”
Angry, she raised her gaze. “Weirdo, what’s your problem now?”
“My watch was taken by your brothers. They damaged it! I remarked, pointing out the harm.
A dejected young man grasping a watch face | Source: Midjourney
“Well, don’t give them orders. She remarked nonchalantly, “They’re MY brothers, so you have no right to tell them what they should be doing. They’re just kids.”
I was taken aback. “Mom gave me this watch, Penny! All I have left of her is that.
A young woman deeply absorbed on her phone | Source: Pexels
“All right? It doesn’t concern me. After all, it’s only a watch,” she remarked, barely taking her eyes from her phone.
I said, “It’s not just a watch,” but she didn’t hear me. Tears were starting to well up in my eyes.
I went away feeling even more alone as I didn’t want her to see me sobbing. I sobbed like a little child while sitting on the bed in my tiny room and holding the shattered watch.
I missed Mom more than ever and this place didn’t seem like home. All I asked for was a small amount of deference and privacy. Here, though, even it seemed like asking for too much.
My step-siblings gave me a $100 allowance prior to their move in. Penny now received $75, I received $35, and Peter and William each received $30. I was sent out of my own room and treated with no love or respect. And this is it now?
I understood that I needed to discuss what was going on with Dad and Charlotte. This was unsustainable. I discovered them in the living room that evening.
“Charlotte, Dad, can we talk?” My voice trembled as I asked.
Dad turned off the TV and gave me a glare. “Hey buddy, what’s up?”
“It concerns Peter and William,” I said, keeping my head down. They’re still rummaging through my belongings. Mom’s watch was broken by them. I told Penny what had happened, but she doesn’t seem to mind.
I hoped they would realize how much the shattered watch meant to me when I showed it to them.
The watch dial is shattered | Source: Midjourney
Dad sighed, and Charlotte scowled slightly but remained silent.
“I know it’s difficult for Nathan to get used to this new circumstance. However, in a family, we must all make sacrifices,” he remarked.
My level of annoyance increased. “Given up? It’s not only about the watch, dad. everything’s all of everything. There isn’t any personal space for me. They show little regard for my belongings, and it seems like you’re not paying attention.
Charlotte said, “They’re young, Nathan.” “Unlike you, they don’t comprehend boundaries. You must exercise patience.
“Client? I’ve exercised patience. However, nothing alters. Not only am I losing room, but more. Dad, I’m not feeling the same connection we once shared. Talking is not the same as it used to be.
Father massaged his temples. We’re all doing our best, Nathan. None of us finds it easy.
Although I understand, I need you to realize how much this is impacting me. I feel like I’m losing you too, Mom, and I miss you too! I sobbed.
Although Charlotte remained silent, her countenance softened.
Dad gave me a pitying and frustrated look at the same time. “Nathan, the circumstances cannot be changed at this time. We need to maximize our situation.
“So, all I have to do is accept it and move on?”
Indeed, Nathan. That is sometimes what it means to be a member of a family.
My heart fell. Alright. However, don’t expect me to be pleased about it,” I said as I stormed out of the room.
I returned to my little bedroom and gazed at the shattered watch. It felt like no one gave a damn about what I was going through or cared. I missed my mother and the times when my father would truly listen to me.
It was time to give my parents and step-siblings something to think about.
I made the decision to write about my experiences and post them online. There could be someone out there who might understand, just maybe.
I put everything I had into the post:
At the age of 15, I’m Nathan, and I feel alienated even in my own house. Everything has altered with the cancer death of my mother. I now live in a small room with my stepbrothers, William and Peter, who are inconsiderate of my personal space. The only item I have left of my mother is her watch, which was broken.
I tried explaining things to my mom and dad, but they don’t grasp it. They tell me that this is how families operate and that I must make compromises. However, I feel neglected and lost. Every night, I consider taking a break. Of course, living on the streets would be considerably more difficult. I’m just so over being ignored and alone in the world. Is this how anybody else feels?
Pressing “post,” I waited. When I checked the post the next morning, I was taken aback. The outpouring of support was tremendous.
One person remarked, “Your parents need to wake up and see what they’re doing to you.”
Another person had commented, “No one should feel this alone in their own home.”
I made the decision to show Dad and Charlotte the post a few days later. I was unable to hold this to myself any longer. I approached their room with a mixture of resolve and nervousness.
“Charlotte, Dad, can we talk?” Grasping my phone, I questioned.
Dad raised his head from his reading. “What’s up, Nathan?”
I handed them my phone and said, “I need you to read something.” “Please.”
With each line they read, their expressions became more serious. I saw the feelings change from uncertainty to worry. Charlotte’s eyes started to well up with tears as they got to the bit about me considering going away. Dad became really pale.
Nathan, is this how you’ve been feeling? Dad questioned, sounding unsure.
Indeed, it is. I think nobody is paying attention to me. My voice quivered as I said, “I’m so sick of feeling alone.
Charlotte started crying uncontrollably. Nathan, we were in the dark. Although we sincerely believed that we were trying our hardest, it is obvious that we were unaware of your struggles.
Dad wrapped his arm around her and gave me a sorrowful look. “Son, I apologize. We ought to have given you greater consideration. We’re going to put things right. We’ll have a conversation and work out a solution.
I also displayed the remarks to them. “Observe what individuals are saying. Why couldn’t you see what they did?
Dad moaned, hurting all over. “Nathan, we didn’t realize how much you were struggling since we were so concentrated on getting everyone adjusted. Really, I apologize. We’ll perform better.
Things began, for the first time in a long time, to improve.
Everyone worked together to transform the basement into my own haven after our moving conversation.
Penny approached me one evening when I was painting the walls. She said, “Nathan, can we talk?”
Okay, what’s going on? Wiping paint from my hands, I inquired.
She inhaled deeply. I apologize for the incredibly nasty things I’ve been saying to you. I suppose I never really gave my sentiments regarding our parents’ marriage much thought. I had the impression that you were taking my position.
Her statement shocked me. “Penny, I had no idea you felt that way. I was so preoccupied with solving my own issues that I failed to see yours.
Tears filled her eyes as she nodded. It’s been challenging for everyone of us. I just wanted to let you know that I apologize for my treatment of you.
I extended my arm to give her a hug. “Many thanks, Penny. That has great significance. Though it’s difficult for all of us, perhaps we can overcome this together.
William and Peter also appeared to realize how important it is to give me space. To make things more equitable, we also discussed how allowances should be distributed.
Dad took us to a seat and went over the new strategy. “You will receive $60 from Penny, $50 from Nathan, and $30 from each of Peter and William. We want everyone to experience fairness and worth.
At last, home began to feel like home once more.
Individuals savoring their food | Source: Pexels
How would you have responded in the situation?