Doctor Stephanie's work seemed to go smoothly in recent times. She had had a very nice day at work. Things were beginning to be as they once were. After the day's work, she drove home singing all the way. It was a Friday and just like every other worker, she had planned to "unwind" that very evening. She had agreed to meet Ben at a bar the previous week. On getting home, she took her bath and began to prepare for the "big outing". At about 3 minutes to the hour of 6 o'clock, she was already set.
"Ben should have called by now", she thought, becoming impatient. She began to read a journal in an attempt to pass time, checking her watch almost every minute.
At about 6:15pm, she got a phone call. It was Ben. They spoke a little and then she made her way to the agreed location.
Having arrived there, she could see him sitting at the same spot they had met the previous week. They both were not interested in dancing and so they decided talk instead. Their communication was exceptionally smooth and casual, as though they had known each other for ages. They talked about almost every part of their lives, including family, work and a lot more.
At a point, Ben began to observe a change in her countenance as he talked about his father. The more he spoke of his father, the more the brightness in her facial expressions continued to fade. At a point, she looked clearly sad and sober.
" What's the matter, Stephanie?", Ben asked, obviously shocked.
Stephanie looked away in an attempt to hide her sad face.
"I'm alright Ben", she said, her suppressed shaky voice betraying her.
" you're clearly unhappy Stephanie, tell me your problem ",Ben persuaded and she continued to hold back. Ben pressed on until she finally spilled.
" well..... it's my dad"
Ben was still unsure of what she spoke about.
"What about your father. Did anything bad happen to him?"
"I wouldn't know", Stephanie said as Ben became even more perplexed.
" Stephanie, you can tell me anything.... believe me"
Stephanie took a deep breath as she raised her head.
"I never met him"
Ben could feel her pain. He could feel the emptiness she felt, the emotional trauma she must have passed through while growing up. He was saddened by her revelation as he tried to console her.
"Ehm Steph---"
"It's okay....I think I need some sleep.....goodnight Ben"
Every attempt to stop her proved abortive. Finally, he gave up and she made her way home.