The perfect Holiday

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"It's going to be the best holiday ever." I told myself as I was packing my luggages. My wife said I needed this so much, and in truth I really felt like I did. I had been working so much recently, we made some big money moves in the company and it meant I had to work more to make sure everything was perfect. I'd been told many times I was a perfectionist, but I didn't believe that, I still don't believe that. I'm just someone who strives to be the best, and that means I have to work harder and put in some extra effort.

Oh well enough of that, I needed to rest and what better way to relax than a trip to Tahiti. My wife didn't want us to go there (she's very economical) but I was able to convince her. I want only the best for her and the kids. You know she's no slouch either, taking care of the kids while also managing to run her own business. She also needed the trip.

But then there I was on the trip and I just wasn't in it. Of course I had to fake smiles for the family, but I could tell my wife could feel it. It was only a matter of time before she asked me what was wrong. We'd gone hiking, mountain climbing, surfing, sight-seeing, eaten so many yummy delicacies, and sure it was fun for the most part (at times terrifying) but it just felt like something was missing.

It was dinner time, and my wife and kids were in the dining room of our suite. We'd been served and excused by the hotel staff as we wanted it to be as homely as possible.

I couldn't quite put my finger on it, but the way my youngest child Maya was tapping the table irked me.

"stop tapping the table" I voiced out and she stopped.

Turned over to my eldest child David who was on his device.

"Put down the phone David"

"Ok sir" he said as he slipped it in his pocket.

We all began eating in silence after my wife blessed the food.

Shortly after my phone rang, I peeked at it and it was from work. I already made an agreement that none of us would answer any work related things this holiday. I had to, what if it was really important. What if the company's on fire?

"I really need to take this." I said to no one in particular as I stepped out of the dining area with my device.

It was Devon from corporate planning, he started by listing some unimportant stuff, but then he ended with some big bad news. Apparently the collaboration deal we've been planning with one of our major competitors is off. I worked so hard on that, and we were so close to signing an agreement, just a couple days that I'm out and it's gone down the drain

"Relax, relax, you're on holiday, don't spoil the mood for everyone else." I told myself as I went back to my dinner.

As I approached David put his phone away when he saw me.

I sat back down to continue my food. I reached out to pick the glass of water in front of me. I had barely picked it up when Maya hit the table again and it startled me a little causing me to let go and drop the glass on water on the ground. It splashed and shattered.

I stood up and yelled at the top of my voice

"Didn't I tell you to stop hitting the table!!"

Maya burst into tears. I don't think I've ever yelled at her like that, it was clear the shattered glass wasn't the only reason I shouted at her. I left the dining area and retired to my room.

A long time after my wife came to join me in the bed.

"What was that Honey? I've noticed you've not been happy all through this trip, what's wrong?"

I narrated everything to her, and oh wow, I was reminded of what a darling she was. She even wanted to cancel the vacation, but I convinced her it wasn't necessary.

We spent the night in each other's arms and as we talked about all that was going on in each other's heads I fell in love again.

One thing I gathered from that night was that we're together no matter what, and besides I'm doing all I do for them. So why strain our relationship because of it.

The next day I switched off my phone and dropped it in the cupboard. I bought a new phone which I'd be using for this holiday. From then onwards I focused all my attention on my family. And what started out as a disaster turned out to be the best holiday ever. Not because of all the special and thrilling things we did together (those helped too), but because it was then I really got to know my family. Until that holiday I was probably an outsider in the family, but from then onwards things changed. I'll never forget it.

~THANKS FOR READING~

_{This is my entry to this month's neoxian city writing prompt}

_{Original cover image by Yu Kato from Unsplash}

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