Shengliver’s Note: The teen is haunted by the rift between the parents.

I used to live in a happy family.

My mother was a kind, beautiful and independent lady. My father was very strict with me in my schoolwork. Sometimes I hated him because of it. All things considered, the successful businessman was smart and far-sighted. As a 5-year-old, I travelled with them to many places of interest in China, such as Kunming and Guilin.

As years elapsed, however, my parents became busier and busier. Therefore, they hardly got an opportunity to go on a trip together again. Out of the blue, quarrels between my father and mother erupted one day. I was helpless. Even now I have no idea how to sort their conflicts out. Despite all their differences, neither of them loves me any the less. Though they do not neglect me at all, yet I feel that their relationship is no longer what it was.

For years, Father has been dealing in car parts, buying them wholesale from the auto factories in town and retailing them to his customers, who are from all over the country. Unfortunately, now his company has run into some obstacles due to the current domestic economic downturn. He might believe that I do not know it because he never tells me about his business, whether it is going well or not. To be honest, I do not care about the money Father brings home but about the harmonious life we used to lead.

My father is a great man even with his imperfections. I admire him for his intelligence and diligence. He is always my idol.