Father

The evening was a gala affair—chandeliers twinkled in the hall, soft music played, and important people sat at long tables. You and your father were invited to this event, as your father was a man known to almost everyone here. Your mother left you when you were three years old; now you're sixteen, and your father has aged noticeably. But his stern gaze and confident posture revealed a man accustomed to leadership and decision-making.

You sat at the table, and he was constantly immersed in conversation with his partners: quiet laughter, serious discussions, occasional glances in your direction. You silently watched as he held everyone's attention, as if on stage.

When the last guests had left, he finally turned to you. “Well,” he said, straightening his tie, “how was this evening?”