Mr. Tasha did not move an inch for more than half an hour.
He kept thinking, and at last decided on the date when he would go to see his family from afar.
He stood up and headed to the bedroom, It didn't take long before he fell asleep.
…
On a night filled with stars, cold air outside and hot soup inside.
A family of four sat together, a husband and wife, a young man with black hair and brown eyes who looked nineteen or twenty, and a girl who seemed about sixteen, with brown hair and bright honey colored eyes.
They shared the soup happily.
The mother smiled and served generous portions to her children, while the father remained quiet, dignified and imposing.
The older son teased his sister and mother, The sister and mother laughed happily, and the father joined in their joy.
They were happy, their behavior reflected their love.
After dinner, the children went to their rooms, the father and mother sat together in their bedroom.
They were unusually quiet, they had been happy just moments ago, yet now they sat as if lifeless.
"It's hard to bear all this pain. We were foolish when we were young, thoughtless and ignorant." the father said in a deep voice.
"You're right. We found nothing about him except that he ran away from the orphanage, With his personality, he must be fine. All these years of searching, and in the end… nothing." the mother said with a wounded voice, tears on the verge of falling.
They were lost and full of regret, burdened by worry, sorrow, and anger toward themselves. They had severed one of their bonds and cast it away, they had been blind.
Were they wrong? Yes.
Did they take responsibility? No.
Did they deserve this feeling? Yes.
Were they pitiful? No, they were simply fools.
Humans tended to justify themselves and cling only to what pleased them, It might not have been obvious to many, but it was clear.
Blaming youth, lack of reason, and emotion for their actions meant there was no true responsibility at all.
Their stance, and their sorrow now, meant nothing.
…
Mr. Tasha woke early in the morning.
A new day had begun, new memories, new experiences.
He went to work, where everyone welcomed him with cheers and applause, they were happy simply to see him.
"Mr. Tasha, you know, I did…"
"Mr. Tasha, I'll send you the file shortly…"
"Mr. Tasha, yesterday was really…"
Everyone tried to speak to him, about work, their personal lives, or yesterday's event... Mr. Tasha listened calmly.
After a short while, Charlie intervened and gently pulled them away from Mr. Tasha.
Although Mr. Tasha often gave them time, listened, and engaged with them, Charlie noticed something different.
"Mr. Tasha, let's go to your office."
Charlie walked with him and quietly opened the office door.
Mr. Tasha sat down on the couch, and Charlie followed after Mr. Tasha gestured for him to sit.
Charlie didn't hesitate to ask directly.
"Mr. Tasha, is something troubling you?"
"Yes. How bonds are formed, and how easily they break."
"Do you mean all kinds of bonds between people?" Charlie asked.
"Yes, Charlie. What do you think?"
"From what I see, all relationships are built on one important foundation sharing. Sharing love, safety, hardship, pain, happiness…"
"You're right, Charlie. That's how bonds are formed. But they can be severed easily, in a moment of doubt, anger, or hatred. They are hard to build, easy to destroy, impossible to restore or restored only with a constant sense of guilt." Mr. Tasha said coldly, there was no emotion in his tone.
"Why were you thinking about this in particular?" Charlie asked curiously.
"It's simple, Because I have no bonds. Or rather, the strongest bond I have is with myself. As for people, there are none."
"What about your employees? Everyone here loves you, appreciates you, and respects you. That's a bond too."
"But Charlie, I don't need that. In the end, it's a professional relationship. I know their affection, and I'm well aware of their appreciation and respect, I chose them carefully." Mr. Tasha explained.
"Mr. Tasha… or rather, Tasha. Back when we were younger, I asked you about your family, but you never answered, not even once. What about your relationship with them?" Charlie's tone was serious.
"It was the first bond that was destroyed... And I'm grateful to them."
His voice was cold as ice, a chill ran through Charlie's body when he heard Mr. Tasha's words.
That coldness, he truly meant what he said. Even if you tried to make him reconsider, Mr. Tasha would always choose what brought him the best results.
Even his emotions were like this, He was truly harsh on himself, just as life was harsh on its people.
This way of thinking made him frighteningly flexible, hard to break, destroy, or even bend. His will was firm, the person adaptable, and Mr. Tasha always changed for the better.
Even the worst was not a problem, as long as it was best for himself.