From Parents with Love by Nikita Sypkin

The profession of a waiter is
quite complicated but interesting. Being an errand boy, you always see and hear so many visitors every day. Each of them comes to the restaurant not only to eat, but also to invite all members of a family and discuss something. There was a day I had to serve one table for four persons. Parents invited their two children to the restaurant to celebrate their anniversary. The son, John, was a young fella’ nearly 30 years old. I heard that he was working on some local newspaper. This boy was a journalist as I found out later. His sister Anna was sitting very peacefully with confident face. I didn’t remember her so clearly because of her silent and no participation in family discussion. However, I managed to remember the father very well. During his sitting in the restaurant, he looked too annoyed and unsatisfied. When I brought them their meals, I heard that they were discussing something about John’s work. The father whose name I can’t remind started with:
—How is your work, son? — he asked him.
—Now I’m writing a new article about social life of African people.
—Are you still working on this miserable newspaper? — old man screamed with anger.
There was some confusion in John’s eyes. He knew that a way of their conversation was changing from friendly tone to arguing.
—Yes, I am. There is such interesting topic and I couldn’t resist.
—Oh darling, how can we change his mind? When does he start to respect our advice? — the father asked his wife with great disappointment.
—But dear husband, our boy just wants to do what he likes most of all, — mother spoke indifferently.
—This job doesn’t bring you money. You should find better job and stop shaming our family! — the claim was addressed to son.
Looking in John’s eyes, I could understand how lonely he felt. There was a situation in which no one understood his choice and desire. His unhappy face showed some kind of frustration and worrying. That dinner turned into senseless reproaches from father. A few minutes later, John just stood up and left the festive table without saying goodbye.