Where Are You Heading Now? by Alina Samoilenko

Damn it. The alarm clock didn't go off.

Once again, the routine of running around the house gathering the things I need and also managing to eat my breakfast while getting dressed begins. Looks like there is zero time to drink my indispensable morning cup of coffee. Fine, that is not the biggest sacrifice I could make. Finally, the Uber I ordered as soon as I had opened my eyes arrived, and I rushed out to get into the car immediately. The driver wasn't talkative and just kept silent as soon as we exchanged the ritual pleasantries. Well, that is worth a ‘5 stars’ renew from me. And then, his phone rang. The screen read "daughter".

‘Would you mind if I answer and put it on speaker? That could be urgent, but I don't want it to distract me from driving', he asked kindly.

‘No. Not at all. Please do. I answered with understanding.

He picked up.

‘Hey. Is everything alright0', he asked.

‘Yes. I’m fine. Dad’, the woman answered. Her voice sounded young and excited. I’d say she is in her twenties.

‘I am at work, so please be quick’, he sounded office-serious.

‘Wait. Did you forget9’, the excitement in her voice was gone.  Now it sounded more outraged.

‘Forget about what?’, the driver answered cluelessly.

‘But... you were supposed to be there today. You and mom. Both of you’. I could feel the desperation in the girl’s voice.

‘Oh Gosh! Honey. I am so sorry! I did completely forget about your debut', he shouted in realization.

‘Well, it is totally my fault. I should have expected that you would'

‘Sara. I’m... ’, but she interrupted him, not letting him finish.

‘To think, that my father would forget about my first performance in the theatre! That he would totally disrespect me this way! I have dreamed of becoming an actress ever since I can remember myself, I always saw myself on a stage. You were the only person who always cheered me on, not giving up on my dream. Always. Even when others seemed to lose faith in me. You were the only one to bring it back to me. And now what? You were supposed to cheer me up today like you always did!'. She just needed to vent and get it all out the way it is in that small bitter speech of hers.

‘Sara. I can imagine how heartbreaking this is for you. And I admit my fault and stupidity to have forgotten about an event like that. The thing is. I am already booked for later and I don't want to lose my job either. You remember how much we used to struggle to make ends meet. What if I come a bit later? I might be just in time to applaud you', the driver was lost. I am certain he did not even hear himself utter those silly suggestions.

‘And what good is it going to do me if you are not here to see me act? Better not come at all then'. She hung up.

The driver groaned loudly. He looked mixed-up and saddened. He had a tough choice to make.

The navigator signalled that we reached the destination and I had to leave for work. The problem was that I became too invested in the whole story. I could not resist my desire to ask:

‘So. Where are you heading now?'

‘To see my daughter fulfil her childhood dream', he said with a smile.