Jocelyn had barely set foot inside her parents' home when she spotted her dad, Calvin, inspecting a box in the living room with a childlike curiosity.
"What's all this?" she asked when she dropped her bag by the door.
"It's from Harrison," Calvin beamed, his eyes crinkling with delight. "He wanted to buy something for you to bring home but feared you'd be tired out. So, he bought these ahead of time and shipped them here."
Her mother, Daisy, emerged from the kitchen with a plate of steaming meatloaf in hand and a smile. "Harrison's just too thoughtful. Who would've thought you'd hit it off with him in Berry City? We should've given him some of our hometown delicacies."
"Well, nothing is stopping us from sending some treats his way now," Calvin interrupted, arranging the things in the box neatly before turning to Jocelyn. "See? You and Harrison must be fated to be together. Those meant to be together always find their way back, no matter what twists and turns life throws at them."
Jocelyn wasn't quite sure how to respond.
Over dinner, her parents were keenly interested in the budding relationship between her and Harrison and his parents.
She didn't hold back any details, sharing everything she could.
After dinner, Jocelyn called Harrison, expressing her gratitude for the thoughtful array of local specialties he had sent her parents.
"It's the least I could do," he replied. "Let's see when you have a break next, and I'll come over to visit you and your parents."
"Probably not until the winter holidays," she mused.
"Don't forget about the Christmas Holiday," Harrison reminded her, a hint of eagerness in his voice. "Short as it may be, it's enough to cure the pangs of longing."
Jocelyn laughed shyly.
From the sidelines, Calvin and Daisy watched their daughter with growing contentment. They couldn't help but feel reassured.
As parents, their only wish was for their children to find a loving partner who would cherish them and provide warmth and comfort.
"Young people today crave freedom," Calvin said once Jocelyn had hung up. "But with the right person, freedom comes naturally."
Catching her parents' knowing looks, Jocelyn teased, "Stop that. You're scaring me."
"Harrison's a great match for you. We knew he was reliable from the get-go. Since things have started, put your heart into it. As long as your hearts are together, the feelings won't change even though it's a long-distance relationship," Calvin advised, his words heavy with emotion.
Daisy nodded eagerly. "Berry City is a lovely place. It wouldn't be so bad if you ended up there."
"Mom, Dad, isn't it too early to think about that?" Jocelyn admitted she hadn't thought that far ahead.
"Not at all," Daisy insisted. "Dating is always with marriage in mind. It’s not just for fun. Jocelyn, Harrison is a catch, and you should hold on tight. Harrison and his parents are cultured and understanding folks. You won't go wrong with a family like that."
Jocelyn knew of Harrison's and his family's qualities very well.
But fate was unpredictable.
"I know you're anxious, but these things take time," Jocelyn reassured her parents. "Don't worry. A good match won't pass us by."
Calvin and Daisy, not wanting to overwhelm their daughter, let the conversation naturally shift.
"Your aunt called me yesterday," Daisy shared. "she said Quinta and Damian had another fight the other day and even wanted a divorce."
"What happened this time?" Jocelyn asked, surprised.
"It's Damian's ex-wife again. Your aunt was in tears over it," Daisy said and sighed. "It's a tough situation. When Quinta started dating Damian, she knew it would be quite a challenge to be one’s stepmother. Now she can’t have her child, and Damian's mother is making a fuss."
"Quinta was ready for IVF, but Damian hesitated. She wasn’t the one to blame." Jocelyn never understood why pre-marriage issues resurfaced to cause strife.
"It's expensive," Daisy lamented. "Some spend a fortune without success. It's a heavy burden, both financially and emotionally."
After leaving her parents' house, Jocelyn took a taxi back to her apartment. Her mother's words lingered in her mind. She realized it had been a while since she'd seen Quinta's tweets.
With her life so busy, she hadn't checked in with Quinta.
What did marriage mean for a woman?
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