Chapter 2

The following day, my father received an official invitation letter to participate in discussions regarding the welfare of our pack.

“Sealed by the esteemed members of the Shellwood Pack!” my father read aloud as he placed the letter on the dining table.

“But why do they require your presence?” my mother asked as she served him tea.

“To be honest,” my father replied, looking earnestly at my mother, “I have no idea what they want from an ordinary man like me. I can’t even afford to buy a house. I’m barely keeping this family afloat.”

My mother and I could see the disappointment etched on my father’s face.

My father had a humble background, dedicating every day of his life to ensure that we never lacked and that we enjoyed a better life than he had ever experienced or envisioned.

“I see this invitation as an insult because I don’t belong among the people who invited me,” my father expressed his frustration to my mother. “You know that the people who invited me to this meeting hold significant influence.”

My mother nodded in understanding. “I know. But perhaps they see something in you that you don’t see in yourself.”

My father scoffed, “What could they possibly see in me? I’m just a simple man trying to make ends meet.”

My mother approached my father, placing her hand on his shoulder. “Whatever their reasons may be, it won’t hurt to attend the meeting and find out for yourself. Who knows, this might be an opportunity for you to make a difference and improve our family’s situation?”

My father looked at my mother and then at me. “You’re right. I’ll attend the meeting and see what it’s all about.”

The next day, my father left early in the morning for the meeting. He dressed in his best attire, wearing a determined expression on his face. I could tell he was nervous about it, but he was resolved to see it through.

Hours passed, and my father did not return home. My mother and I grew increasingly worried, speculating about what might have occurred at the meeting. Was my father in trouble? Had something happened to him?

As the night grew darker, we heard a knock on our door. My mother rushed to open it, and there stood my father, wearing a broad smile.

“We’ve been chosen!” he exclaimed as he entered our home.

“Chosen for what?” my mother and I asked in unison.

“To be a part of the Shellwood Pack’s welfare committee. They saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and they want me to help make a difference in our pack,” my father explained, still brimming with joy.

My mother and I embraced my father tightly, relieved that he was safe and happy.

“So, what are the benefits of being chosen to be a part of the committee?” I asked my father with a serious look on my face.

“Well,” my father began, taking a seat, “it means you also get a chance to attend the meetings for teenagers, where the children of influential pack members gather.”

For a moment, I felt the way my father had felt the day before. I couldn’t imagine myself attending those meetings because I felt inferior compared to the other children. I felt worthless and undeserving.

“I’m sorry, Father,” I said with a heavy heart. “I’m not sure if I can attend the meetings. I’m content spending time with my little brother.”

“No, no,” my father insisted sternly. “If you truly want to help our family, you need to attend those meetings. You must learn to utilize your knowledge and resources to their fullest potential. This is your chance to shine.”

I knew my father was right, but I still felt uncomfortable. For some reason, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to be among the children of influential and powerful pack members.

“I understand,” I replied to my father. “It’s just that I don’t feel like I belong with important people. Look at us, Father. We haven’t achieved anything of significance in this pack. We’re barely above being called outcasts.”

My mother was touched by what I had said. She knew what it felt like to be an outcast because her own mother had been condemned by the pack and forbidden to return.

“Zoe,” my mother approached me, gently placing her hands on my shoulders. “There’s nothing you’re feeling now that I haven’t felt before. I understand what you feel right now. But, Zoe, I want you to know that you are a special girl and that you deserve all the available opportunities that you can see in this world.”

I looked at my mother in awe, overwhelmed by her words. “How do you know this?” I asked.

“Because I’m your mother,” she smiled. “And I’m proud of you for showing courage and doing the right thing when you have a chance. If you continue doing what’s right, I believe you’ll come out ahead in the end.”

My mother turned to my father, squeezing his hands. “Thank you for taking care of Zoe.”

My father smiled, “I’m glad to have such a wonderful daughter.”

With that, my parents exchanged a final glance, kissed me on the forehead, and retreated to their room.