Chapter 1: Alex Whitford

I was in my dorm room, engrossed in studying for an upcoming exam when my phone abruptly rang. The caller ID displayed my father's name, Alan Whitford. We exchanged greetings, but I immediately sensed something amiss. His voice sounded strained, and his words were curt and clipped.

"Alex, I need to talk to you about something," my father began. "I went to the doctor the other day, and they found something."

My concern grew, and I interrupted, "What did they find, Dad?"

His voice cracked as he uttered the dreaded words, "I have pancreatic cancer. It's advanced, and the prognosis isn't favorable."

I felt as if a weight had been dropped upon me, knocking the air out of my lungs. A whirlwind of questions stormed through my mind. How severe was it? What were the treatment options? But even before I asked, I could hear the resignation in my father's voice, silently providing the answers.

"I'm sorry, Dad," I managed to whisper, my once towering 6'0" frame now feeling small and feeble.

"Don't worry, Alex," he replied, his voice filled with strain. "You have your own life to live. Keep focusing on your studies as usual. The restaurant has been struggling lately, but your mother is doing her best to keep it afloat. We'll manage for now."

I sensed there was more to the story, and I pressed further, "Dad, what's really going on?"

He let out a sigh before reluctantly answering, "I don't want to burden you with this. You have enough on your plate. I can handle things with your mother for now. I just wanted to share the news and hope you can come home during spring break to visit."

Nodding, my mind filled with worry and apprehension. "Of course, Dad. I'll come home as soon as I can."

As I hung up the phone, I felt overwhelmed by the weight of the situation. I wanted to heed my father's request and focus on my studies, but the worry and fear clung to me like a suffocating shroud.

Over the next two days, concentrating on my schoolwork became increasingly arduous. Instead, I found myself diving into the depths of online research, desperately seeking a ray of hope for my father's condition. Yet, each search yielded only disappointment and despair.

That night, lying in bed, I turned to my girlfriend, Kaitlyn, sharing my inner turmoil. "I don't know what to do. I feel like I'm failing my family by being here, unable to help with anything back home."

Kaitlyn's hand gently rested on my shoulder, offering solace. "Alex, your father explicitly told you to focus on your studies, right? But if you truly believe being with your family is the best way to help, maybe you should go. Perhaps you can lend a hand around the restaurant or at home to alleviate their burden."

Surprised by her suggestion, I contemplated her words. "You think I should drop out?"

She shook her head, clarifying her perspective. "Not necessarily. Maybe taking a leave of absence and returning home to provide support is the right course of action. It's not abandoning your future; it's temporarily putting it on hold."

Her words resonated with me, forcing me to carefully consider the path ahead. Balancing my studies with my family's needs had become an uphill battle. Taking a break from school and returning home to assist seemed like the most logical and compassionate choice.

The following day, I approached my academic advisor, disclosing my situation and my father's illness. Thankfully, my advisor proved understanding and arranged a leave of absence for the remainder of the semester. Packing my bags, I embarked on my journey back to Santa Monica, determined to do everything within my power to support my family during this trying time.

Stepping off the bus, I soaked in the familiar sights and sounds of my hometown, Santa Monica, California. The setting sun painted the beach and pier with a warm orange hue. The ocean breeze carried the calls of seagulls and the distant crash of waves.

Having grown up here, I felt intimately connected to this place. Glancing at the beach, memories of carefree days spent with my father, building sandcastles, flooded my mind. As a young boy with black hair and green eyes, the weight of the world was absent. Those were precious moments I cherished.

Approaching the restaurant, conflicting emotions coursed through me. On one hand, it was comforting to be back in Santa Monica, enveloped by its familiar sights and sounds. On the other hand, anxiety gnawed at me, for both the future of the restaurant and my father's health hung in the balance.

The setting sun cast a warm, ethereal glow on the whitewashed walls of the restaurant. Its vertical sign, understated yet elegant, displayed the words "Whitfords" in bold black letters against a cream backdrop. Peering through the darkened windows, I wondered if anyone remained inside.

Summoning my resolve, I pushed open the heavy wooden door and was greeted by the enticing aroma of cooked meat and seafood. The restaurant appeared more worn and weathered than in my recollection. I remembered my father's unwavering commitment to cleanliness, yet the dining area now felt sparsely populated, with only a handful of customers near the window. Nonetheless, the clatter of dishes and the sounds of cooking emanating from the kitchen affirmed its bustling existence.

Within the spacious and minimally adorned interior, white tablecloths and simple silverware adorned each table. Black and white photos graced the walls, showcasing my grandparents who founded the restaurant in the 1950s. Tales of their arduous journey and unwavering dedication filled my childhood, creating a sense of familial heritage.

Climbing the stairs to the second floor, I approached the door leading to our family's living quarters. As I pushed it open, nostalgia washed over me in waves. The familiar scent of home mingled with the subtle fragrance of my mother's cooking. Finding my room, the one closest to me, I placed my bags down, taking in the meticulously maintained cleanliness my mother had preserved.

Action figures of knights and wizards lined the shelves, reminiscent of my love for fantasy tales during childhood. With an ardent imagination, I would envision possessing extraordinary powers. The walls displayed pictures of fantastical landscapes and cultivators locked in battle, remnants of a phase I went through. I recalled countless afternoons spent attempting to feel the ki in my surroundings, a practice that forever eluded me.

At that moment, I thought I heard my parents' voices, drawing me out of my reverie. I turned and made my way towards their bedroom, the source of the sounds.

Passing through the living room and dining area, I observed the aged yet charming furniture. Pictures adorning the walls captured moments of past joy, depicting family trips to Disneyland and Universal Studios alongside picnics at the beach and strolls along the Santa Monica pier.

Finally, I arrived at my parents' bedroom. My mother sat in a chair beside the bed, engrossed in a book, while my father lay, eyes closed. As I entered, my mother glanced up, her face lighting up with a smile as she rose from her seat.

"Alex, you're home," she said, embracing me tightly. "It's been far too long since we've seen you."

Returning her embrace, I absorbed the warmth of her presence. I turned to my father, his eyes fluttering open, a weak smile forming on his face.

"Son, you should be in school!" My father exclaimed before sighing. "But I won't lie, it's good to see you, and I'm glad you're here. How was the trip?"

"It was fine, Dad," I replied, concern lacing my voice. "But how are you feeling?"

"I'm holding up," my father responded, his voice striving for optimism. "Just taking things one day at a time."

Yet, I could discern the toll his illness had taken. His once robust frame appeared frail and pale. It was a stark contrast to the strong and unwavering figure etched in my memory.

Taking a seat beside my father's bed, I attempted to keep the conversation light. "So, what's been happening with the restaurant? Maybe I can lend a hand."

There was a momentary hesitation from my mother. She made eye contact with my father, who gave her a reassuring nod. Turning back to me, my mother sighed before speaking. "Well, it hasn't been easy," she confessed. "We've been operating at a loss for some time now, and your father's treatment has placed a heavy burden on our finances. Moreover, his condition has severely limited his ability to manage the restaurant as he used to."

As my mother divulged the harsh reality, concern gripped my heart. I had known that things were difficult, but I hadn't anticipated the gravity of the situation. Exhaustion lingered in my mother's eyes, and the lines etched on her face had deepened since we last met. My father, lying weakly on the bed, bore little resemblance to the man I remembered.

"Mom, I want to help," I asserted, a determination in my voice. "Can you gather all the financial documents related to the restaurant and Dad's medical bills? I'll examine them and try to devise a plan."

Surprise mingled with hope in my mother's eyes as she regarded me. "Of course, Alex. I'll gather everything for you. But are you certain you want to take on this responsibility? You have your studies to consider."

With resolute determination, I nodded. "I'm sure, Mom. I've spoken with my advisor and taken a leave of absence from school to be here. I won't let our family's legacy be lost, nor our home be taken away. How much do we have left in savings?"

My mother hesitated briefly before revealing the stark truth. "We have only a few thousand dollars remaining. Your father's medical expenses have drained our resources, and we've struggled to pay our employees on time. Some have even left as a result."

A sinking feeling overwhelmed me at her words. I had not comprehended the full extent of their plight. Thanking my mother for the information, I vowed to do my utmost to find a solution.

"I promise, Mom and Dad," I affirmed, enfolding them in a heartfelt embrace. "I won't let you down."