CHAPTER -1 : A Chaotic Morning

WHY, NOT YOU?  

 By: salix. H

Thank you for taking a moment to stop and open my book. I truly appreciate your curiosity and interest. As you dive into its pages, I hope it can provide you with a sense of amusement through its intriguing storyline and endearing characters. These characters, each with their own unique quirks and personalities, have been carefully crafted to captivate your imagination. The narrative is designed to transport you into their world, as if you were experiencing their journeys and adventures firsthand. Please note that this book is entirely a work of fiction. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. I am grateful for your time and I sincerely hope you enjoy your reading experience.

We begin with our protagonist, ASHER, who was 18 years old, 8 years ago.

A typical morning scene unfolded. "Mom-mom-mom, did you see my tablet? I've forgotten where I left it yet again." Asher, like any other student of his age, was preparing for his day at the university, his first year.

The routine chaos of morning was in full swing. "Son, I've told you countless times to take better care of your belongings, especially those that are important to you. Why don't you ever heed my advice?" Asher's mother, Hazel Wilson, replied.

She moved with an air of grace from the kitchen towards Asher, her black hair soft as silk waving behind her. She was a vision in her elegant pastel ruffle sleeve pencil dress. Hazel lifted her beautiful brown eyes, a perfect match to her flawless pale skin and glossy red lips, expressing her disappointment.

"Mom, I'm running late. If you know where the tablet is, could you please just tell me directly? Please, my beautiful mom," Asher said, his voice carrying a sense of urgency, yet still managing to sound endearing. As Mrs. Wilson set up the dining table, she smiled at Asher's antics. "Oh, I'm well aware when you're trying to butter me up," she chuckled.

"You were working on your tablet in the garden last night, remember? Maybe you left it there? Have you checked?"

Suddenly, Asher remembered. "Oh yes, I was working with it there last night and I probably forgot to bring it in. I haven't looked there just yet. Let me go and check." He hurried off towards the garden.

There it was, right where he had left it, on the table under the hut. "Oh, yes, here it is," he muttered to himself. "How forgetful of me," he sighed, shaking his head.

Just as Asher was making his way back, Mrs. Wilson decided to check on him. She looked at the tablet in Asher's hands and reiterated, "See, this is what I mean. You can be so absent-minded when it comes to things like this. Yet, you're a genius when it comes to designing cars or doing whatever it is you do." "You can't afford to be this careless, dear, especially when you know we cannot afford to replace the tablet if anything were to happen to it. I understand it's our shortcoming that we can't provide for some of your basic needs. But please, bear with us, sweetheart," Mrs. Wilson added, her eyes cast downward, her voice filled with regret.

Asher gently lifted his mother's face and reassured her, "Mom, you don't need to feel this way. I know very well how much you and Dad love me and want only the best for me. That's what motivates me to work even harder." Mrs. Wilson, comforted by her son's words, smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Mom, I may not say it often, but I love you and Dad more than anything in this world. I would dedicate my entire life to ensuring a better future for us," Asher declared, hugging his mother.

"Well, let's start our new day with this affirmation. Now, aren't you getting late for university, dear?" Mrs. Wilson asked, her smile unwavering. "After a long time, today I'm genuinely going to be late!" Asher exclaimed, letting out a sigh.

At that moment, a knock on the gate interrupted their conversation. Mrs. Wilson went to answer it. A middle-aged man stood there, looking splendid, even in his sweat-soaked tracksuit. His muscular build was noticeable, and his soft curls gave him a casual, attractive look. His sea-green eyes were a perfect match for his fair skin. He was none other than Hazel's beloved husband and Asher's father, Mr. Ralph Wilson.

"Oh my, darling, you look magnificent. You're growing more handsome with age. I think I'm falling in love with you all over again," Hazel gushed. "I fall in love with you anew every day, too, dear," replied Mr. Ralph Wilson, sealing his words with a loving kiss.

"Dad, how was your morning jog?" Asher inquired, hugging his father. "Can't you tell from my sweat-soaked clothes? It was fantastic, son," Mr. Wilson replied, laughing heartily.

"Yes, I can see. Like son, like father, hehe," Asher chuckled, mirroring his father's good spirits. "Cheeky boy, that's not how the saying goes," Mr. Wilson teased, playfully pulling his son's ear.

"Ouch! Well, Dad, you're growing more charming each day. After all, I got my genes from you," Asher retorted, making his parents laugh. Then, with a teasing look in her eyes, Mrs. Wilson asked, "What about me? Haven't you inherited any traits from me?" "Oh, yes - of course, I got my genes from both of you," Asher reassured her, heading towards the door.

"Asher, where might you be off to in such a rush?" queried Mrs Wilson as she hurried after her son, her tone laced with confusion and concern.

"Asher responded, "Mother, have you forgotten? I'm running late for my university classes. I really must get going now." His voice was hurried, revealing his hurry.

Undeterred, Mrs Wilson continued, "What about breakfast?" She stepped forward in an attempt to impede his swift exit.

In response, Asher merely shrugged his shoulders and said, "I'll be skipping meals today." With these final words, he swiftly exited through the front door.

"Asher...," Mrs Wilson sighed, her voice trailing off in frustration. "This boy, honestly!" She huffed out in exasperation.

Her husband, Mr Wilson, looking on calmly, chimed in, "Let him be. Let's have our meal, my dear." With a comforting hand on her shoulder, he led Mrs Wilson back to the dining table, attempting to restore the peace.

Greetings, dear readers! I am the author of this tale, known by my pen name, Salix.H. I wanted to take a moment to share some exciting news with you. I've decided to enter this novel in the "WEBNOVEL SPIRIT AWARD" contest! Initially, I had planned to serialize this novel, but then I realized that this contest would be the perfect platform for my newest work. I humbly request your support in this endeavor. You can find the novel under the same name, and I will be releasing new chapters there. I would greatly appreciate it if you would support me in this journey and add the novel to your library. Thank you for your continued support and happy reading! ☺️