It was a nice sunny evening. The clouds lazily floated around the azure sky. The river shone brilliantly, reflecting the sun's light with it's living waters. Outside my window I could see cars zooming by, too much in a hurry to appreciate the lovely canvas outside.

A voice from the front reached my ears, "How was school, Mami?"

Looking back at me through the rearview mirror with gentle eyes was my mother.

She was a kind and beautiful woman, who would listen to whatever I had to say with an open mind, and an even more open heart. Her most distinguishable feature were her eyes. They gave a warm feeling to anyone she looked at.

"I enjoyed it alot! I was given high marks by the teacher today. I also get along well with the girls in my class."

My mother giggled, "Really? Well you are a very amiable girl!"

"We might even be friends soon!"

Friends… the thought of it made me smile a bit.

"That's great! We're very happy for you, Mami." A different voice, this one came from behind the wheel.

The voice belonged to my father, who was focusing on driving.

He didn't look at me directly, but I'm sure he would have been smiling at me. My father was a business executive for a big corporation. He was very handsome and good with people. He provided for us the best he could. And despite his busy schedule, he would always set aside time for Mom and me.

"Listen…." my mother started. "I know it must have been hard. It was hard for all of us at first."

My father finished her thought. "Mami, we want to thank you for bearing with us."

My parents and I moved back to Mitakihara from Italy several months ago. The provincial city had been on the map for quite a long time, but due to it's location and resources, the small town had recently developed into a bustling metropolis. As business grew in Mitakihara, new skyscrapers and other architectural wonders were built to accommodate them. When my dad's corporation opened a branch near the town's waterfront, they offered to make him the head of it. It was an offer we really couldn't refuse. So we packed our bags, and boarded the next train heading to Mitakihara.

I shook my head "It's fine, I really appreciate how blessed we are to have this opportunity."

My mother turned her head towards me and began to grin. "Mami, you're such a good girl..." She glanced at my dad, then back to me. "You deserve a reward."

"A reward…?" I responded, my eyes widened.

My father nodded slightly, still keeping his eyes on the road. "Your support has made this transition much easier for me and your mother. It's the least we could do for our wonderful daughter."

I couldn't have done it without such wonderful parents…

"So what is it? The gift I mean..."

My mother beamed with excitement, as if she were the one receiving the gift. "It's something you've had your eye on for quite a while..."

My father hushed her. "You'll give it away..." My mother quickly covered her mouth like a talkative schoolgirl who had just let the name of her crush slip out.

Too late. I knew exactly what they got me.

Earlier that week, I had been dropping hints towards a special teapot. This particular pot was made out of delicate, yet sturdy porcelain and was adorned with tiny painted flowers. My parents must have finally noticed my gaze wandering towards that same display window.

"I was just teasing her..." My mother pouted, her arms crossed in protest.

I don't know how I developed my fascination with tea. I guess it was a habit. Everyday after school, I would watch my mother prepare tea for my exhausted father. One day, I offered to help her. She showed me everything she knew; how to boil the water, measure the tea leaves, and pour properly. Ever since then, I'd been having daily tea parties with my parents.

My father let out an exasperated sigh, leaving my mother's face a shade of sheepish scarlet.

If we weren't in the car, my mother would probably punch him in the arm. In response he'd kiss her on the cheek, only worsening the problem. They'd fight often, but every time they did, they reconciled, looking more in love with each other as the days passed. My parents' interactions with each other were better than any romantic comedy I've seen. They were far from perfect parents. I was far from a perfect daughter. We were far from a perfect family. Nonetheless, I considered them, and our time together as dear as life itself.

Though I awaited my gift with great enthusiasm, the days' events took their toll on me. My eyelids became heavy and I started to yawn.

My mother turned back to me. "Mami, go ahead and take a nap. We'll be home before you know it." She flashed her trademark wink before facing the front.

I leaned back and closed my eyes, letting the vibrations of the road and the hum of the engine lull me to a deep slumber. I sighed as my mind wandered off into the world of dreams...

Wonderful parents...great friends at school... I hope this happiness will continue forever...

…

…

It would be the last good dream in a very long time. Because what happened after would haunt my nightmares for the rest of my life.