The Call from Home

Daniella Sebastian stood on her hotel balcony in Edinburgh, feeling the cool Scottish air as she looked out at the city. She was there for a work retreat, trying to take a break from her busy life, but she couldn't shake off her worries. Her phone buzzed with a call from an unknown number. She frowned and answered. "Hello?" Daniella asked, curious and a bit annoyed. "Daniella," said the voice on the other end. It was Claire, her father's assistant and family friend. Daniella immediately felt worried; Claire usually sounded cheerful, but now her voice was shaky. "Claire? What's wrong?" Daniella asked, gripping her phone tightly. "Is everything okay?" There was a long pause, filled with noises from Claire's end. "Daniella, it's your father... Malcolm." Daniella's heart dropped. "What happened? Is he-?" "He's gone, Daniella," Claire said, her voice breaking. "Your father passed away this morning. I'm so sorry." Daniella felt dizzy, the city in front of her becoming a blur as she stumbled back, holding onto the railing. "No... that can't be true," she stammered. "I just talked to him a few days ago. He was getting better!" Claire's voice softened, filled with sadness. "I know, Daniella. But his health got worse suddenly. The doctors did everything they could, but... he didn't make it." Daniella's mind raced with memories of her father-his laughter, his advice, his support. She always thought he would always be there for her. "Daniella, are you still there?" Claire's voice brought her back to reality. "Yes," Daniella whispered, feeling lost. "I'm... I'm here." "We're all at the estate," Claire said gently. "Your mother, Louis, the family... they need you." Daniella shut her eyes, trying to hold back her emotions. "I'll get the first flight back," she said, her voice empty. "I'll be there as soon as I can." After hanging up, Daniella leaned against the railing, staring at the busy city below. Everything felt strange, like she was watching a movie where she no longer belonged. Her father was gone. The man who had always been there for her was no longer with her. She felt anger rise inside her-anger at the doctors, at fate, at herself for not being there. She realized she had been too focused on her work to see how fragile life was. And now, it was too late. Daniella's phone buzzed again with a message from Louis. She opened it, her hands shaking as she read his words: "Daniella, I know you're in Scotland, but we need you here. Mom needs you. I need you. I'm so sorry." Tears streamed down Daniella's face as she sank to the floor of the balcony. She had always thought she was strong, but now she felt scared and alone, longing for her father. She remembered their last conversation, how proud he was of her. Now, those words felt like a goodbye. Daniella wiped her eyes and stood up. She had to be strong for her family. Taking a deep breath, she got ready to go home. She quickly packed her bags, checking out of the hotel and booking a flight. It all felt like a blur. She barely noticed the flight attendant's kind words or the looks from other passengers. All she could think about was getting back to her family. As the plane took off, Daniella stared out the window, feeling lost without her father. She had worked hard to make him proud, and now she felt alone. The flight seemed to take forever as guilt washed over her. She had been far away while her family suffered. She had missed saying goodbye. When the plane landed, Daniella moved through the airport like a robot. She took a cab home, memories flooding back of happier times with her father. Elizabeth was waiting at the door, tears in her eyes. She hugged Daniella tightly. "Oh, Daniella," she said. "I'm so glad you're here." Daniella held on to her mother, feeling her own tears fall. "I'm sorry, Mom," she whispered. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here." Elizabeth stroked her hair. "It's not your fault. We'll take it one day at a time." Louis appeared, looking just as heartbroken. He hugged her, sharing their pain. "Dad was so proud of you," he said. "He loved you so much." Daniella nodded, feeling the weight of his words. "I loved him too," she said softly. "I just wish I had more time." They stood together, the house now quiet with loss. Daniella knew things would never be the same, but she felt a small hope. They would grieve and support each other. In the end, that was what mattered. As Daniella stepped inside, the warmth of home surrounded her. For the first time since the call, she believed they would be okay.