A New Beginning

Mr. Gilbert was busy in his office, the soft hum of the air conditioner and the gentle rustle of papers creating a soothing background noise. His secretary, Joan, walked in, her heels clicking on the floor. "Good morning, sir"

"Good morning Joan, what's going on? "

"Sir, please the manager wants to meet you in his office."

The scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air as Mr. Gilbert stood up from his desk and left to the manager's office.

Knock... knock....

"Please come in" A husky voice came through the door.

He got into the office, the warm glow of the morning sun streaming through the window, illuminating the manager's beaming face. "Good morning Mr. Louis, I was informed by my secretary that you wanted to see me."

"Good morning Mr. Gilbert, I did. There is some news I have to relay to you." Mr. Gilbert sat there looking a little puzzled and confused. "Okay sir, am all ears."

The manager took out a letter in his drawer and gave it to Mr. Gilbert. "The board of directors have noticed your hard work and diligence and have promoted you to manage the head office of FEBECK INDUSTRIES in Washington DC."

He was surprised and quickly took out the letter and read through. "Thank you sir." he said to the manager, smiling "Your flight have been booked for tomorrow and 10:00 am so you should go home now and get ready. You will be leaving with your family."

"Okay sir, I will take my leave now." He went back to his office, packed his things and drove off to his house.

As Mr. Gilbert drove home, the warm sunshine cast a golden glow on the road ahead. The gentle breeze carried the sweet scent of blooming flowers through the air, uplifting his spirits. He pulled up in front of their apartment, the sound of children's laughter and playful barks filling the air.

Lucretia, his 4-year-old daughter, was playing with her puppy in the garden, her giggles and shrieks of delight carrying on the wind. Her ponytail bounced behind her as she chased after the puppy, her little legs moving swiftly on the lush green grass. The puppy, a bundle of energy, darted around her, its tail wagging furiously.

As Mr. Gilbert pulled up, Lucretia looked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Daddy!" she squealed, dropping the puppy's toy and running towards the car. The puppy followed close behind, yapping happily.

Mr. Gilbert's heart swelled with love as he stepped out of the car, his eyes locked on his little girl. He scooped her up in a warm hug, twirling her around as she giggled and kissed his cheek. "Welcome home, sweetie!" he said, breathing in the sweet scent of her hair.

As he set her down, he asked, "Where's Mummy, sweetie?"

Lucretia pointed towards the apartment, "She's in the kitchen, Daddy!"

Mr. Gilbert smiled, "Okay, let's go give her a hug too!" He took Lucretia's hand, and together they walked towards the apartment, the puppy trotting alongside them.

As they entered the apartment, the aroma of freshly baked cookies wafted through the air, making Mr. Gilbert's stomach growl with hunger. He couldn't wait to share the news with his wife and start this new chapter in their lives.

Angelica was busy in the kitchen, her hands moving deftly as she piped icing onto a batch of freshly baked cookies. The sweet aroma filled the air, making her stomach growl with anticipation. She was lost in her own little world, humming a tune as she worked.

But then, she heard the sound of voices - her husband's and daughter's - carrying from the living room. She wiped her hands on a towel, a surprised look crossing her face as she wondered why her husband was home so early.

She walked out of the kitchen, a smile on her face, and was greeted by the sight of her husband and daughter seated on the sofa, laughing and playing together. "Honey, you're home early!" she exclaimed, her eyes narrowing slightly with concern. "Is everything okay?"

Mr. Gilbert smiled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "I have some good news," he said, his voice filled with excitement.

Angelica's curiosity was piqued. "Really?" she asked, her eyebrows rising.

As she spoke, she took his briefcase from him, landing a gentle peck on his cheek before sending the case flying into their room. "I'll just put this away," she said, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

Leaving her husband and daughter seated on the sofa, she disappeared into their room, leaving them to play and wait for her return. Lucretia climbed onto her father's lap, giggling as he tickled her tummy.

Angelica soon returned, a bright smile on her face. "I'm back!" she announced, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Now, let's hear this news!"

Lucretia, still playing on her father's lap, looked up at her mother and nodded enthusiastically. "Yes!"

Mr. Gilbert smiled, taking a deep breath. "Okay, here it goes... The manager told me that I've been promoted to manage the head office of FEBECK INDUSTRIES in Washington DC."

Angelica's face lit up with joy. "Congratulations, honey! That's amazing news!"

But Lucretia's reaction was the opposite. Her face fell, and she looked like she'd been punched in the gut. She rose to her feet, her eyes flashing with anger. "I don't want to move to the states!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.

Mr. Gilbert called after her, but she walked on, her little legs stomping towards her room. "Lucretia, wait!"

But she didn't stop. She slammed her door shut behind her and threw herself onto her bed, tears streaming down her face.

Her parents followed her into her room, concern etched on their faces. "Lucretia, sweetie, what's wrong?" Angelica asked, sitting down beside her.

But Lucretia just sobbed, her body shaking with emotion. "I don't want to leave my friends... I don't want to move to a new house..." she wailed.

Mr. Gilbert and Angelica exchanged worried glances. They had expected some resistance, but not like this. They tried to comfort her, but Lucretia was inconsolable.

Angelica stroked Lucretia's hair, trying to comfort her. "I understand how you feel, sweetie. But we have to do this for Daddy. It's a great opportunity for him, and for us as a family."

Lucretia sniffled, her eyes welling up with tears again. "But why do we have to move?"

"Because, sweetie, Daddy's job is very important, and this is a big chance for him to succeed. And think of all the new friends you'll make when we get there! You'll have so much fun exploring a new place and meeting new people."

Lucretia looked up at her mother, her expression skeptical. But Angelica could see the faintest glimmer of hope in her eyes.

"Really?" Lucretia asked, her voice small.

"Yes, really!" Angelica replied, smiling. "I promise you'll love it. You're a strong and brave girl, and you'll make this new place feel like home in no time."

Lucretia nodded slowly, her face still wet with tears. "Okay..."

Gilbert smiled, relieved. "That's my girl! Now, how about I let you pack up your favorite things, and we'll get ready for our big adventure?"

Lucretia nodded again, a small smile on her face. "Okay, Daddy."

Angelica hugged her tight. "I promise you'll love it, sweetie. We'll make this new place feel like home, together."

Angelica left them to pack, and soon they were done. It was already late, and Lucretia's mood hadn't improved much. She went to help her mother set up the table for dinner, her movements slow and reluctant.

Her mother noticed her expression and gave her a reassuring smile. "You'll be okay, sweetie."

Lucretia nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yes..."

Gilbert soon joined them, and they sat down to a quiet dinner. Lucretia's mind was elsewhere, thinking about the upcoming move.

After dinner, Lucretia headed to her room and phoned Linsey and Anita, telling them about her moving to the states. They were shocked and saddened by the news, but promised to stay in touch.

The next day started with Lucretia waking up to her mother patting her. She opened her eyes, rubbing the sleep away. Her mother smiled. "Time to wake up, sweetie. We're getting late for our flight."

Lucretia nodded, quickly getting herself ready. She wore a yellow sundress with white flowers, her hair tied up in a ponytail. Within a few minutes, she was done.

At that moment, her mother's voice echoed from the living room. "Lucretia, we're leaving!"

"I'm coming!" Lucretia replied, rushing down with her luggage. She dropped them on the floor and hugged her friends, who were waiting in the living room. Linsey and Anita had come to bid her farewell.

They packed the rest of the things in the car, and after some tearful farewells, they drove off to the airport. Lucretia looked out of the window, her heart heavy with emotion. She was leaving behind everything she knew and loved.