Are the Ones Waiting for You Home Still Waiting?

That night, Dad called me. “Are you coming home for dinner tonight? I bought your favorite chicken legs.” I glanced at my phone and casually replied: “No, I have plans with friends. You guys just eat without me.” Dad didn’t say much more, just smiled and answered: “Okay, you be careful then.” I hung up and continued chatting with my friends, not giving it a second thought. A few days later, Mom suddenly messaged me. “Your dad often asks when you’ll be coming home lately.” After reading the message, I felt a little impatient. I thought, I’ll just go back when I have time. The home is always there, and Dad is always there. Until one day, I finally returned home. Several familiar dishes were laid out on the dining table, and one of them was my favorite chicken legs. I asked Mom, “Where’s Dad?” Mom was silent for a moment, then softly said: “He went to the hospital today. He hasn’t been feeling well lately.” At that moment, I suddenly didn’t know what to say. I remembered how, in the past, whenever I came home from school, Dad would always ask me, “How was your day at school?” I used to find it annoying, but now I really wanted to hear it again. I picked up my phone and opened the chat history with Dad. The last message he sent me was: “Remember to eat, don’t go hungry.” I stared at those few words for a long time. Turns out, some people aren't good at saying nice things, but they hide all their concern within them.