Boys & Girls

        A few years later, Laird graduated from high school, and I graduated from university. Although my brother was granted a scholarship by McGrill University, he decided to stay in the farm and continue the fur trade business run by our father. “I’m a boy, and I should take over my father’s business.” Laird said. I respected my brother’s decision, even though I felt it was not a good choice to give up the chance of studying in a university.       “I want to move to the city and stay with my girlfriends.” I said to my parents. “Why?” my father asked loudly. “I would like to look for a secretary job, and it is also the time for me to be independent.” I explained to my parents. After listening to my explanation, my parents allowed me to leave home and stay with my girlfriends in the city. However, my parents needed me to promise them to be back and visit the family twice a month. “ You are free now, and you can do whatever you like.” Laird laughed at me.

       I was so lucky to get a job as a secretary in a law firm after moving out one month from the family. I was also very fortunate to meet my dream man, Alan who was a lawyer to be my boyfriend. Alan and I had many common interests. We liked to play tennis, collect stamps, go swimming, and help homeless people. Alan was an animal lover, and he actively involved in protecting animals. Last year, he was selected and became the chairman of Canadian Animal Protection Association. I was gradually influenced by Alan, and became his follower to against any people who killed animals in order to earn their living. “Honey, we are going to a farm where kill foxes and sell their fur to The Bay Company. We should go there and stop their terrible activities tomorrow.” Alan talked to me softly. “Where is the farm?” I asked immediately. “The farm is not far away, and it is in a little town called Jasper.” Alan replied. I was so shocked and didn’t know how to respond, because it was my father’s farm. “Should I go with Alan? Should I tell Alan not to go against my father’s farm?” I thought.

       On next day, I decided to lie to be sick and didn’t go with Alan. I couldn’t face my father who had killed foxes in order to support the family and my education. In the evening, I found out that my father and brother were injured and sent to the hospital because of the protestion organized by Alan while watching the TV news. Both my father and brother were very angry about the protestion and finally fought with the leader of protestion, Alan. I didn’t know what I had to do. “Should I go to the hospital? Should I let my parents know that Alan is my boyfriend?” I struggled.

       I finally went to the hospital. When I arrived at the emergency, three gentlemen, my father, my brother, and Alan stood in front of me. They all greeted me at the same time, and then they looked at each other in surprised. I felt embarrassed and just ran away. I didn’t know how to handle the situation. A few days later, I went home and faced the reality with my family. I understood that I could not chicken out of my relationship with Alan and didn’t let my family know about it. When I arrived home, my father and brother were sitting in the living room. They both didn’t say anything, and just laughed at me. Finally, my father talked to my brother. “Never mind, your sister is only a girl.” he said.

       Deep in my heart, I really thanked the love of my father towards me whenever I made any mistakes.