It had been long time since my papa stopped holding my hands and walking me along the road. I missed those lovely evenings. What would have made such big difference? I looked back nostalgically on the days when my papa used to help me finish my homework and mom helping by solving the math problems and the days I hung on to every word or piece of advice my papa uttered.

  He always wanted to give me the best of things; I had my demands much unlimited though. He helped me cross the fence of childhood easily and reach my adulthood. I never knew I would annoy my parents a lot when I was growing up and had not imagined that it could be scary too. I wanted to stay out with my friend until midnight. My parents were like my old shoes into which I couldn’t have my feet in. They gave enough of freedom and granted permission to do what I liked to, but I wanted more than what was freedom.

  I didn’t understand why I was so tight-lipped that made me keep myself from my parents in many ways. Monosyllabic replies still widened the gap between us. I considered that gap ‘a generation gap’. I had freedom; I was dependent. I would have got all my wants fulfilled, if I had opened my wishes to them, I wondered why I didn’t. They talked to me and never had talked down to me. I knew not the truth that ‘Communication is the key’.

  Years passed. The older I turn, the wiser I become. I found a job for myself and felt independent. Now, I realize the big difference between ‘freedom’ and ‘independence’. Innocence of childhood is blissful. I still miss those evenings.