SAILING ON THE SAME BOAT

Adam nodded, his expression solemn, as he began to speak about his own family dynamics. "Yes, Ayana. Growing up, my relationship with my parents was... complicated, to say the least."

Ayana listened intently as Adam shared the painful memories of his upbringing and the distant and strained connection he had with his mother and father. She could sense the lingering wounds of his past, the scars left behind by years of neglect and indifference.

"My parents were never really present," Adam admitted, his voice tinged with bitterness. "They were always too wrapped up in their own lives, too focused on their careers and social standing, to pay much attention to me. I was more of a trophy than a son, someone they could show off to their friends and colleagues."

Ayana's heart went out to Adam as she listened to him speak. She could only imagine how difficult it must have been for him to grow up feeling unseen and unloved by the very people who were supposed to care for him the most.

"That mus