Dating for Distraction

Chapter 29

My parents return to the room with bags that smell similar to Indian Cuisine. 

"I've got butter chicken!" My mom gloats as she slays her hips side to side in a flashy manner. She's always been fond of trying new things.

My father rubs his tummy before adding "It was good! I'm stuffed!"

"Yummy!" I've been so occupied with all of the commotion that I've nearly forgotten how hungry I was. Without hesitation, I reach for the beg. My mother gladly hands it to me before taking a seat. 

"Did you guys enjoy yourselves? You seem refreshed."

"It's easier to do that when we know you're okay." My mother proceeds to rub my shoulder.

Still standing, my dad pardons himself. "It was good, but maybe a little too good. I'm gonna run to the bathroom." He jogs away as my mother and I chuckle.

"You know, moderation is really a thing babe." My mom teases before sliding on her reading glasses and scrolling through her phone. Still present, she proceeds to carry out the conversation.

"How was the uh, what was it? The show?"

"It was a livestream mom. And it was actually pretty good."

"Oh good! What was it about."

"Christian's facing persecution."

My mother pauses and looks up towards me like a librarian prepared to hush the loudest occupant. 

"Oh?"

"Yeah, I know. It's random. But I was drawn."

"Drawn how?"

I show her the link to the Pastor's website. She is quick to notice his appearance.

"Ah hah! I see you didn't need much convincing."

I chuckle and push her in a teasing manner.

"Why do you always have to be so embarrassing?"

"You make my job easy."

She resumes to scrolling on her phone and proceeds to change topics. 

"So, we spoke to the Doctor on the way up. They're looking to start you on PT for Tuesday. So you have 2 days of rest. Do you want Dad and I to get you anything hun? We could ask your brother to borrow the PlayStation?"

I pause to reflect. For a moment, I forget how slow time passes when we're not distracted with busy scheduled. I was not prepared for so much free time. I am sure how to work with this new found space. 

"No, you don't have to do that." I attempt to buy myself time. In short, I have no real clue how I plan to occupy my time for the next couple of days. But I do not fear the quiet either. I think I am more worried for my parents, who seem excessively worried about me. 

"On second thought, maybe a few movies."

"Movies could be fun! Would give us all something to do."

I nod in agreeance. My father returns from the bathroom looking two times lighter. 

"That was everything."

My mother and I chuckle.

He proceeds to turn on the TV and scroll to a football game. My mother leans back and becomes more committed to her scrolling. I pick up my phone and look for something to do. After a few moments of aimless scrolling and random search engine dives, I realize that I am a rather boring person. I realize it's time that I develop new hobbies.

I get the idea to scroll through the app store for some entertainment. A slew of games pop to the forefront. I can see the top 10 most downloaded games. Nothing seems appealing off the back. But a few scrolls later, I bump into a dating app. I haven't dated since Ethan. The idea of meeting a new person seems rather tempting.

My thumb levitates above the download button before committing to the decision. I decide to go for it. As the app downloads, I begin to feel butterflies in my stomach.