I knocked on the door of the family home, although my mother always told me to come without knocking, because it will always be my home. My little niece, Eli, opened for me. I was always nervous, just like the rest of the family. She hugged me, and I stood like a pole, waiting for it to finally peel off. I hated those stupid family parties. Then I had to watch them all and pretend that I was happy with their presence. What was the reason for my hatred? It was unjustified. I had no reason to hate them. But they also had no reason to love me. I go into the living room and look around inside. On the sofa my sister, along with her husband and two children, to which Eli joins. My father and brother are sitting at the table, fiercely discussing. My mother and my brother's girlfriend are bustling in the kitchen. In turn, my two cousins ​​play on the console, and their sister, Maritt takes care of grandchildren of Aunt Helga, absent from this meeting. Without a word, I sit down at the table, just like any other guest or household member, and my mother serves a roast to my table, my favorite. I know that she made it especially for me. After dinner, Maritt gets up and gives away to everyone the presents she brought from her last trip to Japan. The kids get after some toy, the rest get some bottom souvenir. I did not get anything.

-I'm sorry, Danny. I forgot a present for you, but I promise that I will give it to you at the earliest opportunity!- she says, and in me cooks with anger, that she used the diminution of my name.-You do not have to.

 - I answer in a dry voice, and my sister sends me a look saying "Be nicer, Danny". She has always been able to call me to the vertical, in my teenage years, but now, the family is for me only genes. Maritt, unimpressed by my words, sits down again at the table where the dessert rides - a cinnamon buns from Aunt Helga, who could not stay at the party because of her varicose veins, because she had an appointment with an incredibly handsome doctor. I would not touch these rolls even with a stick with a rag, while everyone is eager to eat until they are missing.

-Danny, eat at least one, Aunt Helga has worked so hard, she would certainly be sorry. - my mother encourages me, and I feel like puking off the excess of love in her voice.

-I have an athlete's diet.- I answer - as usual - dryly without even looking at my mother, and staring at the window overlooking the lake.After lunch I excuse myself for training and leave as soon as possible. I get in the car and see the kids waving at me through the window, but I do not refuse them. I will say that I have not seen. After about forty minutes I am in my apartment. There are no people here. I do not have my family. It's only me. And finally I'm in my perfect world.