The Family Business

Balance

It was the next day, Thursday.  As Antonio walked from the kitchen and into the living room, Andrew had made his way down the stairs.  Their paths crossed.

"Dad, I didn't mean to upset you, Andrew said.

"Son, I have to admit I am a little surprised at you," Antonio replied, "I thought this was what you wanted."

"I love the business.  But it's not my path."

"I don't understand, then.  Why do you want to pursue something else?  Doesn't the family mean anything to you?"

"Of course it does!  I'm just not sure I want this to be my entire life like you've made it."

"I kept the tradition going.  For us.  For you."

"Business isn't tradition, Dad.  I've got to go before I'm late," Andrew walked out the door on his way to school.

Antonio walked back into the living room without saying a word and saw the scale was still out of balance.  He suddenly heard the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs, almost in a rush.  Atlas went to the bottom of the stairs holding the disc.

"Is he gone?  I was hoping to give this back to him," said Atlas.

"What is that?" Antonio asked.

"That's Andrew's performance in the play.  You should sit down and watch.  He did a great job!  He's got a talent for it, Dad."

Antonio withdrew again toward the wall, but instead, he sat down on the couch.  Atlas sat nearby on the adjourning couch by the window.

"What did I do wrong with Andrew?" Antonio asked.

"You're still worried about what happened last night?" Atlas asked.

"I just don't understand it.  You turned out fine.  Laila, I don't know if her heart is in it.  And now Andrew—"

"Dad, everything built up to this point took three generations to do it.  One generation is not going to tear it all down.  I promise."

"My father wanted this to go on and on for years."

"And it has."

"Atlas, you don't know what my grandfather and my father did to—"

"No, I don't.  Dad, I think you're missing something here.  I know family is important to you.  Sticking together was what we've done best.  And don't worry so much about Andrew.  The truth is, I am part of the family business because I wanted to be.  This is my life.  Rebecca and I are very happy.  We're blessed at what the family has given us and the hard work we've put in for ourselves.  But that wasn't because you drilled into me about what family meant," Atlas paused for a moment until Antonio had looked in his direction.  Their eyes met.  "Andrew is more than capable of making his decisions.  And it's okay that it's different than what you imagined."

Antonio looked down at his hands and nodded as if coming to grips with his dilemma.

Atlas placed the disc on the coffee table in front of Antonio.  Shortly after, he stood up and walked over to the end table next to Antonio.  "Andrew is family whether he's part of the business or not," he stated as he touched the balance scale, tipping it to one side, bringing it back to balance.  "Sorry, that was really bothering me.  O.C.D, am I right?"

Antonio grabbed the disc in front of him.

"Here's an irony: everything you do and have ever done has been for the family, but you struggle accepting family for its differences," said Atlas.

"How do I fix this?"

"You should be there opening night," Atlas replied.

"To his performance?  Oh, I don't know."

"Are you saying no because you're stuck in your idea of tradition?  Otherwise, would you not have gone to your son's performance anyway?"

Antonio held his head down, ashamed, at Atlas' words, but still, he was right.  Antonio looked back at the disc in his hand.  A smile slowly plastered itself across his face. *