293: Family Crossroads

The shadows had lengthened, painting the room in the dusky hues of early evening when Michelle's frantic call pulled Alex into a family crisis he'd been distant from for too long. "Son, where are you? Come back quickly!" Michelle's voice was laden with distress. "Your sister has lost her senses; she's planning to marry a man who's nowhere near our level. What is she thinking? You need to come back and stop her." Alex's brow furrowed, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion and concern. "Mom, calm down. What's happening? Why so sudden?" "And his family background, Alex, it's appalling compared to ours," Michelle continued as if Alex did not say anything, her voice escalating in pitch and urgency. "You know she always listens to you. You must talk some sense into her." Alex felt a weight settle on his shoulders. This was not just about a hasty wedding; it was about family honor, expectations, and his sister's future. He pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling the onset of a he