The days turned into weeks, and Clara's parents continued to work on their relationship. The arguments didn't disappear completely, but they became less frequent. Clara's mother started counseling, and her father began to attend therapy sessions as well. Clara noticed the changes in her parents. They seemed more patient, more understanding. They started to communicate better, and the tension in the house began to dissipate. One evening, Clara's parents sat down with her in the living room. They looked nervous, but determined. "Clara, we want to talk to you about something," her mother said, taking a deep breath. "We're realizing that we've been focusing so much on our problems that we've neglected you. We want to make it up to you, to spend more quality time together as a family." Clara's heart swelled with emotion. She had been feeling like she was losing her parents, but now it seemed like they were coming back to her. "That sounds great, Mom and Dad," Clara said, trying to sound casual despite the excitement in her voice. Her parents smiled, and for a moment, Clara saw the happy couple they used to be. They started making plans for a family vacation, something they hadn't done in years. The vacation was a huge success. They spent a week at the beach, laughing, swimming, and building memories. Clara felt like she was part of a real family again, not just three people living under the same roof. As they sat around the dinner table on their last night, Clara's mother reached out and took her father's hand. It was a small gesture, but it spoke volumes. Clara saw the love in their eyes, the love that had been hidden beneath the surface for so long. "Thank you, guys," Clara's father said, his voice choked with emotion. "For this vacation, for the effort we've all put in. I think we're on the right track." Clara's mother nodded, and Clara smiled. They were taking small steps, but they were moving in the right direction. And for Clara, that was all that mattered. As they finished dinner and packed up to leave, Clara felt a sense of hope. She knew her parents still had a long way to go, but she was proud of them for trying. And she was proud of herself for being strong, for being there for them when they needed her. The drive home was quiet, but it wasn't the same tense silence that had become all too familiar. It was a comfortable silence, a silence that spoke of a newfound understanding and appreciation for each other. Clara looked out the window, watching the stars twinkle to life in the night sky. She felt a sense of peace, a sense of belonging. She was part of a family, a family that was working through its problems, and that was all
