As soon as the school bell rang, signalling the start of summer break, Caitlyn’s classroom flooded with excited chatter. Loud invitations of “Picnic party tomorrow!”, “Sleepover at my place!” and “Let’s go to the mall!” filled her school as most of the students started planning their summer holidays.

Caitlyn was very excited and also made a separate plan with her closest friends to go out to watch a movie. But it so happened that her mum had other plans.

“We’re going on a family vacation to the mountains,” she announced at dinner that night.

Caitlyn groaned in disappointment. “Do we have to, mum? I was really looking forward to spending time with my friends this summer,” she said disappointedly.

Her mum looked at her with a gentle, but firm expression. “Family time is important, Caitlyn. We need to spend quality time together, just us. You can always see your friends when we get back.”

Caitlyn reluctantly agreed, but she was still disappointed. She felt like she was missing out on all the fun she could have with her friends. She had made so many plans about how she would spend her summer enjoying different things with her friends and now having to give up all that made her feel sad.

Caitlyn’s family decided to take a road trip and dri­ve to their destination in the mountains. Caitlyn sulked in the backseat, scrolling through her phone and seeing all the fun her friends were having without her, although the delectable snacks her mum made for the journey did improve her mood. But as they arrived at the cabin and started hiking and exploring together, Caitlyn found her perspective change.

She saw how much her little brother, Jack, looked up to her and enjoyed playing with her. She saw how her mum and dad relaxed and laughed together, without the distraction of work and daily routine. And she saw how beautiful the mountains were, so peaceful and serene. They also got souvenirs and a great many pictures.

The next day, Caitlyn had the first zip line experience, which turned out to be quite exhilarating for her. As they sat around the campfire that night and told stories, Caitlyn felt a sense of belonging and connection with her family that she had been missing. She realised that family time wasn’t boring or lame, but actually precious and valuable. The journey back was also very calming and enjoyable for her as she had the time of her life.

When they returned home, Caitlyn still enjoyed spending time with her friends, but she loved the time she spent with her family the most. She started having dinner with her family every night rather than staying in her room and eating at a different time. She would play games with Jack when she had some time to spare, rather than scrolling on her phone and also started going on outings with her parents on the weekends than having hangouts with her friends.

And you know what? She didn’t miss out on anything. In fact, she felt more fulfilled and happier than ever before.

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 6th, 2024