The final person to enter was my alcoholic father. He was already drunk by the afternoon, and his expression carried a mixture of emotions. He seemed torn between protesting my indifference towards him for over a decade and desiring closeness with me, now that I had returned home with success. Fortunately, I didn't allow him much time to hesitate. Upon entering the room, I offered a brief nod, addressed him as "Dad" in a low voice, and then never looked at him again.
With everyone in attendance, I politely greeted the elders one by one and then arranged for everyone to sit at the square table.
Harry and Zach took their seats at the front, while Ryan, accustomed to being reserved, hesitated to join the table. Sensing his discomfort, I decided not to force him into sitting.
My father sat down on the right side and gestured for me to sit beside him.
Jacob and Debra settled on the left side of the table, with Regina and Donny taking seats beside them.
Once we were seated, except for Ryan who couldn't speak, Regina, Debra, and Jacob started enthusiastically praising me.