The Narratives – Mohamed Miah

One of the most memorable road trips of my life was with my dad. We were heading to London for my cousin’s wedding, planning to meet my brother in Birmingham afterwards. He was already there having what I’d later find out was the time of his life (I’ll leave it at that!). The plan was simple, drive to London, then get the coach to Birmingham with my cousins.

At the time, I was 18, my brother 16. What made this trip unforgettable wasn’t just where we were going, but the fact that my dad was genuinely well at the time. He’d struggled with his health for so long, but that day, it was like everything aligned. He was laughing, joking, and even singing along to the music we played in the car.

We had the car packed, with the kind of snacks that make any road trip complete. Crisps, chocolate, and juice became the soundtrack to our adventure, alongside the music we were playing on the car stereo. My dad, always a lover of music, would hum along, occasionally breaking into his own rendition of the tunes. It’s one of the few times I remember feeling truly connected with him—like the barriers of everyday life had momentarily melted away. It wasn’t about being father and son, it was just two people enjoying each other’s company.

When we got to Birmingham, my brother was in his element, fully caught up in the wedding buzz. I won’t go into detail, but let’s just say he was living it up. The trip back home felt just as special as the drive out. By the time we got back, it was late, but me and my brother weren’t ready to let the night end. We sat down with a coconut cream cake (an absolute classic) and glasses of Coke with ice, catching up on everything we’d missed. The way we laughed and recounted the moments felt like the trip’s perfect conclusion.

Looking back now, I realise it wasn’t just the trip or the wedding that made it memorable. It was one of those rare occasions where time felt suspended, where I got to see my dad as he truly was—healthy, happy, and carefree. That road trip wasn’t just about the miles we travelled; it was about the moments we shared, and those moments will stay with me forever.