Episode 6
The plane soared above the ocean, and the boundless blue sky and radiant sun outside lifted my spirits. I gazed at the clouds shifting and tumbling, streaked with warm, reddish light as the horizon glowed. The sky was breathtaking, and for a moment, I regretted not having a camera to capture it.
Then, inspiration struck like lightning. Grabbing a pen and sketchpad, I quickly drew the scene, each line a reflection of the fleeting beauty I saw outside. By the time I finished, night had fallen, and the surreal realization hit me–we had taken off on the morning of the 27th and landed on the
evening of the 26th. It felt like traveling through time, a strange but exciting
sensation.
Stepping off the plane, I spotted them instantly. Mom, Dad, and Kirst, standing together, waving enthusiastically. My older brother, of course, was impossible to miss,
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holding up an enormous, ridiculously
colorful “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” banner that looked hilariously out of place.
Laughter bubbled out of me as I waved back, my heart swelling with warmth. Lifting my suitcase, I ran straight into my mother’s waiting arms, her embrace comforting me in ways I hadn’t realized I needed.
Years ago, I had left this love and safety behind, chasing dreams and love against my parents‘ advice. I had been young and stubborn, determined to find inspiration beyond our pack lands. When they voiced their concerns about my safety, I brushed them off, assuring them if I needed something, I would just call them.
But who could have predicted that eight long years would pass, with only brief visits during holidays? I had left them to endure the pain of missing me while I lived my life. elsewhere.
Tears welled up, but I quickly pulled away
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from my mother, swallowing the overwhelming emotions. Instead of voicing my guilt or sorrow, I blurted out, “Mom, I’m starving.
Her gentle smile never wavered as she stroked my face, reading me like she always did. Without prying into my pain, she simply wiped away a stray tear, her touch as tender as it had been when I was a
child.
“Come home,” she said softly. “I‘ 11 make your favorite noodles with gravy.
I nodded, returning her smile. “Okay.”
Kirst chimed in, nudging my side with a grin. “Wait, I thought we were having my favorite pecan pie today? Why is the menu changing to noodles?”
“Because it’s my birthday,” I shot back, nudging him harder.
“Hey! Mom, did you see that? She’s attacking me!” Kirst exaggerated,
clutching his side. Then he added smugly,
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“And your birthday‘ s technically tomorrow. Time zones, remember?”
“Whatever,” I said, clinging to Mom’s arm with a playful pout. “Mom, Kirst‘ s bullying me again.”
“Bullying you?” Kirst feigned outrage. “Mom, do you hear this?”
My mom chuckled, linking her arm with mine as we walked out. My dad patted my head affectionately, shaking his head at our antics, while Kirst continued his mock complaints.
The love and laughter filled the empty spaces in my heart, washing away the bitterness that had lingered there. Arm in arm, we left the airport, chatting and laughing like no time had passed at all.
Meanwhile, Damien‘ s world was crumbling.
He sat on the floor of his home–no, the house we had shared–frantically dialing my number over and over again.
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Episode 6
Every year, he set a reminder on his phone so he wouldn’t forget my birthday, and this year was no different. Early that morning, as he lay in the guest room at Kaia’s house, the notification had jolted him awake.
Out of habit, he‘ d risen, intending to buy groceries and prepare a small celebration. He had even commissioned a custom bracelet as a gift.
But when he saw Kaia lounging in the living room, he hesitated. After all, I hadn’t apologized yet. He couldn’t understand why I, who had always been so accommodating, was so stubborn this
time.
As the hours dragged on without a single message from me, unease settled in hist chest. Unable to resist, he finally left
Kaia’s house and returned home to check
on me.
But when he opened the door, he froze.
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Episode 6.
Every year, he set a reminder on his phone so he wouldn’t forget my birthday, and this year was no different. Early that morning, as he lay in the guest room at Kaia’s house, the notification had jolted him awake.
Out of habit, he‘ d risen, intending to buy groceries and prepare a small celebration. He had even commissioned a custom bracelet as a gift.
But when he saw Kaia lounging in the living room, he hesitated. After all, I hadn’t apologized yet. He couldn’t understand why I, who had always been so accommodating, was so stubborn this
time.
As the hours dragged on without a single message from me, unease settled in hist chest. Unable to resist, he finally left
Kaia’s house and returned home to check
on me.
But when he opened the door, he froze.
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Episode 6
The sight before him was unrecognizable.
Gone were the warm, inviting touches I had carefully added over the years. In place, there was a cold, minimalist space, stripped of any personality – just stark black and white, like it had been seven years ago.
Damien stepped back, confused, and checked the address, wondering if he‘ d entered the wrong house. But no, this was our home. Rather, it had been. Now, it was nothing more than a shell, just as empty as his heart.
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