michael had gotten out about eight days ago. today was finally luke's turn.
"safe travels mr. hemmings, i hope to see you again someday, never in here though! you keep up the good work you did here and stay strong." his favorite doctor spoke to him, smiling as she handed him his box of personal items that they had to confiscate for safety reasons.
he took a deep breath, and gripped the box until his knuckles were white, before walking through the giant metal doors.
"oh my god, luke!" he heard his mom say, running to hug him.
luke dropped the box at his feet and hugged his mother back tightly. he missed her so much when he was in the hospital and he was so relieved to see her.
"let's get out of here, we can catch up at home." luke's mother smiled, taking his hand and leading him outside.
the bright summer sun beat down on luke's face and he squinted until his eyes got used to the brightness. he smiled when he realized how much he missed the outdoors.
being trapped inside for as long as he was was miserable. he missed the sunshine and the smell of fresh grass and flowers.
"i thought we'd go out to a nice dinner tonight to celebrate your achievements, luke. what do you think?" his mom asked.
luke nodded. "i'd like that."
his mother gasped and stopped what she was doing.
"luke, you- you talked?" she spoke softly, "i haven't heard your voice in years."
he smiled. "surprise!"
"oh my god this gets better and better. i'm so proud of you luke." she smiled as she opened the door to the car and got in.
the drive home was about five minutes. when they walked in the door, luke felt warm inside.
the house smelled familiar, like family.
he missed everyone so much. and when he walked into the kitchen, he saw his entire family. his dad, both brothers, his sister in law, and adorable baby niece who was so big since the last time he saw her.
they had decorated the kitchen really cute with a banner that said "welcome home luke!" in big letters and streamers all over the place.
"you guys didn't have to do all of this for me." he giggled shyly.
everyone gasped at the fact he was speaking, because somehow during the drive home he forgot he hadn't talked in years and it may come as a surprise.
"luke! you talk now? dude!" his brother jack smiled, pulling him in for a hug. "did momma tell you we have a surprise for you?"
luke shook his head no and looked at his mother with furrowed eyebrows.
"michael? come on out..." luke's mom smiled.
and luke frowned when he saw michael come out of the living room.
