Homecoming

Chapter 6

The following week passed like water. Nothing special happened, everything went in the old tracks. Work, home, work and so on. I have long come to terms with the idea that life after the age of twenty takes on its rhythm. Those times when we experienced unforgettable moments and adventures with classmates and friends every day became a thing of the past. The worries we had then were on our shoulders, but now we were on our own.

It was Friday afternoon, and since I was free today, there was nothing to stop me from going for a little walk. Honestly, I was especially nervous all day and I couldn't explain it. It drew me to the park, even though my sanity told me it was crazy. The probability that I would run into Garrett and Jared was practically zero. This city was huge and I had no idea where the boys lived. I didn't even know their last name, and the next one was Friday, and they both had to be at school or on their way out of it.

Since last Saturday, I have often returned to them in my thoughts. I wondered if Garrett's knee had healed, if they went for ice cream together, and if they still remember me. The two crumbs brought a little joy and peace to my life. I often waved Garrett's angelic smile and his undying energy hidden in my eyes.

Our fate was a little similar. I lost a man, but they mysteriously lost their mother. I assumed she was still alive, only obviously not interested in them. It was hard for me to tell which was worse. But why? That bothered me. The boys were pure innocence, all kindness, well behaved, kind and friendly. They must have suffered because of it, and Jared was visibly affected.

Every child needed a mother to blow their sores, hug them and let them know that they were the center of her life, just as my mother did. The thought of Caroline and I growing up without our mother scared me. Scary. Unimaginable.

In any case, if I was lucky and still came across the boys, I packed some sweets in my purse. It was pleasant outside and a gentle breeze was blowing. I walked faster to the park, though I doubted I would find them there. After all, boys had their lives, their duties, and I, for my own good, should not be tied to foreign children. In my mind, I rebuked and admonished myself to be more sensible.

But a wide smile crossed my face as I saw Garrett on a small sandpit. I stood there for a moment, looking for Jared. Of course he was there. He was sitting on a nearby bench with his head dipped in a textbook, writing something in a notebook. Before I walked over to them, I looked around the park once more to see if I could see their father, not even their mother, but there was no one in the park except the three of us.

I crossed the lawn straight toward them as Garrett's pleased voice echoed.

"Kirsten," he shouted happily and ran to me.

"Hi," I greeted him. I lifted him into my arms and hugged him warmly. "How are you," I didn't even try to hide my enthusiasm.

"We missed you!" his statement surprised me. I didn't expect it. I thought that they would only perceive me as a nice lady who helped them when they were in need and immediately forgot about me.

"Really?" I put on a surprised expression. "And how much did you miss me on a scale of one to ten?" I joked and put him back on the ground. I took his hand and then we walked together to Jared, who was watching us suspiciously.

"Five," he replied.

"Only?" I looked disappointed. "So little?"

"No," he laughed. "I missed you very much. I just guessed the number because I have no idea if there is more than one or ten, "he smiled brightly at me.

"Sounds better now," I ran his hand through his hair.

"Did you think I forgot about you?" he fixed his innocent eyes on me.