Armando awoke first, Everett curled up on the seat with his head on Armando's shoulder, drool dripping down his cheek and chin. The older boy cringed at the cold feeling and gently pushed Everett off of him. He opened his wide eyes, the corners slightly bloodshot and a few small red marks on his face.
"Good morning sleeping beauty.." Armando said in a hushed voice, watching Everett rub his eyes with his jacket sleeve, almost like a child. "How was your nap?"
"My nap was fine...felt like I blinked...can't believe I'm gonna see my home..." he yawned and stretched, his knees and ankles making loud popping noises. "That feels better.."
"Is that..normal for you...?" he asked, looking him up and down. Everett nodded and watched out the window, the surroundings slowly becoming less of a blur as the bus came to a stop. The two waited for a moment before standing and getting off the bus, Everett checking a bus route map.
"Three miles until we reach the town..we'll get directions from there.." Everett said, putting a black mask over his mouth and nose, popping open a bottle of hand sanitizer. "Unclean..so unclean..."
The two began to walk together, passing stores and homes, salons and diners. Eventually, the reached a long bridge going over a wide river. Armando began to cross but Everett hesitated, stopping at a crack in the sidewalk. Armando took his hand and lead him over the bridge, Everett squeezing his hand tightly. A big green sign came into few soon.
"Now entering Angel Point.." Armando read aloud for Everett. "Is this it..?"
"Angel Point...this is the place...now we find the Grace Estate.." the two walked in silence, crossing all types of buildings from warehouses to apartments and gradually, huge homes with sprawling grounds. The two asked directions from a old Hispanic lady, her eyes still young and bright.
"Aw you sweet angels..going up to visit the Grace house all by yourselves. So brave." she pointed down the street, smiling "The house is just a few blocks that way. Be careful, I hear there are ghosts there." she chuckled and took Everett's hand, patting it gently. "You and your boyfriend are so cute together."
Both boys went bright red and thanked her at the same time, quickly walking away in the direction she pointed in. Soon, the house came into view. With the sight, a shot of pain went through Everett's chest. Across from a graveyard and up in top of a hill, the shell of a once elegant home stood. Tall stone walls held up no roof, no glass, no doors. Everett's eyes glazed over and he began to run towards the ruins.
"Home."
