Wars and Lies

Chapter Twenty-three

We finally reached home and it felt good to finally be home. We all shot off the boat. It was a hard and long journey and was obviously way better than the journey there. It was actually kind of fun. We pretended it was one of those big holiday ships, I can't remember what they were called.

The ship's horns blares to let the tribe know we've returned. People come running down cheering with delight. We very fortunately didn't lose anyone else apart from my dad. Families reunite with big smiles. You can hear the cries of joy. Brandon runs and hugs his dad. Stephanie runs to her mum and hugs her tightly. Emily's family run to each other and do a big family hug. I see my mum and I've never ran faster. I give her the biggest hug. I don't wanna let go. Ashton just stands at the end of the beach, looking upset. Mum notices and pulls him in for a hug as well. "I'm so happy you're home. Both of you. Where you've been? What happened?" My mum asked, confused.

"It's a long story, I'll explain later. I just wanna hug you." I replied.

"Okay love. I'm so happy you two are safe, I didn't know what happened. Where's your dad?"

"Umm..." I can't bring myself to say the words. Her eyes fill with worry. I look behind me and the guards are unloading the supplies and at the back is four guards carrying my dad's coffin. I turn back to my mum. It clicks with her and she broke down and ran to the coffin. Me and Ashton race after her. "This can't be happening." My mum cried.

"I'm so sorry mum. I tried to save him but it was too late." My mum turns to me and we both cry.

The boat set off to take other people back to their tribes. Philip comes over followed by Brandon. "Welcome home everyone. I'm glad to see you're all safe. Brandon explained what happened. Katie I'm so sorry about what happened to your father, he was my best friend. He'll have an honourable funeral like he deserves. But for now, we will celebrate your return and victory." Philip said. Everyone cheered and started to carry the supplies up to the village to start the party. Some men carried my dad's coffin and my mum followed. I was about to go when I stopped to think. It's really over. I'm really home. Things can return back to normal. But can it though? So much has happened. Dad's dead. We've been to war. I killed someone. How can things go back to normal? Ashton realised I wasn't following and came running back. "Hey, everything's going to be okay," Ash said as he put out his hand.

I took his hand, "hopefully."