𝙈𝙔 𝙂𝙪𝙮 || 𝘼 𝙍𝙚𝙙 𝙓 𝘿𝙪𝙘𝙠 𝙁𝙖𝙣𝙛𝙞𝙘

EPISODE TWO: WELCOME HOME

     "How much longer until we're there?" Harry asked impatiently.

     "Not long! Just a few more minutes," answered Shrignold.

     Shrignold was at the front of the group, leading the way through the woods. Robin wasn't too far behind, Harry and Manny walking hand-in-hand behind them. The luggage everyone was carrying started feeling heavy about fifteen minutes ago. No one complained due to the already miserable atmosphere, but Robin was definitely thinking about it. Not many people were paying attention, eyes focused on the earthy floor. However, Shrignold's loud voice quickly changed that.

     "We're here!" he sang, throwing his hands in the air.

     The man stood in front of a large, gold gate. A lock kept it shut, tall, brick walls surrounding the perimeter of the small town inside. Harry raised his head to read the huge sign, frowning deeper--if that was possible.

     The sign read, "Welcome to Clayhill! Please enjoy your stay."

     Harry leaned down next to Robin's ear, "You can't seriously want to go back to this hellhole."

     "Harry, I'm the one who fucked everything up last time. Maybe things have gotten better and I can redeem myself after all these years," Robin replied.

     "Hey, guys! C'mon, we gotta hurry before it gets dark. That way y'all can be on your way to wherever you're off to," called Shrignold.

     Harry hesitated as he watched Robin walk after Shrignold, but he followed anyway. The town was lively, just as the three remembered. Kids were playing in their backyard, while their parents chatted merrily on the porch. Cars of various colors and brands zoomed past, stopping every now and then at command from the safety guard.

     Manny let go of Harry's hand and jumped around, grinning from ear to ear.

     "I missed this place! Maybe we could make this our destination," they gasped, looking up at Harry hopefully.

     "No, this won't do. We're looking for a fresh start, not the past," Harry said, ruffling their blue mullet gently.

     Manny's head dropped in disappointment, staring at the ground as they continued to walk. Robin fell back a bit to join Harry by his side, nudging him a little.

     "You never said you wanted to go anywhere specific to start over. Why not here?" she asked.

     "Too much of our past lies here. I don't want anything to interfere with our attempt to be a normal family or deal with the shit we're gonna get for showing our faces here again."

     Robin shook their head, stopping to make eye contact with Harry, "Whatever happens, it will be fine. We won't know if this is a bad idea until we try it. Now, break out of your pessimistic attitude and look at the situation with a bit more positivity."

     Harry groaned, jogging a bit to catch up with Robin, Shrignold, and Manny.

     Shrignold opened the door to a small car shop, gesturing towards the door, "After you,"

     Walking in, Manny looked around in astonishment.

     "Wow! This place is so cool! I don't remember having an auto shop before," he said.

     "The town has had plenty of expansion happen since you three have been gone," Shrignold smiled, walking over to the front desk.

     Harry sat down in the waiting room with Manny, while Robin stayed up front with Shrignold. A man who looked to be in his late-thirties showed up, throwing an oil-stained rag over his shoulder.