Broken

Chapter 1: Homecoming

The day is Monday. The sun is shining brightly. The plane is landing safely at the runway. People are stepping out of the plane.

Edward Keegan stepped off the landed plane, his eyes squinting in the bright sunlight as he took his first breaths of New York's air after a handful of years away from home. As he stepped out of it, he looked around, taking in the familiar sight of the city he called home.

Quick introduction. Edward Keegan, or known by his friends as Eddie, was a NAVY SEALs soldier, and he had just completed his final tour of duty. He was finally coming home to Kensington, the neighborhood where he had grown up.

As he made his way through the airport, Eddie realized that things had changed in his absence. He didn't see anyone he recognized, and no one seemed to be waiting for him.

It was as if realization hit him in the head. He had lost both of his parents while he was serving. His siblings had scattered across the country.

A sense of loneliness struck him as he walked through the airport, lugging his duffel bag behind him. It hit him more when he saw some other stranger hugging their family. A small smile appeared for a good seconds but it immediately turned into a frown. Though he had always been a loner, now it felt different. He felt like a stranger in his own hometown. Instead of a warm welcome from his family and friends, he was welcomed with a cold loneliness.

Making his way out of the airport, he stepped into the bustling streets of New York City. Eddie couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. After spending the last handful of years in some of the most dangerous and hostile environments in the world, now he was back in the concrete jungle he had grown up in.

Eddie hailed a taxi and climbed into the backseat.

"Where you going, sir?" asked the driver

"Kensington. Drop me off at this address." Eddie told the driver the address of his house. The driver then nodded and drove off.

As the taxi made its way through the busy streets, Eddie stared out the window, taking in the sights and sounds of his hometown.

Kensington. New York City. A neighborhood. A home.

It was a working-class neighborhood, filled with row houses and small businesses. It was a far cry from the flashy skyscrapers of Manhattan or the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn. But it was home, and Eddie felt a sense of comfort and familiarity as he recognized the streets and buildings.

The taxi pulled up in front of a house, as Edward stepped off the taxi and took a deep breath of the air. Breathing the air of Kensington instantly made him feel nostalgic. Immediately lots of memories flowed into him. He closed his eyes, taking another deep breath of the crisp air.

Turning to the drive, he took a little money from his pocket and paid the driver for the fares.

"Thank you, sir."

"You're welcome." After taking the money, the driver rolled up the window and drove away from the spot where Edward stood. He let out a breath and walked away.

After almost an hour walking, Edward finally arrived at his house. Looking at his house, Edward stands in front of it, noticing nothing's changed, except it feels... abandoned.

"Eddie? Is that you?"

Edward's head turned in the direction of an old lady. She was wearing thick glasses, carrying a grocery bag and a purse.

"Mrs. Dixon?"

"Yes. It's me. Oh how are you, kid?"

The two hugged for a good moment of time until they pulled away, looking at each other.