A Blooming Love Story (Erehisu)

Chapter 21.5- Reiner is Home

Reiner steps foot out of the train with his luggage in tow. He walks through the crowd of people present due to the Holiday season. Reiner looks around but he doesn't spot what he was looking for until.....

"Reiner!"

Reiner turns around and gives a tired smile. "Hey, mom."

Reiner's mom, Karina rushes and hugs him. She takes a step back and looks at his form.

Karina: "My have you grown!"

Reiner scoffs. "We just saw each other, mom."

Karina: "No we haven't. I haven't seen you since your graduation. Remember, you went off for the summer?"

Reiner: "Right.....I forgot."

Karina feels Reiner's forehead. "Are you okay? You look exhausted."

Reiner: "I'm fine. It was just a long train ride."

Karina: "Why couldn't you just drive here?"

Reiner: "I can't drive because of the new meds I'm taking."

Karina's face flashes a look of disappointment before she gives a strained smile. "You're seeing a doctor. I thought you would've stopped."

Reiner: "Mom, you know I need one. Especially since it's winter."

Karina: "Yes, yes, I know. Where's Bertholdt?"

Reiner: "He said his family will go on a cruise this year."

Karina: "Oh goodness me. I forgot!" She laughs. "I think your amnesia is rubbing off on me! Let's head home. Gabi is excited to see you."

Reiner follows his mother and they drive home together. Once Reiner entered their home, he noticed a lot of noise coming from the backyard. He goes outside and is bombarded by two preteens.

The two say surprise in unison.

Gabi: "Reiner, you're here! We've missed you!"

Falco: "Wow! You grew a beard?!"

Reiner couldn't hide the look of surprise on his face and lowly chuckles. "Thanks guys." He reassuringly pats their heads. "I missed you guys too. How is everyone?"

Gabi "We-uh oh, I GOTTA GO!" She rushes to the bathroom.

Reiner looks over to Falco with a confused expression. "What just happened?"

Falco: "Gabi hasn't gone to the bathroom all day."

Reiner: "Wha-why wouldn't she go?"

Falco: "She was afraid that she'll miss you coming back."

Reiner laughs. "I told you guys when I was coming."

Falco sighs. "Yeah but the Liberio's train has been having delays ever since that incident a few months back."

Reiner: "Oh, yeah...."

Falco continues. "Gabi couldn't stop talking about you. She really admires you, Reiner."

Reiner: "Admires me, huh? I'm not one to be admired."

Karina: "Don't downplay yourself, Reiner. We are all proud of you and your accomplishments. I still can't believe you're going to Eldian University. It's not a university I would've expected you to go to but regardless, your talents shine brightly. Heavens know they need a saving grace."

Reiner rolls his eyes. "I see you still have the same sentiments."

Falco: "Zofia and Udo wanted to stay longer to see you but their parents-"