Fading Echoes

Chapter 08

Present time

As I stood on the staircase, observing the scene unfold before me, Ethan and Victor paced restlessly in the living room, their anticipation palpable. Meanwhile, Alex dashed off to fetch Dad from the airport, leaving us all waiting in eager anticipation.

While everyone buzzed with excitement at the impending reunion, I couldn't shake the knot of nervousness tightening in my stomach. Gripping the railing tightly, I braced myself for the encounter I'd been dreading for years.

Finally, the distant rumble of a car signaled Dad's arrival. As the front door swung open, Alex appeared, towing Dad's suitcase behind him. In a flurry of motion, Victor and Ethan darted forward, their enthusiasm akin to that of eager puppies greeting their long-lost master.

Dad looked around, his eyes scanning each of their faces with a mix of surprise and delight. "Wow, you've all grown so much," he exclaimed, a smile spreading across his face. But that smile didn't last longer once he spotted me.

Dad gave me a serious look. I stood my ground, determined not to show any weakness this time. I stared back at him firmly, not backing down. Alex, noticing the tension, watched silently, his face showing a bit of worry.

"Victor, Ethan, why don't we give Dad some time to settle in? We can catch up later," Alex suggested, attempting to diffuse the atmosphere.

"Dad, I've been working on some new chords on the guitar. I'd love for you to hear them," Ethan added eagerly, his enthusiasm breaking through the tension.

A soft smile tugged at Dad's lips as he nodded in response to Ethan's request. With that, the four of them exited the living room, accompanying Dad to his room, leaving behind the lingering unease that hung in the air.

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At 10:18 pm, I found myself mindlessly scrolling through Pinterest, cocooned in the comfort of my bed. Sleep was a distant thought as I drifted through an endless sea of pins.

Suddenly, a knock on the door shattered the quietude, jolting me from my digital reverie. Before I could even register the interruption, the door creaked open, and Victor entered, disrupting the peace I had so carefully cultivated.

I couldn't help but startle, my body tensing as I sat up abruptly, eyes wide with surprise and a hint of irritation. "What brings you here at this hour?" I exclaimed, my curiosity tinged with a touch of annoyance.

Victor's grin widened as he sauntered further into the room. "Just thought I'd spend some quality time with my not-so-little sis," he teased, his words laced with a playful wink that only fueled my exasperation.

"I'm exhausted, and I've got school tomorrow," I shot back, hoping he'd take the hint and make a swift exit.

A flicker of disappointment flashed across Victor's face, his enthusiasm dampened by my curt response. "Oh, right. Sorry to bother you," he muttered, turning to leave.

But before he could make his escape, a surprising impulse overtook me, halting him in his tracks. "Wait!" I blurted out, surprising both him and myself. "Half an hour," I added hastily, my mind reeling with confusion at my own sudden change of heart.

Victor's face lit up with a bright smile and he took a seat beside me.

Why did I do that?

As Victor glanced around my messy room, he couldn't help but comment, "Your room is... well, let's just say it has character."

I felt a surge of indignation rise within me. "If you're not a fan of the decor, feel free to vacate the premises," I said very politely.