The Sanders Sides

36 - Family: Patton

The airplane's engines roared as it decelerated, the familiar feeling of home tugging at Patton's heartstrings. As the wheels touched down and the applause of fellow passengers erupted, a wide grin spread across his face. He was finally back.

The bustling airport felt like a lifetime away from the quiet streets of his hometown. He navigated the crowds, his worn suitcase bumping against his legs, his eyes scanning the arrivals section. Then, there he was.

His dad, a tall man with kind eyes and a head of prematurely silver hair, stood out even amongst the throng of people. He held a sign that read "Welcome Home Patton!" in bold, colorful letters, a testament to his father's playful spirit.

The moment their eyes met, Patton's smile erupted into a full-blown grin. He dropped his suitcase with a thud and broke into a run, ignoring the surprised stares around him. Dad, Dylan's smile mirrored his own, and the next thing Patton knew, he was enveloped in a warm, familiar hug.

"Patton, my boy!" his dad boomed, the scent of his favorite cologne filling Patton's senses. "You look fantastic! Did you even sleep on that plane?"

Patton laughed, burying his face in his dad's shoulder. "Not much, but it was worth it to be home." He took a step back, scrutinizing his dad. "You haven't aged a day, Dad."

His dad chuckled, running a hand through his silver hair. "Says the one who brought back a suitcase full of city dust and enough stories to fill a book."

Patton's grin faltered slightly. He was eager to share his experiences, all of them – the play, the laughter, the chaos, and yes, even the unexpected feelings that had bloomed within him. But the city dust metaphor was a reminder of the distance he'd put between himself and his small town life.

"There'll be plenty of time for stories later," his dad said, his eyes twinkling with understanding. "Right now, let's get you home and fed. Your step - mom's been baking your favorite apple pie all day."

The mention of apple pie – his all-time favorite – elicited a groan of delight from Patton. As they walked towards the car, the weight of the suitcase seemed lighter, his heart lighter still. He was back in his hometown, back in his dad's arms, and the promise of comfort food and shared stories filled him with a warm anticipation.

Even though he was miles away from his friends, the city, and the budding uncertainty that gnawed at him, he knew they wouldn't be forgotten. The letters he'd written, filled with his hopes, dreams, and perhaps most importantly, his feelings for Roman, were already on their journey.

The journey home wasn't just a physical one; it was a journey of self-discovery, of facing his own fears and desires. And with his dad by his side, the road ahead seemed a little less daunting, a little more filled with the promise of laughter, love, and a future filled with the echoes of a summer that changed everything.

The familiar scent of pine needles and leather filled the car as Patton's dad expertly navigated the winding roads leading back to their town. Patton, nestled comfortably in the passenger seat, let out a contented sigh.

"So," his dad began, breaking the comfortable silence, "tell me all about school. Did the play go well?"

Patton's gaze drifted out the window, momentarily caught off guard. In his mind's eye, he could see them all – Roman, Logan, Virgil, Remus, Janus, and Arya – crammed together on a makeshift stage, a picture of chaotic energy and unbridled passion. A picture he just happened to have tucked into his pocket.

"Huh?" he blinked, startled. "The play? Oh, yeah, it was... amazing. We all got a standing ovation!"

His dad chuckled, a familiar rumble that warmed Patton to his core. "That sounds fantastic. Did you get to make any new friends?"