Echoes of Fear. {REWRITING}

Chapter Two

The drive back to the family home had been mostly quiet, Amara sharing her music with her brother -- the familiar beats of Patti Smith's Because the Night thumped in his left ear as he looked out the window, a soft smile gripping his features.

Uptown Detroit hadn't changed much in the few months he'd been away — it still looked pristine, almost ostensibly clean compared to other areas of the city, yet Kai still found that he'd missed it.

They passed by the Bel Air Luxury Cinema and Amara burrowed into his side, saying, "You've missed out on so many movies, can't wait to catch up on them with you."

Kai smiled to himself -- in the before times before losing Alex, he'd often go to the cinema, get dragged out clubbing, go to the library whenever he could get time away from college. 

It felt like he'd been comatose for months, like he'd let his entire life fall away from him, including everything he liked.

When they pulled up to their home, a kindly, yet large semi-detached house which looked rather plain against the slew of other buildings, but seemed welcoming for Kai.

Their house was in a clearly well-off area and despite not being relatively flashy, Kai's family's wealth didn't go completely unnoticed with the plants decorating the canopy and the small water fountain in the garden.

After leaving the car, Kai attempted to grab his bag from the boot, only for his father to do it for him, giving him a soft, "You go inside, I'll take this to your room."

Kai nodded courtly, and as he headed inside, he took notice of one of the neighbours, an elderly woman named Mrs. Graham, leering over at him, her eyes lecherous and nosy. Anxiety shot up his spine at the sudden, unwanted attention, particularly when the woman turned to gossip with another neighbour.

He walked into the house, rubbing his arms and tapping his fingers nervously as he took in the familiar sights, the interaction still weighing on him, something Amara seemed to pick up on as she threw herself on the sofa, "Don't worry about Mrs. G, she's only looking for some cheap excitement in her final years."

Their mother clicked her tongue in distaste as she walked past, "That's an awful thing to say, Amara." she shoved at her daughter's legs, "Now, what did I say about putting your feet on the chair?"

Amara rolled her eyes dramatically at the scold, flinging her legs back around, "Sorry." as her mother disappeared into the kitchen, she then added, "Not about what I said about that witch, though."

"When did you become so mouthy?" Kai asked, leaning against the chair arm in amusement.

Amara retorted, "When she started spreading that you had a nervous breakdown."

"Well, technically I did—"

She cut him off, "That doesn't matter, hia.  It's not her business.   Besides, it's not like you didn't have reason to—"

Somsak's feet descending the stairs cut her off, and he looked over at his son with a small smile, "That's your bags all in your room."

"You kept my room the same?" Kai asked, his voice suddenly a little bit choked.

Somsak replied, "Of course.  You were only gone a few months."

Felt like more, Kai wanted to reply.

Amara looked up at him, beaming, "So, Street Fighter?" she cocked her head, "I'll let you play as Ryu!"

Kai couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm, but declined, "Actually, I'd like to go and unpack, if that's okay.  Later, though, I'll kick your ass."