Ripples of us

2

As Emily exited the airport, she spotted her elder brother, Michael, standing a few feet away. He was tall and broad-shouldered, much like their father, and he smiled widely as he approached her. They embraced, and Michael's warm, familiar scent filled Emily's senses. "Welcome home, sis," he said, his voice filled with affection.

Emily smiled, grateful for the unspoken understanding between them. "It's good to be back," she replied, her voice soft.

Michael led her to the car, their luggage already stowed away in the trunk. As they settled into their seats, he asked, "How was your stay abroad?"

Emily hesitated for a moment, unsure of how to answer. The truth was, it hadn't been as glamorous or fulfilling as she had hoped. But she didn't want to burden her brother with her disappointments.

"It was... interesting," she said with a small smile. "I learned a lot and had some amazing experiences, but I'm glad to be home."

Michael nodded, his eyes focused on the road ahead. "I'm glad you're back too," he said. "We've missed you."

Emily's heart warmed at his words, and she leaned back in her seat, watching the familiar streets of her hometown pass by. As they drove, Michael's gaze flicked to her, and he asked softly, "Have you... talked to him?"

Emily's breath caught in her throat, and she remained silent, her eyes fixed on the passing scenery. She knew exactly who Michael was referring to—the boy from her dream, the one she had promised never to leave.

Michael reached over, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "It's ohkay I understand," he said softly, his voice thick with emotion.

Emily's eyes filled with tears, and she nodded, unable to speak. The pain of her past was still raw, even after all these years. As Michael pulled the car into the driveway of their family's grand mansion, Emily felt a sense of warmth and familiarity wash over her. The tall, imposing structure had been her home for most of her life, and despite the years she had spent away, it still felt like a part of her.

Their parents, Richard and Elizabeth, greeted them at the door, their arms open wide. "Welcome home, darling," Elizabeth said, pulling Emily into a tight embrace. "We've missed you so much."

Richard followed suit, his strong arms enveloping Emily in a bear hug. "Welcome back, sweetheart. We're glad to have you home."

Emily smiled, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. She turned to greet her elder sister, Sarah, who was heavily pregnant with her second child. Sarah's 5-year-old daughter, Lily, stood beside her, her eyes wide with curiosity.

Emily looked down at Lily, her heart melting at the sight of her niece. "Hey, Lily. I missed you too, sweetie," she said, crouching down to be on eye level with her to which Lily smiled.

Lily chattered on excitedly about her latest adventures, and Emily listened, laughing and smiling along with her. After a while, she stood up, giving Lily a gentle hug. "Why don't you go and find your mom, and I'll join you for dinner in a bit?"

Lily nodded, her eyes sparkling with delight, before she ran off to rejoin her mother. Emily made her way to her old bedroom, eager to freshen up after her long flight. She unpacked her toiletries and washed her face, brushing her teeth, and running a comb through her hair.

When she returned downstairs, the family was already seated at the dinner table. The aroma of the home-cooked meal filled her senses, and she took her place between her mother and Michael.

"We've missed your cooking, Mom," Michael said, his voice filled with appreciation as Elizabeth passed him a plate of roasted vegetables.

"And you've missed your father's jokes," Richard quipped, his eyes twinkling as he shared a joke with Sarah.