Our Immeasurable Bond

Chapter 27

Enid was carefully folding her clothes and placing them into her bag, her mind already drifting to the journey ahead.

The thought of returning home with Wednesday filled her with excitement and anticipation. She knew how important it was for Wednesday to regain her memories, and she was determined to help her through it.

As she reached for another pile of clothes, she heard the door to her room creak open slowly. Turning around, she saw Xander standing in the doorway, a soft smile on his face.

"Hey," she greeted him warmly, motioning for him to come in. He stepped inside and quietly closed the door behind him, then made his way over to her bed. They both sat down, the familiar comfort of sibling companionship settling between them.

"So, you're really going home now," Xander began, his tone gentle as he glanced at the half-packed bag beside them.

"Yeah," Enid replied with a nod. "Wednesday needs to regain her memories. Going back there, to where everything started, might help her. Plus, it's been a while since I’ve seen everyone. It’ll be nice to be home."

Xander nodded thoughtfully, his eyes filled with understanding. "I’m happy for both of you," he said sincerely, reaching out to give her hand a reassuring squeeze. "You two deserve to find some peace."

Enid smiled at his words, grateful for his support. "Thanks, Xander. It means a lot to hear you say that."

For a moment, they sat in comfortable silence, the weight of their impending separation hanging in the air. Though they hadn’t been apart for long stretches of time in the past, the bond they shared had always been strong, and leaving him behind felt a little bittersweet.

Enid broke the silence first, glancing over at her brother with a teasing grin. "Are you sure you’re not coming with me? Mom will be devastated if you don’t."

Xander chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Nah, she can handle herself," he said with a playful glint in his eye. "And besides, I can’t leave just yet. I have someone here I need to tend to."

Enid raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. "I think Dad can handle himself," she quipped, expecting Xander to give her the usual excuse.

But instead, Xander’s smile deepened, a softness entering his gaze that caught Enid off guard. "No," he said quietly, "I meant… someone I truly care about."

Enid blinked in surprise, her mind racing as she tried to process what he had just said. It took her a moment, but then realization dawned on her, and her eyes widened.

"Oh," she said, a slow smile spreading across her face as she leaned in closer to him. "Who is this girl?" she teased, her voice full of sisterly mischief.

Xander chuckled, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I met her at the restaurant," he admitted, his tone filled with excitement and shyness. "She’s incredible, Enid. She means the world to me."

Enid felt a warm rush of happiness for her brother, knowing how much it must have taken for him to open up about something so personal. Xander had always been a bit reserved when it came to matters of the heart, so seeing him vulnerable and in love.

"And you haven’t told Dad about this yet?" she asked, her smile growing wider as she imagined their father’s reaction.

Xander shook his head with a sheepish grin. "Actually, I just told him this morning," he confessed. "He took it better than I expected."

Enid laughed, picturing the conversation between Xander and their dad. "I’m sure he’s thrilled," she said, giving her brother a playful nudge. "It’s about time you found someone, you’ve been single for too long."