Never Too Late

Chapter Three

Johan got off the bus right at an intersection of a quiet upscale neighborhood and slowly walked up the street ahead of him while looking at the sticky note in his palm.

He decided that before leaving he wanted to see his family at least once, then he would close this chapter of his life forever. As he got closer to the address on the note, he pulled his hoodie up and over his head to obscure his identity since he was only planning on viewing their house from a distance with the hopes of glimpsing someone.

When he finally arrived at his destination, he stood across the street and stared at the house in awe. His biological family lived in a two-story, well-maintained house with a huge yard and double parking garage. This was a stark contrast to the middle-class, partially rundown houses he stayed at, which were often overcrowded or had little space.

Looking around he noticed that no lights were on and no cars were in the driveway. Realizing that nobody was home, he approached the house but stopped in the garden when he realized how suspicious what he was doing looked. If a resident saw him, they would call the police and have him arrested. Deeply regretting his decision he started walking away when he saw the light come on in the window nearest to him. Moving closer, he saw from a space between the curtains a teenage girl, a few years younger than him walking down the stairs in night clothes. She yawned and stretched before looking up at a clock on the wall and shrugging.

Johan realized this must've been his sister and unconsciously smiled at how nonchalant and sweet she seemed. He thought he would feel resentment towards her but her warm, pretty face had a childlike innocence that made him sympathetic to her. Stepping away from the window, he accidentally knocked over a flower pot, shattering it loudly. Cursing under his breath, he tried to conceal himself as the girl came closer to the window and moved the curtains to look outside.

As their eyes met, he felt the blood drain from his face and he internally berated himself for being so careless. She, on the other hand, watched him with confusion and curiosity before disappearing from his view altogether. Using the opportunity, he bolted upright and retreated from the window, but before he could make it back to the driveway, the front door of the house opened.

"Luke! What are you doing out there!?" The girl asked as she went out to him.

Dumbfounded, he immediately froze as he realized she had mistaken him for his twin brother.

"Come inside, it's getting cold out here." She said dragging him by his arm.

His heart raced as he dreaded being in this situation but it would be much worse if he tried to run away.

"Did you and Dad find the car you were looking for?" His sister continued, "I know it's your birthday but it shouldn't have taken you guys this long."

Ignoring her he walked around the finely furnished home that sported decorative paintings and expensive rugs. He seemed so out of place in this environment in his worn-out hoodie and rugged shoes.

"Hey, am I crazy or have you gotten a bit taller?" His sister asked as she examined him closely. "Wait, what are you wearing? I thought you said you would be meeting up with Mom to go to a restaurant?"

Still ignoring her, he went to the living room.

"Also, why did you come home alone? Where's Mom and Dad?"  She asked as she followed him for an answer, but Johan was too busy looking at the photos on the walls: his father, who he greatly resembled; his mother, who looked so warm and bubbly; and his brother, who seemed like an exact copy of him. They all looked so content.

Johan hadn't cared about the nice things in the house or their apparent wealth, but he felt a bitter jealousy when he saw all the love they shared which he never received.